Zorin OS

Zorin OS is a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu with both free and paid versions.^[3] 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.^[4][5] 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.^[6]

Zorin OS
Logo
Zorin OS 17.3 desktop with the 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[1]
Initial release	2009
Latest release	18[2]  / 14 October 2025
Repository	launchpad.net/~zorinos/+archive/ubuntu/stable/+packages
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 optional proprietary device drivers
Official website	zorin.com/os/

Features

Zorin OS is available in various free and paid versions^[7] including versions using Xfce for use with older computers, instead of the traditional GNOME.^[8] 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^[9][10][11] and allow the interface to be familiar regardless of the previous system a user has come from.^[12] 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.^[13]

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.^[14][15] As of December 2025^[update], the software is unreleased.^[16]

History

The project was started in 2008 by co-founders Artyom and Kyrill Zorin. The company is based in Dublin, Ireland.^[17]

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;^[18][19][20] as well as for making it easy to use a Windows-similar layout.^[19][21]

Adoption

In April 2016, the Italian city of Vicenza began migrating approximately 900 municipal computers from Windows to Zorin OS.^[22][23] 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.^[24]

In October 2025, Microsoft officially retired^[25] 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^[26]. Facing the prospect of their functional hardware becoming e-waste unless they purchased new devices that met the Windows 11 system requirements, many users turned to alternatives.^[27] Subsequently, Zorin OS saw a spike in downloads, reaching 1 million downloads in five weeks.^[28]