Zorin OS 18.1 released - and the Lite edition reappears • The Register

Zorin OS 18.1 has arrived, marking the first point release in the company's Ubuntu Noble-based series. This update brings the distribution up to date with Ubuntu 24.04.4, including kernel 6.17 from the Ubuntu Questing Quokka release, while adding its own enhancements on top of the core OS components.

Among the notable improvements, Zorin OS 18.1 offers broader hardware support and better performance thanks to updated components from the upstream Ubuntu LTS enablement stack. The desktop environment remains GNOME 46.7 but with significant customization through 27 separate GNOME extensions, including the company-sponsored Dash-to-Panel extension. Users will find improved window tiling with more layout options and the ability to bring groups of related windows to the front with a single click.

The panel has also received attention, now offering layouts aimed at right-to-left scripts such as Arabic and Hebrew, which reverse the order of components. Status icons can be toggled on and off, providing users with greater control over their desktop experience.

One of Zorin OS's standout features is its handling of Windows applications. The desktop environment attempts to identify Windows downloads and suggests native Linux alternatives where available. If no native version exists, it recommends suitable replacements or offers to install WINE 10 to run the Windows application. This release expands the list of supported Windows applications by 40 percent, making it even more accessible for users transitioning from Windows.

A significant development in this release is the return of Zorin OS Lite. When version 18 launched last year, only the GNOME edition received an update, leaving the Xfce-based Lite edition behind at the Ubuntu Jammy-based Zorin OS 17.3. With 18.1, the Xfce edition rejoins its GNOME-based siblings: the free Core and Education editions and the paid-for Zorin OS Pro.

The new Zorin OS 18.1 Lite uses Xfce 4.20, released at the end of 2024. This is notably newer than what's included in Ubuntu 24.04 "Noble Numbat," which still offers Xfce 4.18. The return of the Lite edition is welcome for several reasons. First, there's a growing appreciation for Xfce among users who value its balance of excellent functionality, rich customization, a measured release cycle, and relatively low resource usage. Second, Zorin OS Lite demonstrates that Xfce doesn't have to look dull or old-fashioned – in this incarnation, it looks almost identical to the flagship GNOME edition, with bright, high-contrast themes and attractive wallpapers.

However, there's a bittersweet aspect to this return. Zorin OS has announced plans to "sunset" the Lite edition, with future Zorin OS 19.x releases planned to be GNOME-only. The company notes that it's now possible to run non-Lite editions of Zorin OS on computers with as little as 2 GB of RAM and on machines as old as 15 years. This is a fair point – even 2008 hardware can now run GNOME well. However, the Lite edition still faces hardware compatibility issues with older Nvidia GPUs that require legacy drivers (470 or older), which probably won't work with Zorin OS Lite 18.1 except via the generic Nouveau driver.

The three free editions – Lite, Core, and Education – are fairly similar in their offerings. Lite uses Xfce, while Core and Education use GNOME. All provide a choice of Windows or GNOME-like layouts through the easy-to-use Zorin Appearance app. They include standard Linux applications such as the Brave browser, media and image handling tools, and extras like Zorin Connect for smartphone integration. The paid Pro version bundles additional FOSS applications in Flatpak form, multiple desktop layouts, and customer support for $47.99 (or equivalent in euros or pounds).

In the broader landscape of Windows alternatives, Zorin OS competes with Linux Mint. Zorin OS goes further in making Windows migrants feel at home, offering more tools to customize the desktop and a brighter appearance theme, though it offers fewer desktop choices. Conversely, Linux Mint provides a choice of desktops (all with Windows-like layouts) and easier system-maintenance tools but lacks special measures for Windows app installation. While all versions of Linux Mint are free, Zorin OS offers a paid Pro edition.

Linux Mint recently announced a slower release schedule, with version 23 "Alfa" not expected until Christmas 2026. This will be based on the upcoming Ubuntu "Resolute" and will include Wayland support with screensavers. The mainstream Ubuntu-based Mint and Linux Mint Debian Edition will also converge somewhat, sharing the same installation program. This slower release cycle may bring Mint's lifecycle closer to Zorin's, which could be beneficial for users who prefer stability over frequent updates.

Zorin OS 18.1 represents a solid update that balances the needs of both new Linux users and those seeking a Windows-like experience. While the future of the Lite edition remains uncertain, its return in this release provides users with more options and showcases the versatility of the Xfce desktop environment. For anyone still searching for a replacement for Windows 10, Zorin OS 18.1 offers a compelling alternative that continues to evolve and improve with each release.