Zorin OS


Zorin OS is a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu with both free and paid versions. It uses a GNOME and Xfce 4 desktop environment by default, although the desktop is heavily customized for users more familiar with Windows and macOS. Zorin OS Pro is a premium paid version offering additional desktop appearance customization options and apps for creative users such as for photo or video editing.
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Features

Zorin OS is available in various free and paid versions including versions using Xfce for use with older computers, instead of the traditional GNOME. Zorin OS follows the long-term releases of the main Ubuntu system and uses its own software repositories as well as Ubuntu's repositories. The desktop environment themes can resemble those of Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu and allow the interface to be familiar regardless of the previous system a user has come from. Zorin OS Lite, the XFCE-based edition for older computers, will be supported through versions 17 and 18, with updates until June 2029, and is expected to be discontinued from version 19.
In January 2020, the developers announced plans to release Zorin Grid, which would be software for installing and maintaining Zorin OS within a network, aimed at companies and schools., the software is unreleased.

History

The project was started in 2008 by co-founders Artyom and Kyrill Zorin. The company is based in Dublin, Ireland.
Zorin OS was initially released on 1 July 2009. Since version 16.3, the system's upgrade tool can be used to upgrade existing installations; earlier versions required users to do a clean install. 18 is the most recent version.

Reception

Zorin OS has been noted as having intuitive and familiar layouts, functionality, and installation process; as well as for making it easy to use a Windows-similar layout.

Adoption

In April 2016, the Italian city of Vicenza began migrating approximately 900 municipal computers from Windows to Zorin OS. The transition was reported to be cost-neutral while improving system speed on older hardware and offering security benefits. The city cited long-term cost savings and the ethical value of open-source software as key drivers for the decision.
In October 2025, Microsoft officially retired the Windows 10 operating system. The Windows 11 system requirements informed many users that their devices were not compatible with Windows 11 and their device was no longer supported. Instead of purchasing new devices to meet the Windows 11 system requirements, with their functional hardware becoming e-waste, many users turned to alternatives. Subsequently, Zorin OS saw a spike in downloads, reaching 1 million downloads in five weeks. On January 12th, 2026 it was announced that downloads of Zorin OS 18 reached the 2 million mark in under three months, with a majority of downloads coming from Windows users.

Versions

VersionDateBaseKernel versionFeatures/Notes
17 August 2021 to 27 July 2023Ubuntu 20.04 LTS5.11, 5.13, 5.15Visual changes, based on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, Flatpak support out of the box. Ease of use, stronger security and better hardware compatibility. "Zorin OS Upgrader" tool added; updated software packages; same kernel version as Ubuntu 22.04.
20 December 2023 to 26 March 2025Ubuntu 22.04 LTS6.2, 6.5, 6.8,Wine 9.0 and Bottles, Reading Strip, Logseq, LibreOffice 24.2, updated Linux Kernel and Graphics Stack, better hardware support. Software updates, e. g. LibreOffice 24.8. Additional window management and theming settings. Redesigned software store. For 17.3 Brave is the default web browser.
14 October 2025Ubuntu 24.04.3 LTS6.14.0-xxTaskbar updates, updated apps, new apps, a new window tiling system, OneDrive file integration, enhanced performance, lower latency sound with PipeWire, menu changes, RDP, and better hardware compatibility. Supported to June 2029.