Why does Linux Cinnamon ask for my password whenever I open an app?

The suggestion that installing programs as root permanently changes their ownership is misleading. Package files normally receive the permissions defined by the package regardless of whether the package manager was launched through sudo or another administrative method. A password prompt for every app is more likely related to a keyring, authentication agent, or a damaged user configuration, so the prompt text and affected apps are essential details.

This isn’t normal for ordinary applications, so the exact wording of the password prompt matters. If it mentions unlocking a keyring or wallet, the login password and keyring password may not match, or the session may not be unlocking it automatically. If it asks for authentication only when installing or changing system settings, that part is expected. Please identify which applications trigger it and copy the prompt’s wording.

Try creating a temporary new user and opening the same applications there. If the prompts disappear, the problem is probably in your current account’s settings, keyring, or session configuration rather than the whole system. Also mention whether this started recently and whether you installed the applications through the graphical software manager or with another method.

For Caps Lock, check whether the key works at all or whether the indicator turns on but letters remain lowercase. Open the desktop keyboard settings and verify that Caps Lock hasn’t been remapped or assigned as a shortcut. Testing it in a text editor and at the login screen can also show whether the issue is limited to your desktop session or affects the entire system.