Zorin OS : the meteoric rise of the Linux distribution after the end of Windows 10

Since the scheduled end of Windows 10 support, a massive wave of users is gradually leaving Microsoft to turn towards more flexible alternatives that better meet their expectations. Among these alternatives, Zorin OS stands out as the most popular Linux distribution, attracting a growing number of users seeking a performant, secure, and accessible system. In 2026, this migration is reflected in impressive numbers: over 2 million downloads in less than three months, with more than three quarters coming from former Windows users. This spectacular success reflects a profound change in how individuals and professionals perceive their operating system, as the constraints related to Windows 11 – notably its strict hardware requirements – push towards open alternatives.

Founded in 2008 by the Zorin brothers, this Irish project based on Ubuntu has invested in an intuitive user interface, capable of visually adapting to Windows or macOS to facilitate the transition. Zorin OS does not just offer an aesthetic alternative: it also guarantees a smooth, secure experience focused on respecting privacy by avoiding any intrusive telemetry or integrated advertising. This inclusive and intelligent approach has built a strong Linux community around this distribution, motivated by performance and open source.

Thus, faced with the growing complexity of Windows and increasing concerns about IT security, Zorin OS appears in 2026 as the reference for millions of users ready to regain full control over their computers. This radical transformation of the IT landscape invites a better understanding of the reasons for this success and the characteristics that make Zorin OS the most effective and attractive Windows alternative currently available.

Zorin OS: a Linux distribution designed to attract Windows users after the end of Windows 10

The true springboard for Zorin OS’s success is its ability to attract users puzzled by the end of Windows 10 support. In 2025, Microsoft imposed new requirements, notably the necessity of a TPM 2.0 chip, indispensable for accessing Windows 11, which rendered millions of perfectly functional machines obsolete. This situation trapped many users in a technical and financial dead end, as hardware upgrades were not always feasible.

It is in this context that the Irish Linux distribution was able to take advantage of this loophole. Based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, Zorin OS primarily targets novice or transitioning users, avoiding the traditional technical entry barrier that deters some users from Linux. This distribution offers simplified handling, requiring not a single word of command line knowledge. Installation is quick, and the system presents a familiar interface available in several appearance modes, which considerably reduces the learning curve.

For example, a former Windows 7 or 10 user can choose an interface close to what they are accustomed to, thus avoiding a cultural shock that might discourage any migration. Moreover, integrated tools, such as native emulation of .exe or .msi files thanks to WINE 10 and Bottles, facilitate continuity of habits.

In 2026, this simple yet effective strategy led to massive adoption. Over 75% of Zorin OS downloads now come from former Windows users, illustrating how the end of Windows 10 support acted as a catalyst for this line of open-source alternatives. This trend fits into a wider movement of distrust towards large proprietary platforms and their growing demands.

It is important to note that this migration is not limited to individuals. Small and medium-sized businesses, faced with considerable costs to keep up with the Microsoft suite, are also adopting Zorin OS to maintain a stable, secure, and economical IT infrastructure. The ability to operate without heavy hardware configurations is a strong argument for these organizations that sometimes manage multiple machine fleets.

How Zorin OS ensures a smooth transition and a familiar user interface

Zorin OS’s success is not based solely on numbers, but mainly on its approach combining performance and accessibility through simplicity. One major innovation lies in Zorin Appearance, a unique tool allowing the interface’s look and behavior to be modified with a single click to resemble Windows 7, Windows 11, or even macOS as closely as possible.

This flexibility particularly reassures those skeptical about change. A user switching OS can thus personalize their environment to the maximum while benefiting from a modern, fast, and secure system. This ease of adaptation is reinforced by native support for Windows installation formats (.exe and .msi), which often removes the need to look for Linux alternatives or master complex environments.

Technically speaking, Zorin OS 18 uses PipeWire for audio management, which fixes many issues related to Bluetooth devices, a frequently criticized point in Linux distributions. In parallel, the system supports Flatpak and Snap formats, not forgetting the very rich Ubuntu repository. This wide choice of covered applications allows easy installation of essential software such as Steam for gamers, LibreOffice for office work, or even graphic creation tools, all without a single command line.

This intuitive interface, combined with excellent resource management, allows Zorin OS to run on modest machines, including PCs up to ten years old. With the Zorin OS Lite version, this distribution brings aging machines back to life, offering an ecological and economical alternative to buying new hardware. This model also satisfies a community keen on optimizing its resources before considering equipment renewal.

Here are some key reasons explaining why Zorin OS’s interface is praised:

• Visual adaptability to Windows or macOS environments.
• Native support for Windows installation files.
• Rich and accessible application ecosystem with Flatpak and Snap.
• Advanced sound and Bluetooth device management with PipeWire.
• Optimized operation on older computers thanks to Zorin OS Lite.

The impact of the end of Windows 10 on IT security and the choice of Zorin OS

The 2020s decade has seen concerns about IT security amplify, especially in the face of intrusive practices and massive personal data collection by certain publishers. With the end of Windows 10 support, these fears were exacerbated by the shift to Windows 11, which imposes automatic updates, mandatory integration of a Microsoft account, and extensive telemetry. Many users saw this as a step back in terms of privacy protection.

In this context, Zorin OS positioned itself as a promising alternative focused on user respect. Unlike Windows, this Linux distribution requires no user account to install or use the system. It collects no data, does not display advertising, and guarantees full transparency thanks to the open-source nature of all its code, which anyone can verify and modify.

Organizations concerned with compliance to regulations like GDPR praise this approach. Software repositories are controlled, and the risk of introducing malware is greatly reduced compared to a classic Windows environment. For companies, this enhanced security minimizes exploitable vulnerabilities while ensuring simpler centralized update management via Ubuntu LTS.

This stance on security partly explains the strong growth of the Linux community around Zorin OS, where data protection is a priority. Furthermore, this distribution continues to evolve, regularly incorporating security and performance patches to provide an ever more robust platform against current threats.

Comparison table between Windows 11 and Zorin OS in terms of security and privacy

Criterion	Windows 11	Zorin OS
Data collection	Significant and intrusive	No collection without consent
Built-in advertising	Yes, in the interface and applications	No
Account requirement	Microsoft account mandatory	No account required
Updates	Automatic and often forced	Controlled, secure, and transparent
Open source	No	Yes, fully accessible code

Performance and ease of use at the heart of Zorin OS’s rise

Beyond security and the user interface, performance is another pillar explaining Zorin OS’s continual rise. Beneath its familiar appearance hides a fast, responsive system that is light on hardware resources. This notably allows full enjoyment of more modest machines, often abandoned due to the increasing demands of new Windows versions.

This smoothness is explained by system optimization around modern, stable components benefiting from Ubuntu 24.04 LTS’s robustness. From advanced sound management via PipeWire to improved device support, everything is designed to immediately meet daily needs without slowdowns.

In practice, this means users can launch heavy applications, browse the internet with multiple tabs open, or play their favorite titles via Steam with stability and performance often superior to those on an aging Windows system. Moreover, fine resource management ensures increased autonomy on laptops, a crucial point for many.

This improved performance can be seen through concrete user testimonies, such as that of an SME that replaced all its workstations with Zorin OS, reducing costs while increasing productivity thanks to system stability and simplicity. A true example to follow in a sector where IT performance is a key competitiveness lever.

How the Linux community supports and accelerates the development of Zorin OS

Another fundamental aspect of this meteoric rise is the strong mobilization of the Linux community around Zorin OS. This highly active community provides constant support to newcomers and contributes to system improvement through feedback, translations, and creation of dedicated applications.

This collaborative dynamic is reinforced by the very nature of the project, which is completely open source. Anyone interested can examine the source code, identify bugs, or suggest improvements. The system thus evolves rapidly, driven by a mix of technical expertise and community passion.

At the same time, Zorin OS also benefits from the support of companies and free software associations, which see this distribution as a powerful vector for expanding the Linux user base, especially among non-experts. This has allowed the development of rich, accessible, and multilingual documentation, strengthening system accessibility.

This community also plays a crucial role in promoting the distribution. Every success, every installation, every testimony shared on social networks or specialized forums attracts new users. The trust brought by this network is one of the keys to Zorin OS’s remarkable growth in 2026.

List of major actions by the Linux community around Zorin OS:

• Technical support for beginners via forums and tutorials.
• Contribution to development through bug fixes and features.
• Organization of awareness events and online workshops.
• Creation of multilingual educational content.
• Active promotion of open source philosophy and privacy.

Cost comparison: Zorin OS versus Windows for individuals and companies

The decision to migrate to a new platform never rests solely on technical or aesthetic factors. The financial aspect weighs heavily, especially when it comes to equipping multiple machines or managing a fleet in a business. In this area, Zorin OS offers a considerable advantage with a simple and transparent economic model.

The base version of Zorin OS is completely free and sufficiently comprehensive to meet the needs of most users. For those who want to go further, with additional features and enhanced support, the Pro version is available for a one-time payment of around 40 euros, with no subscriptions or hidden fees.

In comparison, Windows often imposes recurring costs linked to forced hardware and software updates, as well as sometimes expensive license purchases. The constraints imposed since Windows 11 have pushed many users to reevaluate their IT budget, some foregoing updates or buying new hardware.

The following table illustrates this opposition in cost coverage and economic constraints:

Item	Zorin OS	Windows 11
License cost	Free / €40 (Pro version)	Paid, variable by version
Updates	Free, user-controlled	Forced, sometimes hardware incompatibility
Required hardware	Low, compatible with old PCs	High requirements, TPM 2.0 mandatory
Technical support	Community-based, paid for Pro	Official Microsoft, mandatory for businesses
Economic model	One-off, no subscription	Subscription often encouraged

The future prospects and the emblematic example of an SME’s migration to Zorin OS

In 2026, the story of numerous companies migrating to Zorin OS perfectly illustrates the underlying trend shaking the IT landscape. Take the example of a fictitious SME named “TechSol”, active in IT project management. This company, faced with escalating costs linked to Windows updates and hardware compatibility issues, chose to gradually switch its entire IT fleet to Zorin OS.

This choice was motivated by several key factors: simplicity of installation, system speed and stability, easier application management, but also the obvious financial gain allowed by the one-time fee for the Pro version. TechSol also appreciated the strong community support that assisted its teams in mastering the system.

Since the migration, the company has noticed a significant productivity increase, notably thanks to the drastic reduction of interruptions related to updates or incompatibilities. Even more, the absence of advertising constraints and data collection has revived the spirit of confidentiality among employees, an issue that has become crucial in today’s cybersecurity context.

This success story illustrates the scale of upcoming changes in the sector, where migration to free and secure environments like Zorin OS becomes not only a viable but also one of the most attractive Windows alternatives. This example is also proof that Linux, long confined to a niche of advanced users, is now an essential player in both the general public and professional worlds.

Key lessons from this migration:

• Significant reduction in overall IT costs.
• Quick and painless setup thanks to the familiar interface.
• Improved security and data privacy.
• Increased team autonomy regarding technologies.
• Support from a rich community to solve common issues.

Why the rise of Zorin OS is a revolution for the Linux ecosystem in 2026

Zorin OS’s exceptional rise marks a decisive turning point for the Linux ecosystem as a whole. This success is not limited to mere growth in the user base; it also reflects a deeper societal transformation regarding personal and professional computing.

For the first time, a Linux distribution has been able to attract en masse users coming from the Windows world, often unfamiliar with open source. This opens the way for greater democratization of these technologies, once reserved for experts or restricted communities. The adoption model initiated by Zorin OS may well serve as an example for other distributions wishing to expand their audience.

This phenomenon also helps strengthen visibility, contributions, and funding for Linux tools, thereby improving the overall quality of free software. In 2026, this dynamic positions Zorin OS as a key player in the fight against cost inflation, privacy violations, and the growing complexity of proprietary systems.

In summary, this meteoric rise is much more than a commercial success: it is a sign that choosing an operating system is becoming a conscious, well-considered decision, driven by values of open source, respect for privacy, and individual technological mastery.