Zorin OS 16 is based on Ubuntu 20.04.2 LTS and comes equipped with the Linux 5.11 kernel. The distro uses a customised version of GNOME Shell 3.38 for its desktop interface, and is pre-populated with a plethora of apps, tools, and programmes.


Zorin OS 16 is also supported with software updates and security patches until April 2025.


In this post we run-through Zorin OS 16’s new features and key changes, give you details on the available versions, and show you where to download a copy so you can try it out for yourself.


I will say that if you’re new to Zorin OS then you’re for a treat!



Zorin OS is the alternative to Windows and macOS designed to make your computer faster, more powerful, secure, and privacy-respecting.

Zorin OS is designed to be easy, so you don't need to learn anything to get started. The Zorin Appearance app lets you change the desktop layout to feel like the environment you're familiar with, whether it's Windows, macOS, or Linux.

Zorin OS also feels faster in use — though this is a subjective opinion based on my experience of it on my setups, it’s not something I’ve benchmarked

Zorin OS is one of the most underrated Linux distros out there, Ubuntu-based or otherwise. I think the paid-for “pro” version is what leads a lot of people to overlook it (no matter your stance on the issue most people expect Linux distros to be free).


Usually I test the standard free version of Zorin OS when I write up release overview, this time I opted for the paid version because, call me curious, I wanted to see whether the entrance fee — $39, which is more than the $20 default amount elementary OS’s pay-what-you-want form defaults to — is worth it.


For Windows leavers and the less tech inclined Zorin OS 16 Pro will have an appeal. It gives you everything you need to compute out of the box, raring to go, no further set-up requires. Plus, the additional desktop layouts included in Pro could provide a a comfort blanket to some Windows users (though the regular desktop layout is pretty ‘familiar’ already).


But for most Zorin OS 16 Core (aka at the ‘free’ version) should suffice. The missing desktop layouts aren’t better than the default (and can be ‘created’ by installing a few GNOME extensions) so don’t feel absent, and the pared down collection of installed software is (personally) preferred too — I like to install the apps I use.

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