Zorin OS
Linux-based OS designed for familiar user experience, mimicking Windows or macOS, supports dual-boot, runs Windows apps via WINE, pre-installed essential software, customizable desktop layouts, broad hardware compatibility, and privacy-focused updates.
Cost / License
- Freemium (Pay once)
- Open Source
Application types
EUPlatforms
- Linux
Features
Properties
- User friendly
- Intuitive Interface
- Customizable
- Lightweight
- Gaming-focused
- Privacy focused
Features
- Windows like desktop
- Linux-based
- Windows-like
- Out Of The Box
- Run Windows software
- Printer compatibility
- Based on Ubuntu
- Ad-free
- Dark Mode
- Debian package compatible
- No Tracking
- Works Offline
- macOS-like
- X86/x64 Compatibility
- User Levels
- No registration required
- Support for .deb files
- Wayland Support
- Support for Nvidia drivers
- Google integration
Tags
- User interface
- games-bundle
Zorin OS News & Activities
Recent News
- Maoholguin published news article about Zorin OS
Zorin OS 18 launches with new desktop, web apps tool, and improved Windows compatibilityAs Windows 10 has finally reached the end of life today (with one additional year of free security ...
- Maoholguin published news article about Zorin OS
Zorin OS 18 Beta has been released with a new redesign, web apps & Windows migration toolsZorin OS 18 Beta introduces a redesigned desktop with a rounded visual style, lighter colors, tinte...
- POX published news article about Zorin OS
Zorin OS 17.3 launches with Brave as default web browser, NVIDIA 570 drivers, and moreZorin OS has released version 17.3, leveraging the Linux kernel 6.8 from Ubuntu 24.04 LTS “Noble Nu...
Recent activities
- berryboiii liked Zorin OS
- EmilE1337 reviewed Zorin OS
Absolute garbage.. Most of the Windows applications I tried to install does not worked properly and a lot of the flatpak's was not even able to install. I tried to use this professionally but there are so many bugs.. Most of the people that seems to like it primarily use a browser and any distro can do that.. To the folks reading this that have never used Linux before, you are better of using Mint or Ubuntu. (Which is still rough compared to Windows) If you are a gamer, use a device with the...
- DeeJayLSP liked Zorin OS
POX added Zorin OS as alternative to MicroPythonOS
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What is Zorin OS?
Zorin OS is a multi-functional operating system designed specifically for Windows users who want to have easy and smooth access to Linux. It is based on Ubuntu which is the most popular Linux operating system in the world.
Zorin OS features the unique Zorin Appearance app, which allows you to change the desktop to resemble the environment you're familiar with, whether it's Windows, macOS or Linux. Other unique programs include Zorin Web Browser Manager and Zorin Background Plus.
Zorin OS gives users more flexibility. It allows you to use Zorin OS alongside your current operating system and run Microsoft Windows programs in Zorin OS with the help of WINE and PlayOnLinux.
Out-of-the-box software: Zorin OS is packed with all the software you'll ever need out of the box. From office software to video editors, it's got it all.
Zorin OS Videos
Zorin OS information
Developed by
Zorin Group Licensing
Open Source and Freemium product.Pricing
One time purchase (perpetual license) that costs $48 + free version with limited functionality.Rating
Average rating of 3.7Alternatives
184 alternatives listedNews
9 news article related to Zorin OSSupported Languages
- English
Comments and Reviews
If you use Windows but want to make the switch to Linux, Zorin is definitely the distro to choose.
After trying all the other distros (Ubuntu, elementary, Mint etc.) Zorin has the best desktop interface and, since it looks like Windows, I didn't need to learn anything new to start using it. All I notice is that my computer runs faster than it ever did before, doesn't crash like Windows does, and has loads of cool apps which you can get for free for it. I can even work with all of my Office documents without having to pay M$ for it.
If you're using Windows right now (or even if you aren't), do yourself a favor and get Zorin!
Absolute garbage.. Most of the Windows applications I tried to install does not worked properly and a lot of the flatpak's was not even able to install. I tried to use this professionally but there are so many bugs.. Most of the people that seems to like it primarily use a browser and any distro can do that.. To the folks reading this that have never used Linux before, you are better of using Mint or Ubuntu. (Which is still rough compared to Windows) If you are a gamer, use a device with the official SteamOS and if you are professional use MacOS until KDE Linux is stable enough.
Very pretty and easy to use
Free, easy to use, has Windows App compatibility
Although clearly aimed at new Linux users, it's also usable by experienced Linux users, as well.
Pros:
Cons:
For new users, Zorin is the simplest out of box experience I've found. Quite a number of Windows 10 users who cannot (or will not) update their PCs to Windows 11 have switched to Zorin 16 (and now 17) first as dual boot, and then full time within a month, and been able to do everything they did in Windows 10 without problem.
For experienced Linux users, Zorin's slow release schedule means that it's usually a baseline behind Debian, Ubuntu, Mint, and others, so you don't get the latest features in those distros. That can be a serious limitation for people that like to tinker with their OS, but for "set it and forget it" types, it's not an issue.
I find that it's a great distro to introduce Windows users to Linux. Some will outgrow it, and move to Mint, or Debian, or even Arch, but for those who just use their PC for email, YouTube videos, Netflix, office documents and the like, Zorin is a faster and more secure OS that will run on the PCs where Windows 11 will not.
Zorin OS is better than linux mint. Zorin OS has better looks, it's more polished and intuitive. Also unlike Linux Mint which seems stagnant Zorin OS has vibrant development. You can see an improvement after an improvement with each update released. I see no reason to use linux mint really if we have Zorin. Can't see one advantage of linux mint over zorin.
Just terrible.
Like most other Linux distros, it gives you no option to enable FDE unless you're installing to an entire disk. Dual booting? You're out of luck, unless you want to try your luck following some random guy's instructions from years ago, involving about 817 command lines.
People actually argue about which third-party utility to use to create the bootable USB flash drive. Zorin recommends balenaEtcher, but lots of people report issues with it. By contrast, when you're preparing to install Windows, Microsoft provides their own utility for this purpose.
Oh, such a great UX, and we haven't even installed yet!
Expect your resolution to be locked at a maximum of 1024x768, even if you install the NVIDIA drivers. Oh wait, there may be an obscure workaround mentioned somewhere on the internet...
Sound? You want SOUND to work? LOL, OK, we'll give you random speaker pops, how's that? Does that work for you?
Support? LOL, thanks for the money for Pro, but if you've read the above, you've gotten all the support you'll get. That's literally true.
Trash.