How to install Zorin OS to switch from Windows 10

Zorin OS is a Windows-friendly Linux alternative for hardware that doesn’t support Windows 11.
It looks familiar, runs well on older hardware, and includes built-in tools to ease the transition.
You can install it by creating a USB installer, backing up your files, and performing a clean setup.

Zorin OS is a suitable alternative for those Windows 10 devices that are not compatible with Windows 11, and in this guide, I’ll share with you the most important details and the process to upgrade your computer to this flavor of Linux.

The support for Windows 10 has already ended on October 14, 2025, and if your computer isn’t compatible with Windows 11, you may still be looking for an alternative. Nowadays, many users are switching to various Linux distributions, and while Linux Mint is the most widely used variant, Zorin OS has been gaining popularity, especially after Microsoft retired Windows 10.

What is Zorin OS?

Zorin OS is a Linux-based operating system, designed as an alternative to Windows 10 (or 11) or macOS, making it extremely easy for people to switch to Linux without a steep learning curve.

It is built on top of Ubuntu, giving it the stability and vast software library of that platform, but it is heavily customized to be much more user-friendly and aesthetically familiar to Windows and Mac users.

You can use the Zorin OS for free, but you’ll have to purchase the Pro version to access the more advanced features.

I know you may be asking how it is that a version of Linux can cost money when it’s open source, right? Actually, it’s common, since you won’t be paying for Linux but for the changes that make it, in this case, Zorin OS, and support.

What editions does Zorin OS offer?

This variant of Linux comes in three flavors, including Zorin OS Pro, Core, and Education.

The Core and Education editions are completely free, and they include the operating system and default desktop layout.

The difference between these two editions of educational apps and games is the Education edition, and the Zorin Connect feature available in the Core edition.

The Pro edition comes with different layouts that make the Zorin OS more like Windows or macOS, plus a creative suite of apps, productivity tools, support, and more.

Why choose Zorin OS to replace Windows 10?

The biggest challenge in switching operating systems is often the psychological barrier. Zorin OS eliminates this by designing the interface to look and feel exactly like what you’re already used to.

For example, Zorin’s appearance is the signature feature that lets you instantly change the desktop layout to mimic Windows 10, Windows 7, or even macOS. Everything from the bottom Taskbar to the Start menu-style launcher is placed where a Windows user expects it.

You won’t be forced to use a complex new interface, AI features, or online accounts (for example, a Microsoft account). The file manager, system settings, and general window controls all follow Windows conventions.

Also, Zorin OS simplifies running many common Windows applications (such as older versions of Microsoft Office or certain utilities) with a built-in compatibility layer. It even guides you to better, native alternatives when you try to install an “.exe” application.

Furthermore, hardware compatibility is another reason to choose this operating system. If your computer doesn’t meet the requirements for Windows 11, Zorin OS is a perfect alternative.

Zorin OS only requires a 1GHz dual-core 64-bit processor, 2GB of memory, and around 40GB of storage.

While the built-in antivirus on Windows 11 (and 10) does a good job keeping malware out of your computer, Zorin OS is built on Linux, so it’s virtually immune to the vast majority of Windows-based viruses.

If you’re looking for privacy. First, Zorin OS doesn’t include AI features and doesn’t collect personal data or telemetry on your activity, giving you complete control over your digital life. However, the company seems to collect a small amount of anonymous data, such as the number of users, installations, operating system versions, and more.

If you’re looking for another reason, it’s important to note that support for version 18 will continue until June 1, 2029.

Is Zorin OS the same as Windows 10?

Zorin OS is not the same as Windows 10. While Zorin OS is designed to look and feel like Windows 10, it is fundamentally a completely different operating system based on Linux.

Also, you have to consider that software installs differently on Linux, usually done through a package using one of the different command-line package managers. However, many distros like Zorin OS include a graphical tool to discover and install applications, similar to the Microsoft Store.

Another aspect to consider before switching is the applications you use, because Linux has some software limitations. For instance, Microsoft doesn’t offer its Microsoft 365 (Office) apps for open-source operating systems.

Also, you won’t be able to install apps like Adobe Photoshop, but you can still access the web version of Office, Photoshop, and others. In addition, you can also install similar applications, such as LibreOffice and Gimp.

Zorin OS includes a compatibility layer called “Windows App Support” (WINE) that allows you to install many traditional “.exe” programs. This works well for older or simpler applications, but you cannot rely on it for complex, modern, or heavily protected software.

In this guide, I’ll outline the steps to switch from Windows 10 to Zorin OS to give your computer a second life.

Switch from Windows 10 to Zorin OS

If your computer doesn’t meet the requirements for Windows 11, or you want to switch to a different operating system, you can switch to Zorin OS in a four-step process. First, you need to create a USB bootable media, create a full backup of your current setup, perform a clean installation of the Linux-based operating system, and restore your files and applications as needed.

Zorin OS hardware requirements
Create Zorin OS USB bootable media
Create a full backup of Windows 10
Install Zorin OS from USB
Check for Zorin OS updates manually
Restore files from backup on Zorin OS

Zorin OS hardware requirements

These are the minimum and recommended system requirements for Zorin OS:

CPU: Single or multi-core 64-bit processor
RAM: 2GB.
Storage: 15 GB (Core), 32 GB (Education), or 40 GB (Pro).
Display: 800×600 resolution.

If you’re on Windows 10, you can check the hardware specifications in Settings > System > About under the “Device Specifications” section.

Create Zorin OS USB bootable media

To create a Zorin OS USB installer, follow these steps:

Open the Zorin OS download page.
Click the Download button for the Core edition (unless you have purchased the Pro edition).
Save the ISO file on your device.
Open the Rufus website.
Click the link to download the latest version under the “Download” section.
Choose the USB flash drive from the “Device” setting.
Double-click the executable to launch the tool.
Click the Select button.
Select the Zorin OS ISO file.
Click the Open button.
Continue with the default settings after the download.
(Optional) Specify a name for the drive under the “Volume label” setting.
Click the Start button.
Click the OK button with the default option.
Click the Yes button.
Click the OK button.

Once you complete the steps, you can proceed with the backup process of the current setup, and then you can install the Linux distribution on your computer.

Before launching the Linux installation, you must ensure the computer can start from USB by changing the boot order in the motherboard’s firmware, which means you may need to adjust the BIOS or UEFI settings. However, since most devices have different settings, you must check your manufacturer’s support website for more specific details.

Create a full backup of Windows 10

The next step is to create a full backup of your current setup in case something goes wrong and you need to roll back. If you want to access your files in Zorin OS, you will need to transfer them to an external hard drive and restore them manually in the new operating system.

To create a system image backup on Windows 10, use these steps:

Open Settings.
Click on Update & Security.
Click on Backup.
Click the “Go to Backup and Restore (Windows 7)” option under the “Looking for an older backup” section.
Click the “Create a system image” option from the left pane.
Select the external USB drive for the full backup under the “On a hard disk” setting.

Quick tip: You can use an external USB hard drive with data already on it. The tool will not format or erase any files in the drive. Instead, it will create a folder called “WindowsImageBackup” to save the system image.
Click the Next button.
Select any other drive to include in the Windows 10 full backup (if applicable).
Click the Next button.
Click the Start backup button.
Click the No button.

Once you complete the steps, the Windows 10 backup will be created on the external USB drive. You can also skip the creation of the image repair disc since you can use the bootable media to access the recovery environment. You can use these instructions if you must restore your computer from backup.

Install Zorin OS from USB

To clean install Zorin OS on your computer, follow these steps:

Start the PC with the Zorin OS USB flash drive.
Select the “Try or Install Zorin OS” option and press Enter.
Select the installation language.
Click the “Install Zorin OS” button on the desktop.
Select the keyboard layout setting.
Click the Continue button.
Check the “Download updates while installing Zorin OS” option.
Check the “Install third-party software for graphics and Wi-Fi hardware and additional media formats” option.
(Optional) Check the “Don’t participate in the census” option to prevent the company from collecting anonymous data to count the number of users using this operating system.
Click the Continue button.
Select the “Erase disk and install Zorin OS” option.
Click the Install Now button.
Click the Continue button.
Select your installation region.
Click the Continue button.
Create a local account for the Zorin OS installation.
Click the Continue button.
Click the Restart now button.
Disconnect the USB flash drive from the computer and press Enter.

Once you complete the steps, the system will restart, and you will have access to the new desktop.

Check for Zorin OS updates and drivers manually

After the clean installation, it’s important to check for and download any available updates for Zorin OS.

To download and install system updates and drivers, follow these steps:

Open the app launcher (Start menu).
Search for Software Updater and click the top result to open the app.
Click the Install Now button (if applicable).
Sign in with your account credentials.
Click the Restart Now button.

After you complete the steps, the available updates will download and install on your computer.

Restore files from backup on Zorin OS

If you have previously transferred your personal files to an external USB hard drive, it’s now the time to connect the storage to restore them in the new setup.

To restore files on your new setup, follow these steps:

Connect the USB storage to the Zorin OS computer.

Quick note: The system should detect and launch the device automatically. Otherwise, open the storage using the icon on the desktop, or open the Files app and click the USB drive in the left pane under the “Devices” section.
Select the files and folders you want to transfer using the mouse or the “Ctrl + A” keyboard shortcut.
Click on Edit and choose the Copy option.
Open the destination folder to copy the files, such as “Documents.”
Click on Edit and choose the Paste option.

Once you complete the steps, your documents and other files will be restored on your Linux Mint computer.