Zorin OS is a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu with both free and paid versions.[1] 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.[2][3]
Features
Zorin OS is available in various free and paid versions[4] including versions using XFCE for use with older computers, instead of the traditional GNOME.[5] 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[6][7][8] and allow the interface to be familiar regardless of the previous system a user has come from.[9] 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. [10]
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.[11][12] As of March 2025[update], the software is unreleased.[13]
History
The project was started in 2008 by co-founders Artyom and Kyrill Zorin. The company is based in Dublin, Ireland.[14]
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. 17.3 is the most recent version.
Performance improvements, Zorin Connect (Android sync notifications), New desktop theme, Touch Layout functions, Flatpak support, new System font Inter introduced (skipped 3 versions from version 12)
Unsupported: Zorin OS 15.1
12 December 2019
5.0.0-xx
Zorin Connect upgrade, LibreOffice 6.3, GameMode, manually scheduled Auto Theme feature, enable/disable panel's dynamic background opacity, adjust transparency based on window proximity or maximization, Sans Forgetica font introduced.[16]
Unsupported: Zorin OS 15.2
5 March 2020
5.3.0-xx
Stronger security and hardware compatibility
Unsupported: Zorin OS 15.3
8 September 2020
5.4.0-xx
Works better with the updated LibreOffice. Improved hardware compatibility and security.
Wine 9.0 and Bottles bundled in Windows App Support, Reading Strip, Logseq, LibreOffice 24.2, Thumbnails for more file formats, New Window Placement option, updated Linux Kernel and Graphics Stack with the same Version found in Ubuntu 23.10, better hardware support.[19]
Supported: Zorin OS 17.2
19 September 2024
6.8.0-xx
Updated Linux Kernel with the same Version found in Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. Additional window management and theming settings. Software updates, e. g. LibreOffice 24.8.[20]
Latest version:Zorin OS 17.3
26 March 2025
Zorin OS 17.3 has improved performance and has updated hardware support also redesigned software store. better desktop layouts, better accessibility, and connection with Android and Windows Devices with the Zorin Connect app. Brave is the default web browser.[21]
Reception
Zorin OS has been noted as having intuitive and familiar layouts, functionality, and installation process;[22][23][24] as well as for making it easy to use a Windows-similar layout.[23][25]
^"Zorin OS-Home". Zorin OS. Retrieved 19 March 2016. 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.
^"Zorin OS". DistroWatch.com. 2018-08-28. Retrieved 25 October 2018.