Zorin OS

Zorin OS is available in various free and paid versions^[6] including versions using Xfce for use with older computers, instead of the traditional GNOME.^[7] 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^[8][9][10] and allow the interface to be familiar regardless of the previous system a user has come from.^[11] 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.^[12]

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.^[13][14] As of December 2025^[update], the software is unreleased.^[15]

The project was started in 2008 by co-founders Artyom and Kyrill Zorin. The company is based in Dublin, Ireland.^[16]

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.

Zorin OS has been noted as having intuitive and familiar layouts, functionality, and installation process;^[17][18][19] as well as for making it easy to use a Windows-similar layout.^[18][20]

In April 2016, the Italian city of Vicenza began migrating approximately 900 municipal computers from Windows to Zorin OS.^[21][22] 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.^[23]

Following Microsoft's end of support for the Windows 10 operating system in October 2025, and partly due to the high Windows 11 system requirements, privacy concerns and backlash against integrated AI features, Zorin OS received 1 million downloads in five weeks as an alternative operating system.^[24][25] On January 12, 2026 it was announced that downloads of Zorin OS 18 reached the 2 million mark in under three months, with a majority of downloads coming from Windows users.^[26]