Zorin OS has long been known as one of the best Linux distributions for people making the switch from Windows or macOS. Built on Ubuntu, it blends stability with an accessible design that feels approachable for newcomers while still offering flexibility for experienced users.
Over the years, the developers have refined not just its appearance but also its ecosystem, including productivity features, extensive software compatibility, and customization options.
And now, with a recent announcement, they have released a beta version of their upcoming Zorin OS 18 release. Let's check it out! 😀
Zorin OS 18 is Shaping Up Nicely
Powered by Linux kernel 6.14, Zorin OS 18 Beta comes packed with a host of improvements under the hood. This kernel brings better hardware support, faster encryption performance, and optimizations for modern AMD and Intel CPUs, making the system more responsive and efficient.
Moreover, this release is set to offer long-term support until April 2029, offering users a stable desktop experience for years to come without them needing to worry about frequent major upgrades.
When you boot into this release, the first thing you’ll notice is the fresh new look. The desktop feels modern with rounded corners, a floating panel, and a lighter color scheme. Everything just looks cleaner and more organized, and little touches like smoother animations make moving around the system feel snappier.
Even the built-in apps got a makeover. Files, Calendar, Camera, and Mail have been tweaked to match the new style, so everything feels consistent. The interfaces are simple and easy to use, which makes getting things done less tedious.
Moving on, Zorin OS 18 makes it super easy to connect to OneDrive. Once you log in through the Online Accounts, your files show up right in the Files app. No extra apps or workarounds needed. You can open, save, and organize your cloud files just like they were on your local machine.
There is also a new Web Apps tool that allows anyone to turn websites like Google Docs, Microsoft Teams, or even Adobe Photoshop’s web version into full desktop apps that live in the application launcher.
On the other hand, if you like keeping multiple apps open, you will love the new window tiling manager. You can drag windows to the edges or corners and snap them into predefined layouts. The system even suggests layouts for you, so you don’t have to fiddle with each window manually.
Keyboard shortcuts make it even faster. You can move, resize, and organize windows without touching the mouse. It’s perfect for multitasking, whether you’re coding, writing, or just juggling a bunch of browser tabs and apps at the same time.
And, finally, we have the improved handling of Windows apps. Now, when you try to open a Windows installer, Zorin OS 18 doesn’t just sit there; it actually suggests Linux alternatives available on the Software app or web-based versions that do the same job.
Miscellaneous Changes
The following are some other enhancements set to arrive with Zorin OS 18:
- Two new theme colors, Yellow and Brown giving more options to personalize your desktop.
- Better audio with PipeWire providing lower latency, higher quality, and improved Bluetooth sound.
- Multi-monitor support for the Zorin Menu, allowing it to work seamlessly across all connected screens.
- Three planned desktop layouts for Zorin OS Pro, offering compact, Linux Mint–style, and Elementary OS-like setups.
- Improved performance and expanded hardware support, making the system faster, smoother, and compatible with more devices.
Want to Try it Out?
The developers are looking for feedback on this beta release. If you grab the ISO and are willing to help out, you can use the "Send Feedback" shortcut in the taskbar to share your thoughts, suggestions, or any issues you encounter to help refine the final release.
Suggested Read 📖
Abhishek Prakash
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