Zorin OS 18 Beta Launches with New Features as Windows 10 Ends
Zorin OS 18 Beta has been released as the next major version of the popular operating system, showcasing a range of new features and improvements designed to enhance the computing experience. This launch comes ahead of Windows 10 reaching its end of life on October 14, 2025, a milestone that will impact approximately 240 million computers that do not meet Windows 11’s hardware requirements. Many users will face the decision to either purchase new hardware or migrate to a supported operating system.
The latest Zorin OS version offers a visually refreshed desktop with a more modern and comfortable design, including new rounded elements, a lighter color palette, updated sidebars, and a floating panel style. Various system apps such as Files, Settings, Calendar, Camera, and Evolution Mail have also been redesigned for improved usability and aesthetics. Two new theme colors, Yellow and Brown, have been introduced for greater personalization.
A major new feature in Zorin OS 18 is an easy-to-use window tiling manager that simplifies multitasking by allowing users to drag windows to predefined layouts without needing complex shortcuts. Another innovation is seamless integration with Progressive Web Apps, enabling popular web services like Microsoft Office365, Google Docs, and Adobe Photoshop to run as desktop applications.
The system provides better support for OneDrive cloud files, allowing direct access within the file manager. It also supports a growing database that recognizes over 170 Windows apps, offering tailored guidance on native alternatives or web app versions, easing the transition for former Windows users.
Performance enhancements across the system make Zorin OS 18 faster and more responsive. The Files app features a new Search Everywhere tool to find documents by name or content quickly. Additional improvements include multi-monitor support for the panel, refined touchscreen behavior, remote login capabilities, centering of new windows on screen, and enhanced audio quality with the adoption of the PipeWire audio server.
Hardware support has been expanded to accommodate newer devices, and the release comes with long-term support until April 2029, making it suitable for organizations and individuals seeking a stable OS deployment.
The Beta version of Zorin OS 18 is available for download, although upgrades from Zorin OS 17 will become available after the final stable release. Users are advised that the Beta may have unfinished features and stability issues and should be used cautiously.
Zorin OS 18 reflects over 17 years of development aimed at combining powerful desktop technology with user-friendly design, providing a complete alternative for users affected by the end of Windows 10 support.
