Why this Linux distro is my new favorite Windows replacement

I’ve had a great deal of respect for Zorin OS — and the team behind this Linux distribution — for a very long time. This distro not only looks great, but it’s flexible and offers a Pro version with even more options.

Before the release of Zorin OS 17.3, I placed the distribution in my top five options for those looking to migrate from Windows. With the release of 17.3, I’d put it right at the top.

Why? Four reasons:

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1. The familiarity of it all

First, the Zorin OS team didn’t change the UI. You still get an elegant desktop environment that can be quickly reconfigured with the help of the Zorin Appearances app. You can go from a very Windows-like UI to a more traditional Linux desktop. You can also upgrade to the Pro version ($47.99), which gets you six additional layouts (one of which is a very cool MacOS-like desktop) and more.

Keeping things the same (or similar) over the years has been a good decision for Zorin OS because most users don’t like change. You only need to look at the history of both GNOME and KDE Plasma to see how major change can cause major upset.

But it’s not just about the familiarity. 

2. More alternatives

One of the things that Zorin OS has done is tailor and curate alternatives to more Windows apps, with more than 150 apps to suggest (over sideloading Windows executables with Wine). For example, if I download the Obsidian Windows .exe app and go to run it on Zorin OS, I get two choices: Install Windows App Support (Wine) or Install Obsidian. If I click Install Obsidian, it’ll go directly to the app store, where I can click Install to add the app from Flathub.

If I try the same thing with Notepad++ (a Windows-specific app), Zorin OS suggests that I install Notepad Next.

That feature alone lifts Zorin OS to the top of the list. Why? Because those new to Linux might not yet understand that they can’t just download an .exe file, double-click it, and walk through the Windows app installer. To use Windows apps on Linux requires the additional app support (again, Wine) and Zorin OS even offers to install that (if you’d like to stick with the actual Windows app).

That’s an important feature. With Zorin OS curating more than 150 such apps, new users can still work with the familiar tools they need (or reasonable facsimiles). 

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3. A new default browser

For the longest time, Zorin OS used Firefox as its default browser. However, the Zorin team no longer feels Firefox aligns with its commitment to protecting privacy. Therefore, Zorin OS now defaults to Brave. According to the official Zorin OS blog, they like Brave for several privacy-related reasons:

• Shields against trackers and fingerprinting to protect you from online surveillance.
• Offers private browsing powered by Tor for enhanced anonymity.
• Has a built-in ad blocker for a cleaner and more intentional browsing experience.
• Automatically blocks third-party cookies and cookie banners.

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4. All these other improvements

The Zorin OS has tweaked the default settings in Brave a bit to improve the user experience. To do this, they not only made some specific customizations in Settings, but also streamlined the feature set and integrated its UI to better fit with the Zorin OS desktop.

Other changes/additions for Zorin OS 17.3 include:

• Upgrades to Zorin Connect include a redesigned mobile app.
• Improved support for touchscreen devices.
• Updated tons of apps.
• Improved security and hardware compatibility.
• The usual bug fixes and performance improvements.

All of this comes together to make what I believe is the ideal Linux distribution for those looking to migrate away from Windows. If you don’t believe me, I highly recommend downloading an ISO of Zorin OS Core (the free version), installing it, using it, and then upgrading to the Pro version for the added layouts (and supporting the development of this fine OS). The installation will take about five minutes (even when installed as a virtual machine).

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After using Zorin OS 17.3 for a few days, I conclude that this distribution is about as good as it currently gets. Zorin OS is equal parts anchored to the past and tethered to the future. It’s everything you know and all the things you need.

Over the years, I’ve suggested several Linux distributions for those wanting to cut ties with Microsoft, but I have to say, with the release of Zorin OS 17.3, I’ve found the best of the best for those looking at a soon-to-be no longer supported Windows 10.