Zorin OS

Jan 15, 2026

Introduction

An operating system (OS) is the fundamental software that enables a computer to function: it manages hardware, software, security and the user interface.

Zorin OS is a Linux distribution designed specifically to ease the transition from Windows, while offering the benefits of open source software: security, stability, privacy and performance.

Based on Ubuntu LTS, Zorin OS combines high software compatibility with a familiar, customizable interface, making it a credible and accessible alternative to Windows.

Why Zorin OS?

Interface familiar**: Windows-like appearance (start menu, taskbar)
Easy transition**: designed for users coming from Windows
Enhanced security**: Linux architecture, less exposed to viruses
Respect for privacy**: no intrusive data collection
Optimized performance**: works well on modest machines
Ubuntu LTS** base: stability, regular updates and broad compatibility
Advanced personalization**: via the Zorin Appearance tool.

Installation and configuration

1. Prerequisites

Equipment required:

A USB key of at least 8 GB (12 GB recommended);
A computer with at least 25 GB of free disk space
Internet connection (recommended).

2. Download Zorin OS

Visit the official website: https://zorin.com/os

Choose Zorin OS Core (free version recommended)

Download ISO image

Zorin OS also offers :

Zorin OS Lite** (older computers)
Zorin OS Pro** (fee-based, with advanced features and support)

Creating a bootable USB key

You can use several tools, such as Balena Etcher :

Download and install Balena Etcher.
Open Balena Etcher, then select the Zorin ISO image.
Select USB key as destination media.
Click Flash and wait for the process to finish.

Key booting and BIOS access

Switch off the computer on which you wish to install Zorin OS, then plug in the USB key.

When your computer starts up, access the BIOS (ESC, F9 or F11 depending on the brand) and select the USB key as the boot device, then press Enter to start the boot process.

On startup, select Try or Install Zorin OS.

If you have an NVIDIA graphics card, select Try or Install Zorin OS (modern NVIDIA drivers).
Please wait while the files are checked.

In the Zorin OS installer, select the language French then click on Install Zorin OS.

Select keyboard layout.

Check the boxes Download updates during Zorin OS installation and Install third-party software for graphics and Wi-Fi hardware and additional media formats.

To install Zorin OS on the entire disk: select Erase disk and install Zorin OS.

To install Zorin OS alongside Windows (dual-boot) :

Select Install Zorin OS next to Windows Boot Manager.

If you haven't partitioned your disk, select the disk space you wish to allocate to Zorin OS, then click on Install now.

Confirm the changes on the disc twice.

Select the geographical area Paris.

Create your user account and give your computer a name.

Please wait while Zorin OS installs.

Once installation is complete, click on Restart Now.

Remove the USB installation key and press Enter.

Discovering and using Zorin OS

First start-up

When you start your computer, you'll be taken to GRUB - the Linux boot manager. By default, Zorin OS is selected; after 30 seconds, it starts automatically.

If you have installed Zorin OS as a dual-boot with Windows, you can boot to Windows by selecting Windows Boot Manager.

On first startup, the Welcome to Zorin OS application is launched to help you discover your new operating system.

Update the system

The Update Manager will soon open to let you know that updates are available. Install them by clicking on the Install now button.

You can manually check for updates in the Software > Updates application:

Personalization

The first thing to do in Zorin OS is to choose the desktop layout you're most comfortable with. You'll find layouts similar to those found on Windows (and even more so with the Pro version).

To do this, open Zorin Appareance > Type :

Then open Settings to customize your system:

**Sound - Settings - Zorin OS

**Online accounts - Settings - Zorin OS

Applications

There are several ways to install applications:

Software**, the Zorin OS application store. Applications come from several sources: apt, Flatpak and Snap.

apt** install (command line) :

sudo apt install gparted

For more information on installing applications in Zorin OS, see this page: Install Apps (zorin.com).

Windows applications

To install Windows applications, start by installing the zorin-windows-app-support package via Terminal :

sudo apt install zorin-windows-app-support

For a list of compatible Windows applications and their compatibility levels, see the [Wine Application Database] page (https://appdb.winehq.org/). There you'll find the following badges, corresponding to the level of compatibility (from best to worst): Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze and Garbage.

To install a Windows .exe or .msi application, you have two options:

Open PlayOnLinux and click on the Install button to browse compatible applications and games.

Double-click on the application's .exe or .msi file and let the installation program guide you.

Conclusion and additional resources

Zorin OS is a solid, affordable alternative to Windows, combining simplicity, security and privacy.

It enables a smooth transition to Linux, without sacrificing comfort or productivity.

To further protect your digital life, we recommend using privacy-friendly services, especially for encrypted communication:

Proton MailSetting up a secure mailbox

Did this work well for you?

Author

This tutorial has been written by Béni-Christ

You can say thanks by tipping the professor.

Béni-Christ

8Tutorials

Hello! I am a frontend developer, with a curious mind and a passion for learning. Since 2024, I have been interested in finance, blockchain, and Bitcoin. Now, I want to take the next step: sharing my knowledge and contributing to projects that connect technology and education.

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