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ZDNET's key takeaways

• Zorin OS 18.1 is now available to install for free.
• There are many updates and plenty of polish.
• This latest release might be the best OS I've ever tried.

Back in 2025, I stated that Zorin OS 18 might be my new best Linux distro. Before that (in 2023), I called Zorin OS exactly what a desktop operating system should be.

Notice a pattern?

With each release, Zorin OS makes a very strong statement that it's the Linux distribution for users of all types. 

Zorin OS 18.1, released today, continues that trend to the point where I'm officially calling it the best Linux distribution on the market; not just for new users, not for experienced users -- for everyone. 

It won't take long after your first login to understand why I can make such a bold claim. Zorin OS 18.1 refines everything the developers have done to date, creating an operating system that is just so darn good.

Also: Linux Mint vs. Zorin OS: I've tried both Windows alternatives, and here's my winner

What makes this release of Zorin OS so good?

The new take on desktop choice

It all begins (as it usually does) with the desktop layout.

Prior to 18.1, when you first logged in to the Zorin desktop, you were presented with layout options. In the free version, there were four layouts, and in the pro version, there are 10 total.

In Zorin OS 18.1, that choice doesn't appear when you first log in. Instead, you are greeted by a rather KDE Plasma-like layout with only a bottom panel featuring a start menu, quick launchers, and a system tray. It's clean and effective.

For those who prefer a different layout, you can still open Zorin Appearance and select from the four free options (or upgrade to the Pro license and get six extra), but I believe most users (especially first-time users) will stick with the default.

Another killer feature is the Advanced Window Tiling. Although this isn't a new feature, it's certainly been polished for 18.1, and, man, is it sweet.

Also: How I speed up my Linux system for free while RAM prices are out of control

By default, when you launch an app, it opens as it normally would. However, if you hold down the Ctrl key while moving the window, you can tile it however you want. Essentially, this gives you an on-the-fly tiling window manager. 

You can also tile windows in the normal fashion (drag it to the left edge of the screen to tile to the left edge, etc.).

And let's not forget about Zorin OS's software suggestion feature. If you download a Windows installer (.exe), and double-click it, Zorin OS recognizes the application and suggests an open-source alternative. For example, if you download an Office 365 installer and double-click it, Zorin OS will suggest using the preinstalled LibreOffice office suite.

Although this feature has been around for a while, with 18.1, the number of supported apps is over 240.

The preinstalled software

For preinstalled applications, you get the likes of Brave browser, LibreOffice, Evolution (email/calendar/tasks/contacts), Remmina (remote desktop viewer), Rhythmbox (music player), Videos (video player), and more. 

Also: The best Linux distributions for beginners: Expert tested and reviewed

Naturally, you also get GNOME software, including a well-designed GUI app store with Flatpak support, so you can install even proprietary apps like Slack and Spotify.

Everything makes 18.01 so good

The more I use Zorin OS 18.1, the more I realize that it's not simply one or a handful of features that make it so good. What makes this release superior is that everything comes together to create a cohesive whole that most Linux distributions can't match.

Zorin OS surpasses all other operating systems by offering the best of everything: looks, feel, style, experience, simplicity, reliability, and completeness. I expect that nearly all types of users can install Zorin OS 18.1 and be productive immediately, feeling at home without making a single change.

It really is that good.

What has improved in 18.1

The short list looks like this:

• New tiling options
• The latest version of LibreOffice
• All apps updated
• A new Lite Edition for older hardware
• Improved security and compatibility

It may not be a massive list of updates, but all of them work in harmony, making you feel like every single aspect of the OS has improved.

Also: I'm a Linux power user, and this distro made me rethink what an operating system can be

If you're interested in installing Zorin OS 18.1, download the ISO image, burn it to a USB drive, boot it up, and install it.