A notable surge in interest for Zorin OS has been observed, with the Linux distribution achieving an impressive milestone of one million downloads within the past month. This remarkable uptick coincided with the release of Zorin OS 18, which launched on the same day Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10. The timing suggests a significant migration of users from the Windows ecosystem to this Linux alternative, although caution is warranted when interpreting these figures.
Record-Breaking Downloads
According to reports from Tom’s Hardware, the developers of Zorin OS proudly announced that their latest version garnered 100,000 downloads within just two days of its debut. In a recent blog post, they expressed their excitement, stating, “We’re thrilled to announce that Zorin OS 18 has amassed 1 million downloads in just over a month since its release, breaking all previous records.”
This influx of new users may be driven by individuals seeking alternatives to Windows 11, particularly those whose hardware does not meet the more demanding requirements of the newer operating system. Zorin OS is designed with these users in mind, offering a familiar desktop environment that eases the transition for those accustomed to Windows.
Notably, the ‘Lite’ version of Zorin has been recognized as an optimal choice for users with older PCs, potentially accounting for a substantial portion of the recent influx of defectors. While the immediate future of these new users remains uncertain, Zorin OS is certainly capitalizing on the recent changes in the Windows landscape.
It is important to note that despite the end of support for Windows 10, Microsoft will continue to offer extended support until October 2026, allowing users additional time to transition. However, the current momentum experienced by Zorin OS may pose a challenge for Microsoft as it navigates this evolving market.
As the trend of users exploring alternative operating systems continues, it will be intriguing to observe whether other Linux distributions will report similar growth in user adoption in the coming months.
