Linux-based Zorin OS has achieved an unprecedented milestone of over 1 million downloads in just five weeks, with 78% of those coming from Windows systems. The latest release, Zorin OS 18, boasts a user-friendly interface that mirrors both Windows and MacOS designs, making it appealing to users migrating from Windows 10. This distribution aims to accommodate Windows users by providing built-in web-app integration, OneDrive file-system integration, and improved compatibility with existing software.
The surge in interest comes as Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10 and pushed Windows 11, leading many users to explore alternative operating systems. While Linux is not on the verge of overtaking Windows on the desktop, distributions like Zorin OS are shifting the trajectory, making traditional barriers weaker than they have been since Windows 95.
The developers attribute the success to their distribution’s focus on user-friendliness and compatibility. Zorin OS 18 includes features such as faster performance, improved window tiling, and a redesigned interface that caters to both power users and those new to Linux. The distribution also offers quality-of-life improvements, including Search Everywhere functionality, RDP remote-login support, and enhanced audio capabilities.
As the Windows user base continues to weigh their options amidst Microsoft’s aggressive push for Windows 11, Zorin OS is poised to capitalize on this shift. With its emphasis on compatibility, integration, and performance, this Linux distribution has become an attractive alternative for those looking to escape the limitations of Windows 10.
Source: https://www.tomshardware.com/software/linux/in-the-wake-of-windows-10-eol-over-780-000-windows-users-skip-11-for-linux-says-zorin-os-developers-distro-hits-unprecedented-1-million-downloads-in-five-weeks