| Zorin OS | |
|---|---|
 Logo | |
 Zorin OS 18 desktop with modified GNOME desktop environment | |
| Developer | Zorin Group |
| Written in | C,C++,Python,D,Java |
| OS family | Linux (Unix-like) |
| Working state | Current |
| Source model | Open-source[citation needed] |
| Initial release | 2009 |
| Latest release | 18[1]  / 14 October 2025 |
| Repository | |
| Marketing target | Personal computers |
| Available in | Over 50 languages |
| Update method | Software Updater |
| Package manager | APT,dpkg,Snap,flatpak |
| Supported platforms | x86_64 |
| Kernel type | Monolithic (Linux kernel) |
| Userland | GNU |
| Default user interface | GNOME,Xfce |
| License | Free software + some optionalproprietarydevice drivers |
| Official website | zorin |
Zorin OS is aLinux distribution based onUbuntu with both free and paid versions.[2] It uses aGNOME andXfce 4 desktop environment by default, although the desktop is heavily customized for users more familiar withWindows andmacOS.[3][4] 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.[5]
Zorin OS is available in various free and paid versions[6] including versions using Xfce for use with older computers, instead of the traditional GNOME.[7] Zorin OS follows the long-term releases of the mainUbuntu 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[8][9][10] and allow the interface to be familiar regardless of the previous system a user has come from.[11] 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.[12]
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.[13][14] As of December 2025[update], the software is unreleased.[15]
The project was started in 2008 by co-founders Artyom and Kyrill Zorin. The company is based in Dublin, Ireland.[16]
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.
Zorin OS has been noted as having intuitive and familiar layouts, functionality, and installation process;[17][18][19] as well as for making it easy to use a Windows-similar layout.[18][20]
In April 2016, the Italian city ofVicenza began migrating approximately 900 municipal computers from Windows to Zorin OS.[21][22] 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.[23]
In October 2025, Microsoft officially retired[24] theWindows 10 operating system. TheWindows 11 system requirements informed many users that their devices were not compatible with Windows 11 and their device was no longer supported[25]. Instead of purchasing new devices to meet the Windows 11 system requirements, with their functional hardware becoming e-waste, many users turned to alternatives.[26] Subsequently, Zorin OS saw a spike in downloads, reaching 1 million downloads in five weeks.[27] 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.[28]
| Version | Date | Base | Kernel version | Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unsupported: Zorin OS 16 | 17 August 2021 to 27 July 2023 | Ubuntu 20.04 LTS | 5.11, 5.13, 5.15 | Visual changes, based on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS,Flatpak support out of the box.[29] Ease of use, stronger security and better hardware compatibility. "Zorin OS Upgrader" tool added; updated software packages; same kernel version as Ubuntu 22.04.[30] |
| Supported: Zorin OS 17 | 20 December 2023 to 26 March 2025 | Ubuntu 22.04 LTS | 6.2, 6.5, 6.8, | Wine 9.0 and Bottles, Reading Strip, Logseq,LibreOffice 24.2, updated Linux Kernel and Graphics Stack, better hardware support.[31] Software updates, e. g. LibreOffice 24.8.[32] Additional window management and theming settings. Redesigned software store. For 17.3Brave is the default web browser.[33] |
| Latest version:Zorin OS 18 | 14 October 2025 | Ubuntu 24.04.3 LTS | 6.14.0-xx | Taskbar updates, updated apps (Evolution,Files, Calendar), new apps (Web Apps, Camera replacedCheese), a new window tiling system,OneDrive file integration, enhanced performance, lower latency sound withPipeWire, menu changes,RDP, and better hardware compatibility. Supported to June 2029.[34][35][36] |
Zorin OS is a multi-functional operating system designed specifically for newcomers to Linux. It's based on Ubuntu Linux....The Look Changer lets you change your desktop to look and act like either Windows 7, XP, 2000, Ubuntu Unity, Mac OS X or GNOME 2 for ultimate ease of use.
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