Zorin OS: what it is, who it’s for, and how to install it (including dual-boot with Windows)

What is Zorin OS

Zorin OS is a desktop Linux distribution based on Ubuntu LTS. It brings a stable base, long-term support, and the custom Zorin Desktop environment that looks modern while feeling familiar to Windows or macOS users (you can switch layouts). This makes the transition from other systems easier.

Who Zorin OS is for

• Beginners and everyday users – web, email, video, documents, photos, music.
• Switchers from Windows – familiar controls, simple setup, sensible defaults and apps.
• Older and newer hardware – Lite edition runs well on low-end machines; Core/Pro for modern PCs/laptops.
• Home and office – Ubuntu LTS stability, easy updates, Flatpak/Snap support.

Key features & benefits

• Zorin Appearance – switchable layouts (Windows-like, macOS-like, GNOME-style, etc.).
• Preinstalled apps – office (LibreOffice), browser, multimedia, core tools.
• Software via Flathub/Snap/apt – huge catalog including VS Code, GIMP, Steam, and more.
• Easy driver management – Additional Drivers tool (proprietary GPU, Wi-Fi chipsets, etc.).
• Long-term support – secure Ubuntu LTS foundation and updates.
• Editions: Core / Lite / Pro – choose by device performance and desired features/look.

Pre-install checklist (recommended)

1. Download the Zorin OS ISO from the official site (choose Core/Lite/Pro as needed).
2. Optionally verify integrity – check the ISO’s SHA256.
3. Prepare an 8–16 GB USB flash drive (it will be erased).
4. Create free disk space for Linux (at least 30–60 GB; ideally 80+ GB for comfort).

Create the installer USB

Windows: use Rufus – select the Zorin ISO, target USB, GPT partition scheme, target system UEFI (non-CSM), then write.

Linux/macOS/Windows: balenaEtcher – select ISO → USB → Flash. Alternative: Ventoy (copy the ISO onto a Ventoy USB).

Install on a clean disk (single-boot)

1. Set USB as the first boot device in BIOS/UEFI (UEFI mode).
2. Boot “Try or Install Zorin OS” (you can explore the live session).
3. Double-click Install Zorin OS → choose language, keyboard layout, Wi-Fi.
4. Installation type: “Erase disk and install Zorin OS” (warning: erases the entire disk). For manual partitioning, see below.
5. Create your user, select timezone, start the installation, and reboot when finished.

Install as dual-boot with Windows 10/11 (recommended path)

1) Prepare Windows

1. Back up important data.
2. Disable Fast Startup (see above).
3. If you use BitLocker, go to Settings → Update & Security → Device encryption/BitLocker and Pause protection.
4. Shrink the Windows partition:
   • Press Win+X → Disk Management.
   • Right-click OS (C:) → Shrink Volume… → free up e.g. 60–150 GB for Linux.
   • This creates Unallocated space (leave it empty).
5. Shut down Windows fully (don’t hibernate/fast sleep).

2) Boot the Zorin OS installer from USB (UEFI)

1. Select the USB (UEFI) in your boot menu. Choose “Try or Install Zorin OS”.
2. In the installer, select language, network, and optionally Install multimedia codecs.

3) Partitioning (manual “Something else” recommended)

The installer may offer “Install alongside Windows” – the simplest route. If you want full control, choose “Something else” and set up manually:

• EFI System Partition (ESP) – already exists from Windows (≈100–300 MB, FAT32). Do not create a new one, do not format; just “mount” as /boot/efi.
• root – new partition in the free space: ext4, mount /, size at least 30–60 GB (preferably 60–100+ GB).
• home (optional) – separate ext4 partition for user data, mount /home (e.g. 50–500+ GB).
• swap – Zorin/Ubuntu can use a swap file automatically. If you prefer a swap partition, create ~1–8 GB depending on RAM/hibernation.

4) Bootloader location

Ensure the bootloader installation target is the main disk (e.g. /dev/nvme0n1) — not a specific partition — so GRUB integrates with existing UEFI.

5) Finish up

1. Start the install and wait until it completes.
2. Reboot. In BIOS/UEFI you may need to adjust boot order so the Ubuntu/Zorin entry (GRUB) is first.
3. In the GRUB menu you’ll see Zorin OS and Windows Boot Manager.
4. After confirming both boot, re-enable BitLocker if you use it.

After installation

• System updates: open Software Updater or in Terminal:

  sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

• Drivers: Settings → Devices → Additional Drivers (GPU/NIC).
• Flathub (recommended for apps): enable in Software → Software Repositories (Flathub), then install e.g. Spotify, Discord, VS Code, etc.
• Codecs & media: if you skipped during install, add:

  sudo apt install ubuntu-restricted-extras

• Zorin Appearance: switch your preferred layout (panel bottom/top, Windows-like or macOS-like).
• Timeshift (system snapshots):

  sudo apt install timeshift

  Configure periodic snapshots before big upgrades.

• Steam / gaming (optional): install via Software (Flatpak/Snap/apt) and enable Proton for Windows game compatibility.

Troubleshooting