> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://itsfoss.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Attention! Linux Mint 20 Has Reached Its End - URL: https://itsfoss.com/news/linux-mint-20-eol/ - Published: 2025-06-09T12:00:38.000Z - Updated: 2025-06-09T12:19:33.000Z - Description: It’s time to upgrade! Linux Mint 20.x has reached end of life. - Author: Sourav Rudra - Tags: Development Updates, News, #Import 2025-11-08 21:15 When [Linux Mint 20](https://linuxmint.com/rel%5Fulyana%5Fcinnamon.php?ref=itsfoss.com) launched back in June 2020, it brought a range of improvements, such as a refined Cinnamon desktop experience, better performance, and the promise of long-term support (*5 years*). Five years later, [its time has come](https://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=4850&ref=itsfoss.com), as it has **officially reached end-of-life (*EOL*) status**. This means that systems running that version of Linux Mint will no longer receive security updates and important patches. If you are on the fence about the upgrade, let me give you a quick look at what’s new and why upgrading is a good idea. ## Linux Mint 22 is a Worthy Upgrade ![fasfetch output of linux mint 22.1 with a green boxy wallpaper in the back](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2025/06/linux-mint-22-1.png) [**Fastfetch*](https://itsfoss.com/fine-control-fastfetch/) *output of Linux Mint 22.1.* We begin with [Linux Mint 22](https://itsfoss.com/linux-mint-22-release/), which introduced a newer Cinnamon version that offers better Flatpak support, improved window management on multi-monitor setups, and tweaked Cinnamon Spices. [Linux Mint 22.1](https://linuxmint.com/rel%5Fxia.php?ref=itsfoss.com), on the other hand, introduced a slimmer Ubuntu font, transitioned to the [PipeWire](https://pipewire.org/?ref=itsfoss.com) sound server for improved audio handling, and offered better support for [VirtualBox](https://itsfoss.com/install-virtualbox-ubuntu/) environments. As for the upcoming Linux Mint 22.2 release, the main highlight is the [Fingwit](https://github.com/xapp-project/fingwit?ref=itsfoss.com) integration, **enabling system-wide fingerprint authentication**. Users can easily register fingerprints to securely unlock the login screen, authorize sudo commands, access administrator apps, and resume from the screensaver. ![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2025/06/fingwit-screenshot.png) **Source:* [**Fingwit*](https://github.com/xapp-project/fingwit?ref=itsfoss.com) And, if you like [GNOME](https://itsfoss.com/gnome-48-release/) apps, then you are in luck, as this release is set to offer [Libadwaita](https://gnome.pages.gitlab.gnome.org/libadwaita/?ref=itsfoss.com) support for theming (*Mint-Y, X, and L*) and upgrades for apps like *Calendar*, *Document Scanner*, and *Disk Usage Analyzer* to their Libadwaita versions. Another thing to keep in mind is that [Linux kernel 6.8](https://itsfoss.com/linux-kernel-6-8-release/) acts as the powerhouse for the 22.x series of releases, offering better hardware support for Intel, Snapdragon, AMD, and the Raspberry Pi 5. ## Upgrade to Linux Mint 22 The **recommended upgrade path** from Linux Mint 20.x is to perform a fresh installation of Linux Mint 22, which is supported until 2029\. The developers consider this the cleanest and most reliable method. Alternatively, you can upgrade from Linux Mint [20.3 to 21](https://linuxmint-user-guide.readthedocs.io/en/latest/upgrade-to-mint-21.html?ref=itsfoss.com), and then from [21.3 to 22](https://linuxmint-user-guide.readthedocs.io/en/latest/upgrade-to-mint-22.html?ref=itsfoss.com). 🚧 No matter what upgrade path you choose, don't forget to back up your data first! If you go for a fresh installation, then downloads for the three editions of the flagship Linux Mint 22 release can be found on the [official website](https://linuxmint.com/download.php?ref=itsfoss.com). Currently, 22.1 is the most recent version, with 22.2 arriving soon. [Linux Mint 22](https://linuxmint.com/download.php?ref=itsfoss.com) Since Linux Mint 20.x is based on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, and that release has also reached EOL, Ubuntu 20.04 users should consider [upgrading to at least Ubuntu 22.04](https://itsfoss.com/ubuntu-20-04-eol/). **Suggested Read** 📖 [Ubuntu 20.04 LTS is Reaching End of Life — Here are Your OptionsUpgrade or sign-up for extended support before it is too late!![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/icon/android-chrome-192x192-121.png)It's FOSS NewsSourav Rudra![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/thumbnail/ubuntu-20-04-end-of-support.png)](https://itsfoss.com/ubuntu-20-04-eol/)