Zorin OS 18.1 Arrives With Fit and Finish Improvements Throughout

Zorin OS 18 has been incredibly successful, with over 3.3 million downloads of the Linux distribution. And so Zorin is following that up with Zorin OS 18.1, which adds new features, improved hardware support, and more user experience polish.

“We’re thrilled to launch Zorin OS 18.1, just six months after the release of Zorin OS 18 and over 3.3 million downloads later,” Zorin notes in its announcement. “you’ll get an even better computing experience, whether you’re an existing Zorin OS user or you’re starting to make the switch from Windows.”

Here’s what’s new.

More Windows app alternative suggestions. One of Zorin’s key features for switchers is a built-in database that detects installers for popular Windows apps and then recommends Linux-native alternatives. That database has grown by over 40 percent in 18.1 and it now supports over 240 apps.

Desktop improvements. Zorin 18.1 introduces a new Advanced Window Tiling feature, while the panel (taskbar) supports right-to-left languages and there are new Tray Icons in the Panel options. There are also low-level improvements that make the OS faster and smoother.

LibreOffice 26.2. Zorin OS 18.1 includes the latest version of the LibreOffice office productivity suite, noting that it offers even better compatibility with Microsoft Office/365 documents, Markdown support, connector shape objects in Calc and Writer, and performance and other improvements.

Updated in-box apps. Zorin supports Flatpak, AppImage, and Snap app package formats and it has updated many of the apps that it bundles in the OS.

Lite edition. Previously, Zorin OS Lite, which is designed for older and low-end PCs, was stuck on the 17.x codebase, but it’s back with 18.1. It provides the XFCE 4.20 desktop environment, a redesigned file manager app, fingerprint reader support, updated desktop themes, web app integration, and other features found in the Core and Pro versions of Zorin OS.

Improved compatibility and security. Zorin OS 18.1 is powered by the Linux 6.17 kernel, which provides improved hardware drivers for Nvidia, Intel, and AMD graphics cards, ThinkPad and Galaxy Book laptops, Apple input devices like the Magic Mouse 2 and Touch Bar, more game controllers (including the PS5 controller), and gaming handheld PCs. It also features the latest security patches.

Zorin OS 18.1 will be supported with software updates and security fixes until June 2029. If you’re already using Zorin OS 18, you can update directly from the Software Updater now. If you’re on Zorin 17, Zorin offers an upgrade guide. All Zorin OS product versions can be downloaded from the Zorin website and you can also get Zorin OS 18.1 preinstalled on a new PC.

I’ve been using Zorin OS 18.1 for the past week in near-final form and will publish a write-up soon. But it’s been overwhelmingly positive.