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Winsage
April 19, 2026

Zorin OS 18.1 adds guided migrations, stronger app compatibility and wider hardware support, making switching from Windows far more practical for millions [clone]

Zorin OS has released version 18.1, enhancing hardware compatibility and introducing fingerprint reader support for older devices. The update recommends native Linux alternatives when detecting Windows applications, making it easier for users transitioning from Windows. Since the end of support for Windows 10, Zorin OS has gained popularity, reaching 3.3 million downloads. The update supports over 240 Windows applications, suggesting compatible Linux versions, and includes improvements to desktop features and pre-installed applications. Zorin Lite has also been updated to version 17.3 with fingerprint reader support and a redesigned File Manager. Meanwhile, Windows 11 is facing challenges in adoption due to hardware requirements and design issues, prompting discussions about the potential need for Windows 12. Alternative operating systems like Zorin OS are becoming more appealing to users dissatisfied with Windows.
Linux promises freedom from Windows, but it demands something harder in return
Winsage
April 18, 2026

Linux promises freedom from Windows, but it demands something harder in return

The author has over two decades of experience with Linux, initially using it on a netbook during postgraduate studies. Linux is seen as a viable alternative to Windows, though its market share growth is slow. Recent gains in Linux's desktop market share are attributed to dissatisfaction with Windows, particularly due to unpopular AI features and disruptive updates from Microsoft. The increasing compatibility of Windows games with Linux has also helped. Linux addresses some issues associated with Windows, such as the absence of advertising and telemetry, and offers greater control over installations, which can improve performance on older hardware. However, users may face challenges with the variety of Linux distributions, leading to confusion and decision fatigue. Transitioning to Linux requires significant time and effort, as users must navigate a fragmented landscape without centralized support.
"Over 3.3 million downloads": This Linux alternative to Windows 11 is winning over Microsoft's customers with a huge update
Winsage
April 17, 2026

“Over 3.3 million downloads”: This Linux alternative to Windows 11 is winning over Microsoft’s customers with a huge update

Zorin OS, a Linux-based operating system, launched late last year alongside Microsoft's decision to end support for Windows 10 on October 14, leading to approximately 780,000 users migrating to Linux and a surge in Zorin OS downloads to 1 million. Three months later, Zorin OS 18 was released, increasing downloads to 2 million, and six months post-launch, total downloads reached 3.3 million. The latest version, Zorin OS 18.1, includes new features and improved hardware support, expanding its database to support over 240 Windows applications. Zorin Lite has also been updated to version 17.3, designed for older computers, featuring support for fingerprint readers and a redesigned File Manager. Meanwhile, Windows 11 has struggled with adoption due to strict hardware requirements but is gaining traction after the end-of-life status of Windows 10. Microsoft is working to improve user sentiment around Windows 11 by allowing users to bypass updates during setup and reintroducing features like a movable Taskbar. Some experts suggest that Microsoft should focus on developing Windows 12 instead of enhancing Windows 11, as significant improvements may require more drastic changes. Alternative operating systems like Zorin OS are becoming increasingly appealing to users dissatisfied with Windows.
Optimize Windows 11 with these 8 settings tweaks
Winsage
April 1, 2026

Optimize Windows 11 with these 8 settings tweaks

Windows 11 holds a 62% share of the global Windows desktop market as of January 2026. Users can access the Settings menu by clicking the Start menu and typing "Settings." The Title bar shake feature, which minimizes all open windows when the mouse is jiggled while dragging a window, can be disabled under System > Multitasking. Users can end a task directly from the taskbar by enabling the feature in System > Advanced > End Task. The Start menu can be customized under Personalization > Start to feature more pinned applications and folder icons for frequently accessed directories. The Widgets feature can be disabled under Personalization > Taskbar. To clean up automatic startup applications, users should visit Apps > Startup and disable unnecessary applications. Accessibility settings allow users to increase screen scaling, adjust text size, restore the traditional scrollbar, customize mouse pointer size, and enable the Mouse indicator feature. Privacy can be enhanced by disabling ad tracking in Privacy & security > General. Windows Update settings can be optimized for multiple devices by adjusting Delivery Optimization under Windows Update > Advanced Options.
Windows 11's growth has officially hit a brick wall — and users appear to be fleeing back to Windows 10
Winsage
January 27, 2026

Windows 11’s growth has officially hit a brick wall — and users appear to be fleeing back to Windows 10

Windows 11's global desktop market share declined from 55.18% in October 2025 to 50.73% by December 2025. The operating system faced technical issues, including a problematic Patch Tuesday that affected users' ability to run applications and shut down devices. Microsoft's decision to allow the FBI access to BitLocker encryption keys has eroded user trust. Additionally, increasing advertisements and a push towards AI integration have led to dissatisfaction among users. Complaints about Windows 11 have spread from niche forums to mainstream channels, with critics noting a disconnect between new hardware capabilities and the operating system's performance.
Windows 11 growth slows as millions stick with Windows 10
Winsage
December 3, 2025

Windows 11 growth slows as millions stick with Windows 10

By November 2025, Windows 11 held 53.7 percent of the Windows desktop market, while Windows 10 had 42.7 percent. Statcounter's data is based on a sample of around 1.5 million websites. Many consumers have devices incompatible with upgrades or prefer not to change functioning systems. In the EU, consumers benefit from free Microsoft Extended Security Updates (ESU). Businesses face slow change management processes due to poor planning and resource challenges. Organizations use ESUs to maintain security during transitions, but costs can be burdensome for unprepared businesses. Consumers often retain older Windows 10 machines for secondary tasks, affecting usage statistics. Organizations strategically leverage ESUs for mission-critical systems and budget constraints. The cost of ESUs is often less than the potential disruptions from migration. Windows 11 lacks compelling features to prompt enterprises to upgrade, and adoption is slower than previous operating systems, lagging by 10-12 points according to Dell's COO.
Why people keep flocking to Linux in 2025 (and it's not just to escape Windows)
Winsage
November 28, 2025

Why people keep flocking to Linux in 2025 (and it’s not just to escape Windows)

The Linux desktop has seen a rise in popularity, attributed to user distrust in Microsoft Windows, particularly as Windows 10 nears the end of its support life. Zorin OS 18 achieved 1 million downloads in its first month, with 78% from Windows users. Linux desktop market share increased from 1.5% in 2020 to over 4% in 2024, with a peak of over 5% in the US by 2025. The current US figure shows Linux at 3.49%, while the "unknown" category accounts for 4.21%, suggesting many could be running Linux. ChromeOS, a Linux variant, has a market share of 3.67%, bringing the total Linux desktop market share to approximately 11.37%. When including Android, Linux's presence rises to 41.71% in the US and 72.55% globally. The Digital Analytics Program reports a 5.8% market share for Linux desktops, up from 0.67% a decade ago, with a total of 23.3% when including Chrome OS and Android for government site access. Windows 10 holds a 16.9% market share, while Windows 11 is at 13.5%. Factors driving Linux adoption include Microsoft's shift to cloud services, improved gaming capabilities, better usability, hardware compatibility, and concerns about privacy. Approximately 25% of Windows 10 PCs cannot upgrade to Windows 11, with 26% of users planning to continue using Windows 10 post-support. Digital sovereignty is becoming important for users outside the US, with European governments seeking alternatives to Microsoft, leading to increased exploration of Linux solutions.
Nearly 1 billion PCs remain on Windows 10 — Has Windows 11 adoption hit a wall?
Winsage
November 27, 2025

Nearly 1 billion PCs remain on Windows 10 — Has Windows 11 adoption hit a wall?

Windows 10 reached the end of its support in October, with approximately 1 billion PCs still using it. During Dell's Q3 earnings call, COO Jeffrey Clarke mentioned that about 500 million PCs are capable of running Windows 11 but haven't been upgraded, while another 500 million are too old to upgrade. A study from July indicated that around 50% of all PCs were still on Windows 10, and Windows 11 only surpassed Windows 10 in market share in June. Microsoft provided a year of free security updates for Windows 10, which may have slowed the transition to Windows 11. A developer from Zorin OS reported that around 780,000 users switched from Windows 10 to their Linux distribution since support ended. Microsoft Windows lead Pavan Davuluri stated that nearly 1 billion users currently rely on Windows 11, with the potential for this number to double if hardware requirements are reconsidered or upgrades are encouraged.
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