Keyboard layout switching (Alt+Shift) stops working after long session – restored by cinnamon --replace

[wattskenneth043]

Distribution

Mint 22.3

Package version

6.6.7

Graphics hardware in use

Intel

Frequency

Quite often

Bug description

After recent updates on Linux Mint 22.3 (Cinnamon desktop), the Alt+Shift keyboard layout switching works initially but stops functioning after several hours of usage.

Both left and right Alt+Shift combinations become unresponsive.

Important observation:
Running cinnamon --replace immediately restores functionality without requiring full system reboot.

Environment:

• Linux Mint 22.3 (Zena)
• Cinnamon (latest from update manager)
• 3 monitors
• Layouts: US + Persian

Diagnostics:

setxkbmap -query:
layout: us,ir,us

gsettings get org.cinnamon.desktop.input-sources sources:
@A(ss) []

This suggests that XKB layouts are active, but Cinnamon input-sources registry is empty and not synchronized.

Additionally, journal logs show repeated errors from org.cinnamon.ScreenSaver and sys.excepthook:

Multiple entries of:
"Error in sys.excepthook"
"Original exception was:"

Hypothesis:

• Cinnamon keybinding handler or input source manager becomes unresponsive.
• Possible desync between XKB state and Cinnamon input source system.
• Potential issue inside cinnamon-settings-daemon or input manager component.

The issue did not exist before the latest update.

Please advise if additional debug logs are required.

Steps to reproduce

1. Install Linux Mint 22.3 with Cinnamon desktop (fully updated).
2. Go to System Settings → Keyboard → Layouts.
3. Add the following layouts:
   • English (US)
   • Persian (IR)
4. Set layout switching shortcut to Alt+Shift (both left and right combinations enabled).
5. Confirm switching works correctly.
6. Use the system normally for several hours (open/close applications, lock/unlock screen multiple times, use multi-monitor setup).
7. After some time, Alt+Shift stops switching layouts.
8. Verify that:
   • Both left and right Alt+Shift no longer respond.
   • Layout does not change.
9. Run cinnamon --replace from terminal.
10. Layout switching starts working again immediately.

Expected behavior

Alt+Shift layout switching should remain functional throughout the entire session without requiring a restart of Cinnamon or the whole system.

Keyboard layout state should remain synchronized between XKB and Cinnamon input source manager, even after long uptime or repeated screen lock/unlock cycles.
Cinnamon should not lose keyboard shortcut bindings or input source state during normal session lifecycle.

Additional information

No response