Author: Nebojsa Kostic
Date Published: October 27, 2025
Zorin OS: The Complete Guide to the Ultimate Windows Alternative
In a world dominated by Windows and macOS, Zorin OS has steadily gained attention as a modern, secure, and user-friendly operating system built for everyone—from casual users to professionals looking for a stable, privacy-respecting platform. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Zorin OS, from its origins and features to whether it can truly replace Windows on your PC.
What Is Zorin OS?
Zorin OS is a Linux-based operating system, built on top of the highly reliable Ubuntu LTS (Long-Term Support) foundation. Its primary goal is to deliver a familiar and intuitive experience for users switching from Windows or macOS, focusing on simplicity, compatibility, and privacy.
One of Zorin OS’s core principles is its philosophy: “Powerful, yet simple for everyone.” The most iconic feature is Zorin Appearance — a customization tool that lets users instantly change the entire desktop layout to resemble Windows 11, classic Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, or standard Linux environments. The system supports all major application packaging formats including .deb (APT), Flatpak, Snap, and AppImage, and can even run many Windows applications (.exe / .msi) via its integrated compatibility layer.
A Short History and Current Versions
Zorin OS was created by two brothers from Ireland, Artyom and Kyrill Zorin, with the mission of making Linux accessible to everyone. The latest major release, Zorin OS 17, is based on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and includes several important updates:
- Zorin OS 17 – Released on December 20, 2023
- Zorin OS 17.1 – Released on March 7, 2024
The entire Zorin OS 17 series will receive official security updates until June 2027, ensuring long-term stability and reliability.
Editions, Features, and Pricing
Zorin OS comes in multiple editions designed for different user needs:
- Core (Free) – The standard edition for most users. Includes everything needed for everyday computing: a modern web browser, LibreOffice suite, and access to thousands of apps.
- Pro (Paid) – A premium edition that costs $47.99 (one-time purchase). It offers eight premium desktop layouts (including Windows 11 and macOS), expanded creative and productivity software, and priority email support for installation help.
- Education (Free) – Tailored for schools and universities, featuring preinstalled software for learning and teaching.
- Lite (Free) – Optimized for older or low-spec PCs, even 10–15 years old. Uses the lightweight XFCE desktop and runs smoothly on minimal hardware.
How Popular Is Zorin OS?
Measuring exact user numbers is difficult, but download statistics reveal massive growth. According to official data, the Zorin OS 16 series reached an impressive 6.2 million downloads between August 2021 and December 2023 — a clear indicator of global interest driven by users seeking alternatives as Windows 10 reaches end of support.
Localization and Language Support
Zorin OS offers full localization across multiple languages worldwide. The user interface, menus, and notifications can be displayed in over 50 languages, with extensive keyboard and regional settings for each locale. Language settings can be adjusted under Settings → Region & Language → Manage Installed Languages.
Can Zorin OS Replace Windows?
For most everyday users, yes. Zorin OS delivers everything needed for browsing, office work, email, and multimedia playback. LibreOffice is highly compatible with Microsoft Office formats, and web-based applications (Google Workspace, Zoom, Teams, etc.) work seamlessly.
However, not every specialized Windows application or AAA game will run natively. Software relying on advanced anti-cheat systems or proprietary frameworks (like Adobe Creative Suite or AutoCAD) may require workarounds or alternatives.
Running Windows Applications on Zorin OS
Zorin OS includes built-in Windows App Support powered by the WINE compatibility layer, enabling many Windows programs to run directly. Compatibility depends on the application, so checking the WineHQ AppDB database is recommended to confirm which software performs best.
Linux App Ecosystem
As a full Linux distribution, Zorin OS provides access to tens of thousands of applications via the Ubuntu Software Center, Flathub (Flatpak), and Snap Store. This ensures users can easily install modern and open-source software for productivity, gaming, or creativity.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very easy transition from Windows | Not all Windows apps are compatible |
| Excellent language and localization support | Some hardware may need extra setup (Wi-Fi, GPUs) |
| Strong privacy and security focus | Fewer native commercial apps compared to Windows/macOS |
| Free Core edition with great functionality | Advanced Pro features require paid version |
Useful Links
- Zorin OS – Official Download
- Zorin OS Pro – Features and Purchase
- Zorin Community Forum
- Zorin OS Help & Documentation
- WineHQ AppDB – Check Compatibility
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Zorin OS fully replace Windows?
Yes, for most typical tasks such as office work, web browsing, and entertainment. For specialized software, check compatibility first.
How much does Zorin OS Pro cost?
The Pro edition costs about $48 (one-time) and includes premium layouts and installation support.
Is there a free version?
Yes — Core, Education, and Lite are all free to download and use.
Can I test Zorin OS before installing?
Absolutely. You can create a Live USB and run Zorin OS directly from it without installing anything on your hard drive.
Do I need antivirus software?
For most users, no. Linux-based systems like Zorin OS are inherently secure and resistant to typical malware threats.
This article provides an in-depth overview of Zorin OS, its editions, features, and role as a modern Linux-based alternative to Windows and macOS.