Today, the Zorin OS team announced the general availability for public testing of the beta version of the upcoming Zorin OS 18 release, which promises new and exciting features, a fresh new look, and more.
New Features and Enhancements
Zorin OS 18 introduces a refreshed default theme characterized by a floating panel with a rounded style that harmonizes with the overall system aesthetics. Among the standout features is a new workspace indicator and a powerful window tiling manager designed to enhance productivity. Additionally, a built-in Web Apps tool simplifies the process of installing and using favorite applications.
According to the Zorin OS developers, “The Web Apps tool can integrate with any popular web browser as a back-end and allows you to customize the experience within each web app.” This functionality enables users to run widely-used applications such as MS Office/365, Teams, Google Docs, and Adobe Photoshop directly from their desktop, creating a seamless workflow.
Enhanced Integration and Migration Support
In a significant move for users transitioning from Windows, Zorin OS 18 now includes OneDrive file integration within the built-in Online Accounts feature. By signing into an MS 365 account, users can easily access their files, making it a practical choice for those planning to migrate from Windows 10, which will cease support after October 14, 2025. The operating system also enhances the detection of installer files for popular Windows applications.
The Zorin OS team elaborated, “If you’re migrating from Windows, this means you’ll get tailored guidance on how to get the most compatible versions of your favorite apps in Zorin OS. It’s another reason why Zorin OS is the ideal choice for Windows users making the switch.”
Technical Specifications
At its core, Zorin OS 18 is built on Ubuntu 24.04.3 LTS (Noble Numbat) and is powered by Linux kernel 6.14, which is expected to enhance hardware compatibility. The operating system also features the PipeWire audio server backend by default, promising improved sound quality and reduced latency.
The beta version of Zorin OS 18 is currently available for download from the official website. However, potential users are advised that this is a pre-release version, which may contain bugs or incomplete features, and should not be used for production work. The final release of Zorin OS 18 is anticipated in the coming weeks.
