Zorin OS

Zorin OS is a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu with both free and paid versions.^[2] 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.^[3][4]

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[citation needed]
Initial release	2009
Latest release	18[1]  / 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^[5] including versions using Xfce for use with older computers, instead of the traditional GNOME.^[6] 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^[7][8][9] and allow the interface to be familiar regardless of the previous system a user has come from.^[10] 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.^[11]

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.^[12][13] As of March 2025^[update], the software is unreleased.^[14]

History

The project was started in 2008 by co-founders Artyom and Kyrill Zorin. The company is based in Dublin, Ireland.^[15]

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;^[16][17][18] as well as for making it easy to use a Windows-similar layout.^[17][19]