The latest version of Zorin OS, 18.1, has been officially released, marking the first point release of Zorin OS 18. The new update comes six months after the initial launch, with a remarkable 3.3 million downloads of the previous version.
Zorin OS 18.1 builds upon the stable foundation of Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, introducing several desktop enhancements, software updates, and a new kernel derived from Canonical’s recent Hardware Enablement (HWE) stack. A notable addition is the Zorin OS Lite edition, designed to cater to older, less powerful hardware by employing a customized Xfce desktop environment instead of the standard GNOME Shell utilized by the main edition.
Users currently on Zorin OS 18 can easily transition to the 18.1 version through the Software Updater or by executing an apt update command. For users still on Zorin OS 17, a dedicated upgrade tool is available in the Zorin Menu to facilitate a smooth upgrade without the need to reinstall.
Highlights of Zorin OS 18.1
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Enhanced Window Tiling: This version improves the Advanced Window Tiling feature introduced in 18.0, allowing users to reorder tiling layouts and efficiently manage tiled windows across their active apps.
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Improved User Interface: A new option to hide tray icons has been added in the settings, helping users keep a tidy panel. Additionally, the desktop panel now supports right-to-left scripts for languages like Arabic and Hebrew.
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Updated Software: Zorin OS 18.1 ships with LibreOffice 26.2, which enhances compatibility with Microsoft Office files and introduces new features, including support for Markdown.
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Expanded App Recommendations: The built-in suggestion database for Windows applications has been significantly enhanced, covering over 240 alternatives for common Windows software, making it easier for users transitioning from Windows.
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Launch of Zorin OS Lite: The Lite edition, now available with Xfce 4.20, is tailored for low-spec devices and includes features such as a restructured file manager, fingerprint reader support, and an updated visual theme.
Users can download Zorin OS 18.1 from the official downloads page where the Core edition is available for free. The Pro edition, priced around £48, unlocks additional desktop layouts and preinstalled software while also supporting the development of the distribution.
Both editions of Zorin OS 18.1 will continue to receive updates and security patches until at least April 2029, ideal for users looking for stable ongoing support.