Zorin OS just rolled out its 18.1 update aimed at people who want to quit Windows without losing their trusted apps. The release expands hardware support, adds fingerprint reader compatibility for older machines, and most importantly, it now recommends native Linux alternatives and installs paths when it detects Windows apps. For anyone switching from Windows 11 or an older Windows 10 PC, this is the first distro update that treats migration as a managed, user-driven process rather than a technical project.
Zorin OS, a Linux-based operating system (distribution) developed as a targeted alternative to MacOS and Windows, appeared on the scene at the end of last year. Microsoft’s unpopular decision to end support for Windows 10 on October 14. Some users called this decision as such programmed obsolescencesaid that its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program didn’t help either, and it felt that way last minute snooze button.
The “death” of Windows 10 pushed 780,000 users to LinuxThe number of downloads of Zorin OS reached 1 million. Three months later, Zorin OS 18 has crossed 2 million downloads. Now, six months after Zorin OS launched, its team reports that it has even reached 3.3 million downloads (via Neowin).
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It coincides with this stage Release of Zorin OS 18.1ships with new features, enhancements, and improved hardware support. The distribution also expanded its internal database to better detect installation files for popular Windows programs: “It now supports more than 240 programs and recommends more optimized alternatives to sideloading their Windows executables” the team explains.
So when you run the Windows installer for an app like Plex, the OS will often show you a dialog trying to guide you to the best way to use that app, which installs its native software. Linux version from the app store. Moreover, it automatically suggests the closest native alternative to many Windows applications, for example, instead of Evolution Mail Microsoft Outlook.
If you’re migrating from Windows, this means you’ll receive specific instructions on how to use the most compatible versions of your favorite apps on Zorin OS. One of the many reasons why Zorin OS is an ideal choice for switching Windows users.
Zorin OS
The new update adds new improvements to the desktop, including new options for the Advanced Window Tile feature. In addition, some apps will now display their indicator icon in the panel tray, making it easier for users to check the app’s status or even quickly access its features.
Zorin OS 18.1 also updates pre-installed apps “for a more feature-rich experience out of the box.”
Zorin Lite, the lightweight edition of the Zorin OS Linux distribution, has also received a new update, bringing it to version 17.3. For context, the Lite version is designed to run on older or lower-end computers. The update ships with fingerprint reader support, updated desktop themes, and a redesigned File Manager app.
Windows Central’s take: Microsoft is trying, but Windows 11 has dangerous competition
Windows 11 has been around for four years (and change), but it’s struggled to gain widespread adoption over that time compared to its predecessors. This can be partially attributed Microsoft’s strict hardware requirements, is combined with poor design elements throughout the operating system.
However, it is now gaining momentum from followers End of life status of Windows 10 and even surpassed the market share. Earlier this year Microsoft has promised to improve the overall user experience Around Windows 11.
The Redmond giant is already making good on its promise by giving users a choice skip the update process when setting up a new Windows 11 PC, Reduces the visibility of Copilot and its integrationsand bringing back fan-favorite features like movable and resizable taskbar as part of a broader strategy for address pain points throughout the operating system.
However, our Editor-in-Chief Zac Bowden recently defended it Microsoft is wasting time making Windows 11 better and should take off the bandage and ship Windows 12.. “Unfortunately, I worry that even a valiant attempt to fix the platform will not restore its reputation. If history is to repeat itself, it will not be enough to ‘fix’ the operating system through bug fixes and new features.” Bowden added. “In the eyes of many, bad versions of Windows can only be fixed in one way: Don’t be abandoned.“
Still, alternative operating systems like these Linux distros threaten Windows 11’s desktop market share because of its open-source, free nature and promise of innovation. lack of ads and telemetry it just makes the leap more enticing for anyone tired of Windows for whatever reason.
Given the current state of Windows 11, would you ditch Microsoft for a Linux-based operating system like Zorin?
Join us Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your thoughts and discuss our latest news, reviews and more.
