Linux Mint

Free plan Linux

What Linux Mint is

Linux Mint is a free Linux-based operating system for desktop and laptop computers. Version 22.3 comes in Cinnamon, Xfce and MATE editions and includes applications such as LibreOffice, Firefox and multimedia apps. Its software manager provides access to additional packages. The project highlights Blender, Gimp and Inkscape for 3D work, image editing and vector graphics, and says users can access more than 7,800 games with Steam or install Heroic Games Launcher or Lutris. Linux Mint is based on Debian and Ubuntu and includes an Update Manager for centralized software updates. The project says it aims to collect as little personal data as possible, ideally none in most cases. Almost all components are open source, and its own software is licensed under the GPL. It can be used commercially, and LTS releases are supported for five years; version 22.3 is supported until April 2029. Minimum requirements are 2GB RAM, 20GB disk space and 1024×768 resolution, with 4GB RAM and 100GB recommended. ATI or Nvidia proprietary drivers are not installed by default.

Who it suits

Linux Mint suits individuals seeking a configurable desktop or laptop operating system, including users who value open-source software. It can also be used commercially and offers five-year support for LTS releases.

What it does well

Free for desktop and laptop computers.
Includes LibreOffice, Firefox and multimedia apps.
Offers Cinnamon, Xfce and MATE editions.
LTS releases receive five years of support.

What to know first

Requires at least 2GB RAM and 20GB disk space.
Proprietary ATI or Nvidia drivers are not installed by default.
Linux Mint 22.3 support ends in April 2029.

Limits

The minimum hardware requirements are 2GB RAM, 20GB disk space, and 1024×768 resolution. Proprietary ATI or Nvidia drivers are not installed by default.

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
Linux Mint	Free of charge · Desktop and laptop computers	Free

As linuxmint.com lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Getting started

Open the Linux Mint website
Download an edition of Linux Mint 22.3
Install it on a desktop or laptop computer
Run it from a live USB before installation
Install it alongside another operating system if needed
Use Update Manager for centralized software updates

Verdict

Linux Mint provides a free desktop system with three editions, built-in apps and a software manager. Check the hardware requirements and driver setup needs for your computer before installing it.

Questions

Is Linux Mint free?

Yes. Linux Mint is offered free of charge for desktop and laptop computers.

Which editions are available?

Linux Mint 22.3 is available in Cinnamon, Xfce, and MATE editions.

What hardware does it require?

Minimums are 2GB RAM, 20GB disk space, and 1024×768 resolution. The recommended configuration is 4GB RAM and 100GB disk space.

Can it be used commercially?

Yes. The project says Linux Mint can be used for commercial purposes.

How long is LTS support?

Long-term-support releases receive five years of support. Linux Mint 22.3 is supported until April 2029.

Is Linux Mint open source?

Almost all components are open source, and Linux Mint's own software is licensed under the GPL.

Facts from Linux Mint's own pages

Business use: Linux Mint says it can be used for commercial purposes and offers LTS releases supported for five years. · linuxmint.com, 11 Oct 2026
Drivers: Proprietary drivers such as ATI or Nvidia drivers are not installed by default, though the FAQ says they are easy to install. · linuxmint.com, 11 Oct 2026
Editions: Linux Mint 22.3 is offered in Cinnamon, Xfce, and MATE editions. · linuxmint.com, 11 Oct 2026
Foundations: Linux Mint is based on Debian and Ubuntu and provides access to software packages through its software manager. · linuxmint.com, 11 Oct 2026
Founded: 2006 · linuxmint.com, 28 Sept 2026
Gaming: The site says users can access more than 7,800 games with Steam and install Heroic Games Launcher or Lutris. · linuxmint.com, 11 Oct 2026
Graphics: The site highlights Blender, Gimp, and Inkscape for 3D work, image editing, and vector graphics. · linuxmint.com, 11 Oct 2026
Hardware requirements: The stated minimums are 2GB RAM, 20GB disk space, and 1024×768 resolution; 4GB RAM and 100GB disk space are recommended. · linuxmint.com, 11 Oct 2026
Included apps: The system comes equipped with commonly needed applications, including LibreOffice, Firefox, and multimedia apps. · linuxmint.com, 11 Oct 2026
Intended users: The project describes Linux Mint as designed to be comfortable and easy to use for individuals while also powerful and configurable. · linuxmint.com, 11 Oct 2026
Open source: Linux Mint says almost all of its components are open source and its own software is licensed under the GPL. · linuxmint.com, 11 Oct 2026
Privacy: The project says it aims to gather as little personal data as possible, ideally none in most cases. · linuxmint.com, 11 Oct 2026
Product: Linux Mint is a free Linux-based operating system for desktop and laptop computers. · linuxmint.com, 11 Oct 2026
Support: The project provides installation, user, troubleshooting, translation, and developer guides, and directs new Linux users to its forums. · linuxmint.com, 11 Oct 2026
Updates and reliability: The project attributes safety and reliability to conservative software updates, its Update Manager, and Linux architecture. · linuxmint.com, 11 Oct 2026

Where Linux Mint stands on Freedom251

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