Zorin OS just released 18.1, an update aimed squarely at people who want to leave Windows without losing the apps they rely on. The release expands hardware support, adds fingerprint reader support for older machines, and most importantly, now recommends native Linux alternatives and installation paths when detecting Windows apps. For anyone considering switching from Windows 11 or an older Windows 10 PC, this is the first distribution update that treats the migration as a guided, user-oriented process rather than a technical project.
Zorin OS, a Linux-based operating system (distro) designed as a useful alternative to macOS and Windows, burst onto the scene late last year around Microsoft’s unpopular decision to end support for Windows 10 on October 14. Some users referred to that decision as planned obsolescencesaying that his Extended Security Updates (ESU) program didn’t help either and he felt that a last minute snooze button.
The “death” of Windows 10 pushed 780,000 users to Linuxshooting downloads of Zorin OS in particular to 1 million. Three months later, Zorin OS 18 exceeded 2 million downloads. And now, six months after the launch of Zorin OS, its team has indicated that it has even reached 3.3 million downloads (via neowin).
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This milestone coincides with the release of Zorin OS 18.1which ships with new features, enhancements and improved hardware support. The distribution has also expanded its built-in database to better detect installation files of popular Windows applications: “It now supports more than 240 applications and recommends even more customized alternatives for downloading your Windows executables.” explains the team.
As such, when launching the Windows installer for an app like Plex, the operating system will display a dialog box that attempts to direct you to the best way to use that app, which is often to install its native version. linux version from your app store. What’s more, it automatically suggests the closest native alternative to many Windows-only apps, such as Evolution Mail instead of Microsoft Outlook.
If you’re migrating from Windows, this means you’ll get personalized guidance on how to use the most supported versions of your favorite apps on Zorin OS. It’s one of the many reasons why Zorin OS is the ideal choice for Windows users making the switch.
Zorin operating system
The new update adds new improvements to the desktop, including new options for the advanced window tiling feature. Additionally, some apps will now display their own indicator icon in the dashboard tray, making it easier for users to check the status of the app or even quickly access its features.
Zorin OS 18.1 also updates its preinstalled apps “for a more feature-rich experience right out of the box.”
The light edition of the Zorin OS Linux distribution, Zorin Lite, also received a new update, bringing it to version 17.3. For context, the Lite version is designed to run on older or lower-spec computers. The update includes fingerprint reader support, updated desktop themes, and a redesigned File Manager app.
Windows Central’s opinion: Microsoft is trying, but Windows 11 has dangerous competition
Windows 11 has been around for four years (and has changed), but it has struggled to achieve widespread adoption for most of that time compared to its predecessors. This can be attributed in part to Microsoft’s strict hardware requirements, along with mediocre design elements throughout the operating system.
However, it is now gaining momentum after Windows 10 End of Life Status and has even surpassed its market share. At the beginning of this year, Microsoft committed to improving overall user sentiment around Windows 11.
Apparently, the Redmond giant is already keeping its promise by offering users the option of skip the update process When setting up a new Windows 11 PC, reducing where Copilot and its integrations appearand bringing back fan-favorite features like Mobile and resizable taskbar as part of its broader strategy to address weak points throughout the operating system.
However, our senior editor Zac Bowden recently argued that Microsoft is wasting time trying to improve Windows 11 and should rip off the band-aid and ship Windows 12. “Unfortunately, I am concerned that even a valiant effort to fix the platform will not improve its reputation. If history repeats itself, “fixing” an operating system through bug fixes and new features is not enough.” Bowden added. “In the eyes of many, bad versions of Windows can only be fixed one way: Abandonment.“
Still, alternative operating systems like these Linux distributions threaten Windows 11’s share of the desktop market due to their free, open source nature and the promise of a lack of ads and telemetry It only makes the jump more tempting for anyone who’s growing tired of Windows, for whatever reason.
Would Microsoft abandon a Linux-based operating system like Zorin, given the current state of Windows 11?
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your ideas and discuss our latest news, reviews and more.
