Developed by Zorin OS Technologies Limited, a Dublin-based company founded by brothers Artyom and Kyrill Zorin, Zorin OS prioritizes ease of use for those transitioning from Windows or macOS.
The team offers an experience that feels familiar to most people, with Windows-like layouts and intuitive interfaces, while delivering the freedom, security, and customization that Linux provides.
Now, Zorin OS 18 has been officially released, bringing a refreshed interface and enhanced Windows app compatibility. With Windows 10 support ending today, this release arrives at the perfect time for users seeking alternatives.
🆕 Zorin OS 18: What's New?
Zorin OS 18 brings a desktop interface that now features rounded corners, a floating panel, and lighter colors. Whereas, smoother animations make navigation feel more responsive. Core applications, including Files, Calendar, Camera, and Mail, have been updated to match the new aesthetic perfectly.
This release ships with Linux kernel 6.14 underneath, bringing AMD Ryzen AI NPU6 support, enhanced AES encryption performance for Zen 4/5 CPUs, and Intel Panther Lake compatibility.
Then there's the new window tiling manager that makes multitasking efficient, allowing users to snap windows into predefined layouts by dragging them to screen edges or corners. When paired with keyboard shortcuts, this enables quick window organization without touching the mouse.
If you are a Windows user looking to run applications made for that platform, then you will appreciate how Zorin OS 18 handles Windows installers.
Launch a Windows app installer, and the system proactively suggests Linux alternatives available in the software store or compatible web-based versions that offer similar functionality, making the transition less daunting.
For detailed coverage of the new features and interface changes, you can check out our Zorin OS 18 Beta coverage, which has additional information and screenshots of this release.
Sourav Rudra
📥 Download Zorin OS 18
Zorin OS 18 Core is completely free and includes all essential features. It's perfect for most users looking to switch from Windows or try Linux for the first time.
Zorin OS 18 Pro costs $47.99 (incl. tax) and includes premium desktop layouts, advanced customization, additional productivity software, and professional support. The purchase supports continued development of Zorin OS.
Both editions offer the same foundation; you can grab either of them from the official website.
Zorin OS 18 Core Beta users can upgrade to the stable release by installing updates through the Software Updater. Direct upgrades from Zorin OS 17 to 18 will be available in the coming weeks, with users receiving notifications through the same tool once the upgrade path is ready.
- Even the biggest players in the Linux world don't care about desktop Linux users. We do.
- We don't put informational content behind paywall. Your support keeps it open for everyone. Think of it like 'pay it forward'.
- Don't like ads? With the Plus membership, you get an ad-free reading experience.
- When millions of AI-generated content is being published daily, you read and learn from real human Linux users.
- It costs just $2 a month, less than the cost of your favorite burger.
Become a Plus Member today and join over 300 people in supporting our work.
