Discovering Zorin

Trying a new OS? Zorin OS 18 is a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu, perfect for switching from Windows. Easy install, familiar interface, and great compatibility!

December 1, 2025 · 5 min read

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Christophe

Markdown, WSL and Docker lover ~ Insatiable curious.

Cet article existe aussi en français — lire la version française.

This article is part of the WSL2 - Install, move and use it series:

Discovering Zorin

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TL;DR

Zorin OS 18 is an Ubuntu-based Linux distribution designed for Windows users seeking an alternative, especially for older PCs. It features an easy installation process and a familiar, Windows-like interface, making the switch straightforward. The OS also boasts compatibility with many Windows applications via WINE and strong gaming support, positioning it as a top choice.

Like everyone else, I have an old computer and with Windows 10 support coming to an end, I saw so many blog posts or news articles about Zorin OS 18 that I became curious and wanted to try it out.

Zorin OS is a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu that targets users switching from Windows or macOS, with a desktop environment very similar to Windows.

Not ready to repurpose a whole machine? You can get a feel for a Linux desktop from inside Windows: Start lubuntu Desktop in Docker. And if you just want the command line, Ubuntu - Install from scratch covers the WSL route.

Zorin can be downloaded for free (i.e. the Core edition or the Education one). If you want to support developers or need additional features, you can download the Pro edition (less than 50€ incl. sales tax end of 2025).

You'll have to download a .iso file and a program called balenaEtcher in order to flash a USB drive. Everything is clearly described on the how to install Zorin OS page.

Once my USB drive is ready, I just put it in my old PC, start the PC, press F12 in my case to enter the BIOS and change the boot sequence: the PC has to start on the USB drive this time; not the hard disk.

Save and exit the BIOS and, indeed, the installation screen is now displayed. As mentioned in the how to guide, I have to select the Try or Install Zorin OS option and wait a few moments until Zorin performs some checks.

The installation menu of Zorin

The PC will reboot and you'll get the Zorin welcome screen. Select the language for your OS; your keyboard configuration, normal or minimal installation, ... and proceed with the installation.

So far, it's no more difficult than using a Windows installer, and no different: we just need to wait until everything is installed.

Windows users will appreciate that Zorin OS's graphical interface is very similar to Windows, with menus, taskbars, and a file manager.

Zorin interface

Looks like Windows no?

What can make the differences

The installer is well done, click, click, click and reboot.
Zorin includes built-in Microsoft OneDrive integration.
You'll also be able to install some Windows applications directly on Zorin thanks to WINE (open-source compatibility layer that allows Windows applications and games to run on Linux.).
If you're a gamer, almost 90% of Windows games are now running on Linux.

The system was immediately operational i.e. no problem at all with my graphic card and my internet connection was operational.

Zorin comes with a lot of preinstalled software like Libre-Office.

I haven't gone any further in exploring Zorin, but if I ever needed to do without Windows, Zorin would definitely be at the top of my list of options.

Re-format USB flash drive

Now that Zorin has been installed, you can reformat your USB drive to be able to reuse it... but please notice if you format it using Zorin (Linux thus) your USB stick won't work anymore under Windows.

If you already have formatted your stick using Zorin, you'll have to start the diskpart utility in a DOS console.

Plug in your USB drive
Press Win+R, type diskpart, and hit Enter
3
In the Diskpart window, execute these commands
- list disk to show the list of disks you have
- select disk X (replace X with your USB’s number). Don't select disk 0, it's your hard drive. Most probably your USB stick will be disk 1 but check more than once! before pressing Enter
- clean to remove everything on the stick
- create partition primary to create a primary partition
- format fs=ntfs quick to format the stick using NTFS file system
- assign to assign a drive letter to the stick
- finally run exit to quit the diskpart utility

Now, the stick will be recognized again by Windows.

To get more information about Zorin and its latest version: Zorin OS 18 Has Arrived.

This article is part of the WSL2 - Install, move and use it series:

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