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| 2014-01-27 |
NEW • Distribution Release: Zorin OS 8 |
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Artyom Zorin has announced the release of Zorin OS 8, a brand-new release from the project that caters primarily to new Linux converts with a custom user interface called Zorin Desktop: "The Zorin OS team is excited to announce the release of Zorin OS 8 Core and Ultimate. We have introduced a myriad of changes in Zorin OS including updated software, improvements to the user interface and entirely new software. Zorin OS 8 includes a simpler and more beautiful music player, the Empathy instant messaging client as well as the Zorin theme changer. We have created a beautiful new dark theme in complement to a new and improved light theme. We have created a simple tool to switch between the two quickly and easily. We have revamped the look of the bootloader so that switching between operating systems looks better than ever. As always, Zorin OS 8 uses the Zorin desktop environment with Zorin Menu for unparalleled customization." Here is the brief release announcement with a screenshot. Download (MD5): zorin-os-8-core-64.iso (1,658MB). |
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| About Zorin
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| Zorin OS is an Ubuntu-based Linux distribution designed especially for newcomers to Linux. It has a Windows-like graphical user interface and many programs similar to those found in Windows. Zorin OS also comes with an application that lets users run many Windows programs. The distribution's ultimate goal is to provide a Linux alternative to Windows and let Windows users enjoy all the features of Linux without complications.
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| Recent Related News and Releases |
| 2025-10-14 |
Distribution Release: Zorin OS 18 |
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The Zorin OS distribution has a new update and a new look. Zorin OS 18 features new themes, new layouts, OneDrive integration, and includes a Web Apps tool to integrate web-based software into the desktop. It also includes a new, improved way to tile application windows: "Multitasking just got a whole lot better. Zorin OS 18 introduces a powerful new default window tiling manager that helps you work more efficiently, while being simple to use. Simply drag a window to the top of the screen, and a pop-up will appear where you can drop it on one of the predefined layouts to arrange your windows. It’s that easy, no need to memorise complex keyboard shortcuts. Create your own tiling layouts. Customise tiling behaviour from Zorin Appearance, Windows, Advanced Window Tiling. Enable optional auto tiling and smart window suggestions. Use powerful key bindings and set custom keyboard shortcuts. This feature makes advanced window tiling intuitive for both newcomers and power users, boosting productivity for everyone." Additional information and screenshots can be found in the release announcement. Download (SHA256, pkglist): Zorin-OS-18-Core-64-bit.iso (3,608MB), Zorin-OS-18-Education-64-bit.iso (7,655MB). |
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| 2025-09-19 |
Development Release: Zorin OS 18 Beta |
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Artyom Zorin has announced the availability of the beta release of Zorin OS 18, an upcoming major new update from the project that develops a beginner-friendly Linux distributions with a highly-customised GNOME desktop, based on Ubuntu's latest LTS (long-term support) release: "We're thrilled to announce the beta release of Zorin OS 18, the next major version of our operating system. It brings a refreshed design, powerful new features, and even more compatibility with the apps and services you rely on. With Windows 10 reaching its end of life on 14 October 2025, an estimated 240 million computers that don't meet Windows 11's strict hardware requirements will be left behind. Many users are faced with the choice of either buying a new computer soon or switching to a supported, modern operating system. Zorin OS is designed to be the perfect replacement for Windows, thanks to its ease of use and powerful features, earning critical acclaim throughout the years. The improvements in Zorin OS 18 make the transition from Windows easier than ever, offering a familiar and intuitive experience for Windows users while unlocking the full potential of your existing computer." See the complete release announcement for more information and screenshots. Here is the download links: Zorin-OS-18-Core-Beta-64-bit.iso (3,584MB, pkglist). |
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| 2025-03-26 |
Distribution Release: Zorin OS 17.3 |
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The Zorin OS project has published an update for the Ubuntu-based distribution which seeks to make former Windows users feel at home. The project's latest release, version 17.3, expands alternatives for Windows applications and changes the default web browser from Firefox to Brave. "Tailored alternatives to more Windows apps We've greatly expanded our built-in database to detect installer files for popular Windows apps. It now supports over 150 apps, recommending even more tailored alternatives to sideloading their Windows executables. For example, when you launch the Windows installer for an app like Obsidian, Zorin OS displays a dialog that directs you to the app's native Linux version in the Software store. It also suggests the closest native alternatives to other Windows-only apps, like the built-in Document Viewer instead of Adobe Acrobat Reader. To craft the most user-friendly experience for new users, we endeavor to support the widest selection of software. This update makes it easier to run the most compatible versions of your favorite apps in Zorin OS." Additional information can be found in the release announcement. Download (pkglist): Zorin-OS-17.3-Core-64-bit.iso (3,488MB), Zorin-OS-17.3-Education-64-bit.iso (7,272MB), Zorin-OS-17.3-Lite-64-bit.iso (3,621MB). |
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| 2024-09-19 |
Distribution Release: Zorin OS 17.2 |
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Zorin OS is an Ubuntu-based Linux distribution designed especially for newcomers to Linux. It has a Windows-like graphical user interface and many programs similar to those found in Windows. The project has announced the release of Zorin OS 17.2 which makes it easier to install new themes, customize the look of application windows, and includes updated hardware support thanks to the Linux 6.8 kernel. "We've also made it easier to install additional themes in Zorin OS by adding a link to our new Third-Party Theme Installation Guide within Zorin Appearance. This guide also includes instructions for applying custom styling to native libadwaita apps, which is available thanks to an exclusive patch to the interface library in Zorin OS 17. You now have easy access to a plethora of settings to personalise how app windows behave on the Zorin Desktop. The new “Windows” section of Zorin Appearance has been neatly organised and thoughtfully designed to simplify changing window placement behaviour, how titlebars act, and how you can move the focus between open windows." Further information is provided in the project's release announcement. Zorin OS is available in four editions: Core, Educational, Lite and a commercial Pro flavour. Download (SH256, pkglist): Zorin-OS-17.2-Core-64-bit.iso (3,260MB), Zorin-OS-17.2-Education-64-bit.iso (6,764MB), Zorin-OS-17.2-Lite-64-bit.iso (3,392MB). |
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| 2024-03-07 |
Distribution Release: Zorin OS 17.1 |
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Zorin OS is an Ubuntu-based distribution which features layouts, themes, and compatibility tools to provide new Linux users with a more familiar environment. The latest version of Zorin OS focuses on cross-platform application compatibility and isolation, shipping with the latest stable version of WINE and Bottles: "When you run Windows-native apps in Zorin OS 17.1, you'll now get the full capabilities of the latest Wine 9.0 version. The compatibility layer now has significantly improved support for more Windows software. That means you'll be able to run an even larger selection of apps and games effortlessly. When you enable Windows App Support in Zorin OS 17.1, it now comes bundled with Bottles. This tool lets you run Windows software in a sandboxed environment and provides a neat way to organize your apps and games. Bottles comes with a built-in app store, which installs and pre-configures a growing selection of Windows apps for even better compatibility with the system." Additional information can be found in the project's release announcement. Zorin OS is available in three editions: Core, Education, and the commercially supported Pro. Download (pkglist): Zorin-OS-17.1-Core-64-bit.iso (3,632MB), Zorin-OS-17.1-Education-64-bit.iso (6,710MB). |
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| 2023-12-20 |
Distribution Release: Zorin OS 17 |
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Zorin OS is an Ubuntu-based Linux distribution designed especially for newcomers to Linux. It has a Windows-like graphical user interface and many programs similar to those found in Windows. The project's latest version, Zorin OS 17, places a focus on performance. "Speed has been a top focus in Zorin OS 17, so the desktop runs dramatically snappier on a wide range of hardware, old and new. Performance optimizations have been made at every level of the operating system, from the kernel to the desktop environment. Apps open faster, animations are smoother, and loading times are reduced so you can spend more time being productive. Thanks to these optimizations, we’ve also been able to lower the minimum system requirements of Zorin OS from 2.0GB of RAM to only 1.5GB of RAM. This makes it the perfect option to extend the life of old and low-spec computers, saving you money on upgrades and helping the environment. As the starting point of your Zorin OS experience, the Zorin Menu has been overhauled to make it even faster for you to get where you want. Search for files, calendar appointments, contacts, apps from the Software store, world clocks, and even use the menu search as a calculator." Additional information is provided in the project's release announcement. Download: Zorin-OS-17-Core-64-bit.iso (3,589MB, SHA256, pkglist). |
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| 2023-12-04 |
Development Release: Zorin OS 17 Beta |
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Zorin OS is an Ubuntu-based Linux distribution designed especially for newcomers to Linux. It has a Windows-like graphical user interface and many programs similar to those found in Windows. The project has published a new beta snapshot to preview features coming to Zorin OS 17. "As the starting point of your Zorin OS experience, the Zorin Menu has been overhauled to make it even faster for you to get where you want. Search for files, calendar appointments, contacts, apps from the Software store, world clocks, and even use the menu search as a calculator. You can adjust which search providers are enabled from the Settings -> Search panel or by right-clicking on the menu and selecting Search Settings from the new context menu here (which also includes a link to the Edit Menu app and other system shortcuts)." A long list of new features with screenshots can be found in the distribution's release announcement. Download: Zorin-OS-17-Core-Beta-64-bit.iso (3,515MB, pkglist). |
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| 2023-07-27 |
Distribution Release: Zorin OS 16.3 |
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Zorin OS is an Ubuntu-based distribution featuring a variety of themes and desktop layouts designed to made users migrating from other operating systems feel at home. The project's latest release, Zorin OS 16.3, introduces an new upgrade utility. "Zorin OS 16.3 is our first version that comes pre-installed with the new Zorin OS Upgrader. This is the feature our community has requested most throughout the years. It allows you to easily upgrade between releases and editions of Zorin OS, without needing to re-install the operating system. That means you can upgrade seamlessly from Zorin OS 16 Core -> Pro or Zorin OS 15 -> 16 while keeping your files, apps, and settings. The Upgrader will make it remarkably more convenient for you to access the latest and greatest software far into the future. After over a year in development, we're proud to announce that we've released the Zorin OS Upgrader as a stable feature today. That means all existing Zorin OS 16 and 15 installations will also get the Zorin OS Upgrader in the latest software updates." The release announcement offers additional details. Download (SHA256, pkglist): Zorin-OS-16.3-Core-64-bit.iso (2,983MB), Zorin-OS-16.3-Lite-64-bit.iso (2,570MB). |
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| 2022-10-27 |
Distribution Release: Zorin OS 16.2 |
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The Zorin OS distribution is based on Ubuntu and provides utilities and an environment which is designed to be familiar to people migrating from Windows. The project's latest release is Zorin OS 16.2 which provides nicer fonts in documents, improved document compatibility, and offers the option of more visual effects on the desktop. "When documents are created on other platforms, they often use the default fonts from Microsoft Office/365 or Windows. However, these fonts are under a proprietary license, so they can't be pre-installed in Zorin OS for all users. Because of this, documents may display with incompatible fonts instead. This can cause documents to not only look different than intended but also to shift their layout and corrupt their formatting. Because of how prevalent these proprietary fonts are in documents, this issue became a significant barrier to those hoping to switch to Zorin OS for their work environment. Zorin OS 16.2 comes with an updated font selection to help solve this problem. We've introduced Open Source metric-compatible alternatives to some of the most popular fonts. They appear similar to their proprietary counterparts and have the same character dimensions, so documents display with the correct formatting." More details are available in the release announcement. Download (SHA256, pkglist): Zorin-OS-16.2-Core-64-bit.iso (2,929MB), Zorin-OS-16.2-Lite-64-bit.iso (2,451MB). |
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| Random Distribution | 
Underground Desktop
Underground Desktop was a GNU/Linux distribution targeted at the desktop user. It was based on Arch Linux. Its main features are ease of installation, kernel optimisation for modern processors (i686), and the KDE desktop.
Status: Discontinued
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