Zorin has announced Zorin OS 18, a major release arriving at the best—and most demanding—moment possible: with Windows 10 end of support, about 240 million computers fall outside Microsoft’s official upgrade path and face a choice between buying new hardware or finding a modern, maintained system. Zorin’s pitch is clear: your next computer can be the one you already own, with a familiar desktop, modern tools, and compatibility with a wider range of applications (including those that live in the cloud). This edition lands with a complete visual refresh, a powerful, easy tiling manager, integrated Web Apps, OneDrive in the file manager, and long-term support through 2029.
Below are the key reasons Zorin OS 18 aims to be the replacement many machines needed.
A Visual Makeover That Doesn’t Break Familiarity
Zorin OS 18 updates the look and feel without losing its identity. The default theme adopts a rounder, lighter style, with tinted sidebars and backgrounds that are easier on the eyes. The panel is now floating and rounded, and the old Activities button evolves into a reactive workspace indicator so it’s easier to see where each task lives.
Core apps get attention too:
- Files reorganizes the sidebar and simplifies controls.
- Settings restructures preference panels so options are easier to find.
- Calendar adds a sidebar with a concise month-and-events view.
- A new Camera app replaces Cheese and makes switching devices easier.
- Evolution (mail) modernizes its UI to fit the desktop better.
The message is consistent: less friction and more coherence, especially for people coming from Windows.
Advanced Tiling—Without Memorizing Shortcuts
Multitasking leaps forward with a tiling manager that doesn’t demand a cheat sheet. Drag a window to the top edge, and a popup appears with preset layouts; drop to arrange your workspace in seconds. Power users can go further:
- Create custom layouts.
- Tune behavior in Zorin Appearance → Windows → Advanced Window Tiling.
- Enable auto-tiling and smart suggestions.
- Use built-in key bindings or define your own.
It’s an intuitive way to deliver powerful tiling to both newcomers and seasoned users.
Built-in Web Apps: When “Native” and “Web” Converge
With much software moving to the cloud, Zorin treats Web Apps as first-class citizens. The new Web Apps tool turns any website into a desktop app: it shows up in the start menu, launches like a native program, and you can choose your browser as the backend.
The practical upside is clear: Microsoft 365/Office, Teams, Google Docs, or Adobe Photoshop (web) live alongside traditional apps without tab juggling. You can also tweak per-app settings to refine the experience.
OneDrive in the File Manager, Just Like Home
For Windows migrants, cloud access is non-negotiable. Zorin OS 18 integrates OneDrive via Online Accounts. Sign in to “Microsoft 365 + OneDrive” and your files appear in the Files sidebar, ready to browse, copy, and manage like local folders. It’s a crucial step to ensure the transition doesn’t disrupt daily work.
Helping You Land Smoothly: Guidance for Windows Apps
Zorin expands its detector for Windows installer (.exe) files (now 170+ apps) and, when it spots a known one, shows a dialog with the best path: use the web version if that’s recommended, or install the Linux version from the Software store. It also suggests native alternatives where appropriate (e.g., Apostrophe in place of iA Writer).
For Windows switchers, this guidance avoids pitfalls: less trial-and-error, more immediate productivity.
Themes, Layouts, and Personalization: More to Choose From
Beyond the broader refresh, Zorin OS 18 adds two new theme colors (Yellow and Brown) in light and dark variants, available in Zorin Appearance → Theme.
In Zorin OS 18 Pro, there are three new desktop layouts (now 12 total):
- A compact panel to maximize screen space.
- A Linux Mint-like layout with a redesigned start menu: hover to browse categories, launch with one click.
- An elementary OS-like layout for a clean, minimalist style.
It’s one-click personalization that helps you feel “at home” from the start.
New Apps in Pro and Education: Productivity & Learning
Zorin OS 18 Pro adds 11 apps, including:
- Deskflow: share keyboard and mouse across machines with a shared clipboard—slide the cursor to the screen edge to switch devices.
- Warp: secure file transfer over LAN or the Internet by exchanging a code—handy for local and global collaboration.
- Valot: time tracking for professionals, with hourly rates per client and instant revenue totals.
- Easy Effects: a pro audio toolset—EQ, compressor, limiter, spectrum analyzer, reverb, and more.
Zorin OS 18 Education adds four apps focused on study and programming:
- Gradebook to track grades and spot areas to improve.
- Spedread for speed reading (one word at a time to reduce eye movement).
- TurboWarp, based on Scratch, with a compiler up to 100× faster, dark mode, and add-ons.
Performance, Compatibility, and Everyday Quality
A long list of “small but mighty” changes impacts daily use:
- Faster, more responsive thanks to system-wide optimizations.
- Better Windows software support: Windows App Support now uses WINE 10, opening the door to more apps and games.
- Search Everywhere in Files: a single button (top-left) searches by name or content across all indexed locations.
- Zorin Menu improved: multi-monitor support and refined touch behavior.
- Remote login with RDP: connect to your user session even if it’s not currently active—ideal for using the PC as a remote resource.
- Windows centered by default (you can switch back in Zorin Appearance → Windows → New Window Placement).
- PipeWire by default: lower audio latency and better Bluetooth sound.
- New sound theme for a more pleasant day-to-day.
- New wallpapers (with abstracts in Pro).
- Updated drivers for newer hardware.
- LTS support through 2029 (updates, security, drivers) —vital for schools, businesses, and public sector deployments.
Who Zorin OS 18 Is For
- Windows 10 users whose machines aren’t eligible for Windows 11 and don’t want to replace their PC.
- Professionals who need a polished environment, with RDP, OneDrive, and Web Apps in the toolbox.
- Education: a friendly desktop for the classroom, with tools geared toward learning and early coding.
- Enthusiasts who want a refined Linux with tiling, themability, and long-term support.
How to Get It and Upgrade
Zorin OS 18 is available today in Core, Pro, and Education editions from the official website.
- Users on Core Beta can update to stable via Software Updater.
- Direct upgrades from Zorin OS 17 to 18 will roll out in the coming weeks.
- You can also buy PCs with Zorin OS 18 pre-installed through partner vendors.
Takeaway: A Realistic Ramp for the Post-Windows 10 Wave
Zorin OS 18 doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel; it aims to make switching painless. It blends thoughtful design decisions (theme, panel, layouts), productivity features (tiling, Web Apps, global search), pragmatic compatibility (WINE 10, OneDrive, RDP), and a support promise through 2029. For millions of PCs suddenly without an official upgrade path, it’s a continuity option with manageable costs. For existing Linux users, it’s a modern desktop that feels right from the first login.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I install Zorin OS 18 on a Windows 10 PC without losing files?
The safest route is to back up first. You can dual-boot alongside Windows or replace it entirely. The installer lets you resize Windows’ partition to make room for Zorin. After installation, your Windows data remains on its partition; you can mount it from Zorin to access files.
What’s the difference between Zorin OS 18 Core, Pro, and Education?
Core is the general free edition. Pro adds extra desktop layouts, wallpaper packs, and pro-oriented apps (Deskflow, Warp, Valot, Easy Effects, etc.). Education includes classroom tools (Gradebook, Spedread, TurboWarp) and a setup tailored for schools.
Can I use Microsoft Office, Teams, or Photoshop in Zorin OS 18?
Yes. With Web Apps, you can create desktop shortcuts to Microsoft 365/Office, Teams, Google Docs, and Photoshop (web). Plus, WINE 10 expands compatibility for some native Windows apps (depends on the program). The system also recommends best routes and native alternatives when it detects a Windows installer.
Do OneDrive and RDP work?
OneDrive integrates via Online Accounts and appears in Files as a sidebar location. For RDP, enable Settings → System → Remote Desktop → Remote Login and connect from an RDP-capable client.
How long is Zorin OS 18 supported? Is it good for deployments?
Zorin OS 18 has long-term support until 2029 (updates, security, drivers). Combined with broader driver coverage, WINE 10, PipeWire, and admin-friendly tools, it’s a solid choice for business, education, and public sector rollouts that need stability with a low adoption cost.
