Zorin OS 18.1 Released With Lite Edition, Better App Support, and Linux 6.17

Zorin OS 18.1 has been released as the first point update to the Zorin OS 18 series, arriving about six months after the initial release and following more than 3.3 million downloads, according to the project.

One of the noticeable updates is an improved built-in database for detecting Windows installer files. Zorin reports that compatibility has expanded by over 40%, with the system now identifying more than 240 applications and recommending native Linux versions or alternatives instead of simply running Windows executables.

On the desktop front, Zorin 18.1 introduces enhanced Advanced Window Tiling features, including the ability to bring tiled windows to the foreground simultaneously, rearrange tiling layouts, and extend edge tiling to support custom layouts. Like the previous release, it also comes with the Brave browser pre-installed as the default.

Additional interface improvements include better support for right-to-left languages in the panel and new settings that allow users to manage the visibility of app tray icons. The update also brings general performance improvements and bug fixes across the desktop environment.

Core applications have been refreshed as well, including LibreOffice 26.2, which offers improved compatibility with Microsoft Office and Microsoft 365 documents, Markdown support, new connector shape objects in Calc and Writer, and performance enhancements. Other preinstalled apps have also been updated, while support for Flatpak, AppImage, and Snap remains intact.

Alongside the main edition, Zorin OS 18.1 Lite is available as a lightweight variant designed for older or lower-spec systems. Based on Xfce 4.20, it features a redesigned file manager, fingerprint reader support, updated themes, and improved web app integration.

Under the hood, the distribution now runs on Linux kernel 6.17 and includes updated drivers, improving support for newer NVIDIA GPUs, Intel Xe3 graphics, AMD hybrid laptop GPUs, select Lenovo ThinkPad and Samsung Galaxy Book models, Apple input devices such as Magic Mouse 2 and Touch Bar (on Intel-based MacBook Pros), as well as various game controllers and handheld gaming devices like the ASUS ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and OneXPlayer.

Finally, Zorin OS 18.1 includes the latest security patches and will receive updates through June 2029. Existing users of Zorin OS 18 can upgrade via the Software Updater, while those on Zorin OS 17 can upgrade directly without losing their files or data.

For more details, see the announcement.