Today marks the end of Microsoft support for Windows 10 in most places around the world. From this point on, you can no longer expect technical assistance, feature updates, or security updates from Microsoft. With the end of life of Windows 10 today, tens of millions of current Windows 10 users like you face a tough decision: should you follow Microsoft’s advice and buy a new PC that meets the Windows 11 strict requirements, while knowing your current computer is technically still ok? Microsoft is essentially saying that all these “older legacy” computers, even if they still function technically perfectly, should be sent to the electronic waste bin. This is, of course, terrible and irresponsible advice. So, is there a better, modern, reliable, long-term supported, and free-of-charge alternative that works with the computer you already own?

You’re on a Linux-focused website right now, so you probably know or have heard that Linux and many distributions based on it can provide a good solution for your current computer dilemma. And one of these Linux distributions that is an excellent alternative for former Windows 10 users is Zorin OS. Recently, the team behind Zorin OS already gave me a heads-up via a Beta release to preview what their latest release has to offer. And this time, I was once again enthusiastic. And as of today, we can all enjoy this major new release. Zorin OS 18 is a thoughtful evolution of, in my opinion, one of the most user-friendly Linux distributions available today. Whether you’re already a seasoned Linux user looking for a great out-of-the-box experience or someone looking to escape the Windows upgrade nightmare, Zorin OS 18 offers a stunning, intuitive, and powerful experience that feels familiar, powerful, and fresh at the same time. In this article, we will find out if the brand new Zorin OS 18 is indeed the perfect choice for all of you who have to say goodbye to Windows 10.

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Content of the article

1. Introduction
2. What are the requirements for a good Windows 10 to Linux switcher-distro?
3. What is new and changed in Zorin OS 18?
4. How to get and install or upgrade to Zorin OS 18
5. Final words

Introduction

Zorin OS is a robust, beautiful, simple to use, and surprisingly powerful variant of a Linux-based operating system. Like most Linux distributions, Zorin OS is made up of three main layers or building blocks

• The Linux kernel (the core engine)
• A desktop environment (the visual interface you interact with)
• A collection of software packages (apps, tools, and utilities)

With these building blocks, the Zorin OS team has created an operating system that feels familiar from the moment you boot it up, especially if you’re coming from Windows. It has a graphical desktop environment that is flexible, elegant, and designed with all kinds of users in mind.

Zorin OS is one of those rare Linux distributions that just gets it right. The Core version is completely free, and it offers a clean, intuitive interface that feels instantly familiar if you’ve used Windows before. It’s built on top of Ubuntu, one of the most trusted and widely used Linux distributions, both in professional settings and for personal use, which means you get access to a massive library of software and a huge support community.

What I personally love most is how Zorin OS balances simplicity with power:

• It’s easy enough for beginners to dive in without feeling overwhelmed.
• It’s stable and reliable enough for advanced users to stick with it long-term.

Even though I’ve been personally enthusiastic about Zorin OS for years, it’s better to present some compelling arguments to give you, as a switcher, a well-informed recommendation. In the next section, I’ll go through a list of some essential requirements that an alternative operating system like Zorin OS should meet out of the box for a former Windows 10 user to be a successful replacement.

What are the requirements for a good Windows 10 to Linux switcher-distro?

I fully realize that for many people facing the decision of what to do after their life with Windows 10, exploring whether Linux might be a good alternative can be quite challenging. You suddenly encounter all sorts of new concepts, you hear that there isn’t just one Linux version, but that there are hundreds of different variants to choose from, you hear that some of your current software applications might not work under Linux, you hear about software formats you don’t know, about other ways to search, download, and install software, and you’ve probably read about many more alien and confusing new topics.

To determine whether Linux, and more specifically Zorin OS, might be a wise choice for a former Windows user, it’s helpful to highlight a few points that can help in making this decision. I won’t outright say that Linux is vastly superior to Windows or that Windows is worthless, so you should just use it, as you might read somewhat bluntly on some Linux forums. I want to try to describe some legitimate requirements that could come from a former Windows user and determine whether a Linux distribution like Zorin OS can meet these requirements.

Here is a list of some essential requirements that an alternative operating system like Zorin OS should meet out of the box to be a viable replacement from the perspective of a former Windows 10 user. And “out of the box” is key here, because with most Linux distributions, we can add all kinds of functionality and look and feel changes ourselves via extensions, plugins, and command line wizardry, but Zorin OS offers everything below out of the box.

It must be easy to learn 

You don’t need to be a Linux wizard to use a Linux distribution like Zorin OS. Most new users, like my parents and my old neighbors, were able to directly start exploring and working with only a simple first introduction. 

It should be simple to use 

Zorin OS is really simple and proves that Linux is not that complicated at all, and is certainly not just for real techies. It’s designed from the ground up by the Zorin team to support regular people who just want to be productive with their computer. Whether you are browsing the web, editing documents, or watching videos, everything just works like a charm.

Active Community & Documentation 

As easy as Zorin OS is to learn and use, you might encounter a problem or simply not know how to activate, use, or apply something. Zorin OS is based on Ubuntu and the GNOME desktop environment, and the Zorin, Ubuntu, and GNOME communities are (mostly) friendly, truly active, and truly supportive. The official documentation is clear and helpful, and there is a vast amount of documentation and online resources available for you to dive into, among others, my website RealLinuxUser.com where you can find my article “Windows 10 is ending – How to switch from Windows 10 to Zorin OS in 10 easy steps“.

And, of course, there is my book:

“Linux for the rest of us: A starter guide for people who just want to be productive with Linux“.

My book contains 360 pages of valuable information for Linux beginners and switchers to Linux. 

It should offer a familiar desktop layout 

It sounds maybe a bit shallow, but the first impression can be decisive in deciding whether you give a new operating system a chance, and allow more time and attention for further research and use. In my opinion, Zorin OS 18 offers out of the box a desktop that feels instantly familiar to Windows users. And with just a few clicks, you can switch to a layout that mimics even older Windows variants (standard available in the free Zorin OS Core) or Windows 11 (standard available in the paid Zorin OS Pro, but with some simple clicks partly possible in Zorin OS Core).

It should offer a modern look and feel 

Zorin OS is undeniably sleek and stylish. The interface feels fresh and polished, with smooth animations and a clean design.

It should provide a customizable interface 

Do you want to be able to personalize what your user interface looks like and how you interact with it? Zorin OS makes it incredibly easy to change themes, icons, fonts, and even the layout.

Intuitive navigation 

Finding your files, adjusting settings, or launching your favorite apps is straightforward. The menu system is clean and logical, and the file manager works much like Windows Explorer.

It should provide a robust Software Center 

Installing software is as easy as browsing the app store. The Software Center offers thousands of apps, and updates are handled with a single click.

It should offer top-notch software support 

Zorin OS supports software package formats like  Snap and Flatpak via the same software center, giving you access to thousands of apps from multiple sources, without getting bogged down in or hampered by tribal wars over which format is best. Zorin OS simply offers them all without taking a stand.

Windows app support, where possible

Sometimes you still need that one Windows-only app. Zorin OS includes Wine and supports tools like Bottles and PlayOnLinux, so you can run many Windows programs directly in Zorin OS, without the need to boot into Windows.

Cross-Platform app availability 

You want to use familiar apps like Chrome, Zoom, Slack, and Dropbox? This is no problem, because Zorin OS supports them all.

Web App integration included

Zorin OS 18 lets you turn web apps into desktop apps. Want Gmail or Outlook as a standalone window, behaving like a real application? Just use web apps with a native app-like experience. The new Web Apps tool is able to integrate with different web browsers.

Availability of alternative Office Suites

Microsoft Office doesn’t run natively on Linux, but LibreOffice comes pre-installed and is a powerful alternative to Microsoft Office. And if you prefer cloud-based tools, Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 work perfectly in your browser or as a web app. But you should also install and check out my favorite office application, ONLYOFFICE, which offers perfect compatibility with the Microsoft Office file formats completely free of charge.

It should include functionality to set up online accounts

It is easy to connect to your cloud accounts, like OneDrive or Google Drive. Zorin OS integrates easily with your cloud services, so your data is always within reach directly from your file manager.

Offers support for common file formats 

Zorin OS is able to handle all the well-known file formats, like Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PDFs, MP4 videos, and more. LibreOffice is able to open .docx and .xlsx files, and with the installation of ONLYOFFICE, the Microsoft compatibility is even seamless. Further, media playback works great right out of the box. You can play your music, watch your videos, and stream your content without a problem. Zorin OS includes built-in codecs and media players that handle most formats out of the box.

Broad hardware support 

Zorin OS supports a wide range of hardware—from laptops to desktops, from Intel to AMD. Most devices work out of the box, and driver issues are rare.

Solid peripheral compatibility 

I have to be careful here with what I say and promise. In most cases, your printer, webcam, tablet, Wi-Fi adapter, USB sound card, etc., will work right out of the box without the need to find and install drivers. However, I’ve had, for example, several older USB Wi-Fi dongles that never worked under Linux before, but suddenly last year they worked great after upgrading to a recent Linux kernel. So, it’s possible that some hardware isn’t recognized, but the advantage is that you can try a Linux distro like Zorin OS from a USB stick before actually installing it to see if you are experiencing any potential issues. But the more modern Linux systems become, the better most hardware is supported.

It must have regular Security Updates 

With Zorin OS 18, you will get support until 2029, with regular updates to keep your system secure and stable. You won’t be left behind like some other Operating Systems do.

Stable Performance is a must

Zorin OS is a robust and stable operating system. In my personal situation, it rarely crashes, freezes, or slows down unexpectedly. I promise you a smooth computing experience.

It should run on both low-end and high-end hardware 

As I discussed above, a lot of you have probably an older computer that is not supported by Windows 11. Well, Zorin OS 18 runs even on really modest hardware, and requires only 2 GB of RAM and a 1 GHz dual-core CPU. So if you have a machine that is more modern than that, you will be surprised how fast your computer suddenly feels compared to running Windows 10 on the same hardware.

It must be fast 

Zorin OS boots really quickly, runs smoothly, and responds to your commands instantly. It’s optimized for speed, even on older machines.

Network Compatibility is a must

Most of the time, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, VPNs, and shared drives all work seamlessly.

Remote Access Tools 

Do you need to connect from your computer to another computer? With Zorin OS, you have support for TeamViewer, SSH, and remote desktop tools so you can work from anywhere.

It must be secure and private

Linux has a proven track record of being the most secure operating system, and for Zorin OS, that is not any different. And viruses for Linux are almost unheard of. You won’t need third-party antivirus software to stay safe. Further, Zorin OS includes solid firewall technology and privacy settings.

and last but not least…

It must be future-proof 

Starting exactly today, you’re now the victim of the unsupported operating system Windows 10, so you certainly don’t want to embark on a new adventure with a new operating system if it won’t continue to support your current hardware in the near future. Don’t worry. Zorin OS is based on a long-term support foundation and has modern technologies under the hood. Zorin OS is an operating system that is built for the long term, and future upgrades via intermediate or major releases will support your older hardware for years to come. 

When you choose Zorin OS 18, being based on the current Ubuntu 24.04 LTS release, you will get official support till April 2029. But also newer versions to come will continue longer-term support for your hardware.

Do you need some proof that Linux offers support for old hardware? Well, here is my personal situation.

At this moment, I am a very happy owner of an old Dell Precision T1700 Intel Xeon E3-1200 mini-tower workstation with 16 GB internal memory and a Quadro K620 graphics card from 2013. So, this is a computer that is already 12 years old. In technology terms, it is an ancient machine, but running Linux, at this moment Zorin OS 18, it is still a very fast and capable workhorse for all my specific use cases, which are writing, coding, photo management and photo editing, digital drawing, and 4K video editing. 

Further, I still have my old MacBook from 2008, so a 17-year-old machine, which is running Zorin OS, but also other Linux distros like a charm. With OS X El Capitan, I noticed very clearly that this old Intel Mobile Core 2 Duo 2GHz MacBook was getting unworkably slow. Even after an upgrade from the old hard disk to a fast SSD and an expansion of the memory to 4GB, everything became far too slow for my requirements and needs. However, when I installed Linux on this ancient MacBook, it suddenly felt like having a new machine again. Not kidding. 

It is amazing what Linux can achieve with old hardware and therefore offers equipment a second life.

Now that you’ve seen a broad set of arguments that meet the given set of requirements, I hope you’re excited to give Zorin OS a try as an alternative operating system to replace your old Windows 10. So, now let’s see what the brand new Zorin OS 18 has to offer.

What is new and changed in Zorin OS 18?

The new Zorin OS 18 has been released, so let’s have a look at what it has to offer.

A fresh look that feels just right

The first thing you’ll notice as an existing Zorin OS user is the updated visual design. And for new users, it is just stunning, but recognizable at the same time. The previous Zorin OS 17.3 was already beautiful and refined, but the Zorin team managed to refine the looks even further. Zorin OS 18 has a more rounded, modern look that’s both stylish, playful, and calming. The default theme has been refreshed with softer colors and subtle tints that are easier on the eyes. 

The out-of-the-box experience of previous Zorin OS releases was very bright, and although I liked it, some users found it a bit too bright for their eyes. But in Zorin OS 18, everything is much friendlier and more gentle, but it still has the well-known Zorin OS signature. The screenshot below shows the current Zorin 17.3 styling on the left and the new Zorin 18 visuals on the right, which have become slightly less bright but still pleasant.

The main panel now floats on your desktop with a more rounded style, and the workspace indicator gives you instant feedback as you switch between tasks.

Also, the main apps as part of the system have been redesigned with care:

• The Files app has a cleaner sidebar and better-organized controls.

• The Settings app is easier to navigate, with redesigned panels.
• The Calendar app now includes a handy sidebar with a month and events view.
• A new Camera app replaces Cheese, offering a simpler way to snap photos and record videos via your desktop.
• The Evolution mail app has an updated, more modern interface that fits beautifully with the rest of the system.

According to the Zorin team:

“At Zorin, we recognise the impact that a well-designed environment can have to inspire you to do better work and think in new ways. That’s why we’ve obsessed over the details to deliver you our most beautiful and functional operating system ever.“

Smarter multitasking with window tiling

Zorin OS 18 introduces a new window tiling manager that makes multitasking a joy. Drag a window to the top of the screen, and you’ll see different layout options in the pop-up. There is no need to memorize different shortcuts. You can even create custom layouts, customise tiling behaviour, and enable auto-tiling for a more dynamic workflow.

Use web apps with a native app-like experience

In this modern technological world, we are using more and more online applications through our web browsers. Applications like Notion, AppFlowy, Todoist, Clickup, Asana, Microsoft 365, and Google Docs are all available online and don’t need to be installed locally. Regardless of the debate about whether it is always wise to use cloud-based solutions, many people find online apps the preferred way to be productive using various technical platforms.

Zorin OS 18 offers a new Web Apps tool that lets you turn your favorite websites into desktop apps. They appear in your start menu and behave just like native applications. It’s seamless and perfect for cloud-first users. The new Web Apps tool is able to integrate with different web browsers and allows you to customise the experience the way you like.

OneDrive integration is built in

I started this article by mentioning the decision current Windows 10 users have to make: buying a new Windows 11 device or looking for alternatives. Many Windows 10 users are using Microsoft OneDrive for their cloud storage. Zorin OS 18 now includes Microsoft 365 OneDrive integration. Just sign in via Online Accounts, and your OneDrive-based file structure and files will appear in the Zorin OS Files app sidebar, directly available and ready for you to use.

Expanded database to detect Windows app alternatives

A unique Zorin OS feature that I don’t know of in any other Linux distribution is the built-in functionality and underlying database that helps to advise on alternatives to Windows installer files. When you try to install a Windows application (which is also possible via built-in Windows support), this functionality will in many cases indicate whether a native version of this same app is available and can be installed for Linux, or if a native Linux installer is not available, whether there is a comparable Linux application available that can be a good replacement for the Windows app you are trying to install. This functionality is therefore extremely valuable for people who switch from Windows to Linux, who often do not yet have the knowledge of the alternative applications available for Linux. 

Zorin OS 18 now recognizes over 170 popular Windows installers and offers tailored guidance. If you try to install something like Microsoft Office, Zorin OS will suggest the best way to run it, being a web version, a native Linux app, or a great alternative like LibreOffice. I think it is one of these features that makes Zorin OS a good gateway into the world of Linux and helps new users feel supported from day one.

A new foundation

While the previous Zorin OS 17.X releases were all based on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, which came out in April 2022, with official support till 2027, Zorin OS 18 is based on the current Ubuntu 24.04 LTS release, which will be officially supported till April 2029 and offers updated drivers for broader hardware compatibility and Linux kernel 6.14.0.

Other improvements and changes

Here are some other improvements and refinements:

• New theme colors
• Three new desktop layouts (Zorin OS Pro only)
• Improved performance and responsiveness
• Search Everywhere in the Files app
• Improved multi-monitor and touchscreen support
• Remote login via RDP
• Centered window placement by default
• Better Bluetooth audio thanks to PipeWire

Note: RDP = Remote Desktop Protocol, which is a secure network communications protocol developed by Microsoft.

How to get and install or upgrade to Zorin OS 18

Zorin OS 18 is available starting today for anyone. You can download Zorin OS 18 Core, Pro, and Education from the Zorin OS Download page:

Current Zorin OS 18 Core Beta users can upgrade to the full stable release by simply installing the latest updates from the Software Updater today. 

Direct upgrades from Zorin OS 17 to 18 will be available in the coming weeks. We will be informed by the Zorin team when we can upgrade.

Note: Before you start the upgrade process, I advise you to back up the files that are important to you. Have a look at my articles “How to set up and use backups in Linux“, “How to easily create backups in Linux with Pika Backup“, or “luckyBackup is a powerful backup solution for Linux” for more information on backups in Linux.

Although the very complete Core version is free of charge, maybe you are interested in buying the Zorin OS Pro edition. In that case, please consider using the below Affiliate button. At no additional cost to you, this website will earn a small commission if you choose to click through and make a purchase via the linked website. For more information, see the Affiliate Disclaimer.

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Why pay for Zorin OS Pro?
Next to the free Zorin OS Core and Education editions, there is also a paid Pro version. Zorin OS Pro brings together even more features, like additional premium desktop layouts which can be simply activated via the Zorin Appearance Layout menu, pre-installed advanced apps like a video editor, Photoshop-compatible image editor, illustration software, audio workstation, animation software, 3D graphics & effects software used by Hollywood studios, and diverse productivity tools. Also, Zorin OS Pro users are entitled to technical support by email directly from the Zorin team. But probably most important, your purchase helps to support the Zorin project and the small team that makes it all possible.

Final words

I think Zorin OS is an excellent Linux based operating system that is great, beautiful, refined, complete, well-thought-out, accessible, inviting, robust, stable, fast, and an example of a Linux distribution with which you can convince many people to make the switch from their current operating system to Linux, especially now that Windows 10 has come to an end. With a distribution like Zorin OS, the Zorin team clearly shows how friendly Linux can be for regular computer users, but also how complete and powerful it can be as a professional desktop environment. It is again and still my absolute favorite Linux distribution for all my computing needs and gives me the confidence that I can continue to use my old equipment for a long time to come.

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