Zorin OS 18 Beta Review: Features, System Requirements, and What’s New in 2025
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Zorin OS 18 Beta Review: Features, System Requirements, and What’s New in 2025

Muhammad Haris Mushtaq • September 20, 2025

A Sneak Peek at Zorin OS 18 — Test the Beta Today

Zorin OS, the Linux distribution designed to make switching from Windows easy and painless, has just released the beta version of Zorin OS 18. With Windows 10’s end of life approaching (October 14, 2025), many users are looking for stable, familiar alternatives. Zorin 18 aims to fill that gap — nicely. Here’s everything you need to know, especially if you’re considering trying the beta.The Zorin OS 18 default wallpaper with an overlaid Zorin logo with the number 18 beside it.

What is Zorin OS & Why It Matters

Zorin OS is based on Ubuntu and has always focused on a smooth transition for users coming from Windows. Its interface, app compatibility tools, and settings are tuned to reduce friction for people used to Windows. With version 18, Zorin is doubling down on that mission: more polish, better design, new tools, and modern under-the-hood improvements. XDA Developers+4blog.zorin.com+4OMG! Ubuntu+4
Zorin OS 18 desktop

Zorin OS 17 vs Zorin OS 18 – A Detailed Comparison

Feature Zorin OS 17 Zorin OS 18 (Beta)
Base System Ubuntu 22.04 LTS Ubuntu 24.04.3 LTS
Kernel Linux 6.2 (LTS release) Linux 6.14 (newer hardware support)
Audio Backend PulseAudio (with PipeWire optional) PipeWire default (better sound, lower latency)
UI / Design Classic Zorin look, straight panels Refreshed look: rounded corners, floating panel, tinted backgrounds
Window Tiling Manual tiling only Advanced tiling manager with drag & snap layouts, shortcuts
Web Apps Tool Available (basic) Improved with tighter integration, better browser support
Cloud Integration Limited (manual setup for OneDrive) OneDrive integration via Online Accounts
Files App Standard GNOME Files Redesigned sidebar, global search, cleaner look
System Themes Light/Dark with standard accents New accent colours (Yellow, Brown), more layouts (Mint-like, Elementary-like for Pro)
Remote Access Basic RDP if user logged in RDP access even without user logged in
Support Timeline Until April 2027 Until April 2029

Floating rounded panel with new workspace indicator

Key New Features & Design Improvements

Here are the biggest visible & functional changes in Zorin OS 18 Beta that stand out:

Area What’s New / Changed
Desktop / UI & Visual Style • A refreshed theme: more rounded UI elements, lighter colour accents, and tinted backgrounds. OMG! Ubuntu+2blog.zorin.com+2
• Default panel (taskbar) has a “floating, rounded” style. OMG! Ubuntu+2blog.zorin.com+2
• Workspace indicator in panel/activity overview to help navigate among multiple desktops / workspaces. blog.zorin.com+1
• Apps like Files, Settings, Calendar, Mail, and Camera have been redesigned or updated (improved sidebar, reorganised controls, cleaner UI). blog.zorin.com+1
Window Tiling & Multitasking • New default window tiling manager: drag a window to the top → pop-up shows layouts; drop windows into preconfigured arrangements. Linuxiac+3blog.zorin.com+39to5Linux+3
• Options for auto-tiling, custom layouts, and keyboard shortcuts. blog.zorin.com+2Linuxiac+2
Web Apps Tool • Ability to turn websites into desktop apps via a built-in tool. Makes web-based services (Office 365, Google Docs, Adobe Photoshop Web etc.) more like “native” apps — with entries in start menu, pinning, independent windows etc. 9to5Linux+2Linuxiac+2
• Works with different browsers as backend. 9to5Linux+1
Cloud & Windows-Familiar Features • OneDrive integration via “Online Accounts” — you can sign in to your Microsoft 365 / OneDrive and browse cloud-files directly from Files sidebar. blog.zorin.com+29to5Linux+2
• Improved detection of Windows installer (.exe) files: when you try to run or install a Windows-app installer, Zorin suggests better alternatives (native Linux apps or Web Apps). blog.zorin.com+29to5Linux+2
Under the Hood Updates • Based on Ubuntu 24.04.3 LTS (Noble Numbat). 9to5Linux+2blog.zorin.com+2
• Kernel 6.14 delivers newer hardware support. 9to5Linux+2Linuxiac+2
• PipeWire is now the default audio server backend — better sound quality, lower latency, more modern support. Linuxiac+1
• Expanded driver support, improvements to performance and responsiveness. Linuxiac+1
Themability & Personalization • New accent/theme colours: Yellow and Brown added; both light & dark mode support. blog.zorin.com+2OMG! Ubuntu+2
• Several desktop layout options (for Pro users) coming: Compact panel layout, a Linux Mint-like layout, an elementary OS-style minimal layout. blog.zorin.com+1
Miscellaneous Enhancements • Search Everywhere in the Files app (names/text contents) from a global search in Files. blog.zorin.com+2Linuxiac+2
• Remote login capability (RDP) even if the user isn’t logged in locally. blog.zorin.com+1
• Defaults like centering new windows by default. blog.zorin.com

Window tiling manager pop-up

What to Watch Out For / Things That Aren’t Final Yet

Because this is beta software, there are some caveats and stuff you’ll want to keep in mind:

  • Some visual components are unfinished: for example, not all wallpapers are included yet. blog.zorin.com

  • The “Tour” welcome video still uses the old Zorin OS 17 version upon first login. blog.zorin.com

  • Migration tools (upgrades) from Zorin OS 17 to 18 are not yet available; they will come after the stable release. blog.zorin.com+1

  • Since Internet-connected and hardware-edge features are being updated (drivers, kernel etc.), some hardware may not yet be fully supported or stable. As with all betas, you may encounter bugs, UI quirks, or performance glitches.

  • Beta is not recommended for use on your main production machine unless you’re comfortable with possible instability. blog.zorin.com+1

System Requirements & Support

Here’s what you need (or should have) to test Zorin OS 18 Beta:

Component Recommended / Minimum
CPU & Architecture 64-bit processor (typical modern PC)
RAM At least 4 GB; for smoother multitasking 8 GB+ is better
Storage Minimum ~20-25 GB free for a comfortable install + updates
GPU / Graphics Any GPU supported by Ubuntu 24.04 / kernel 6.14 drivers (Intel, AMD, NVIDIA) — note: some newer GPUs may need updated drivers after release
Internet connection Well recommended for updates, driver downloads, OneDrive & Web Apps integration

Also important: Zorin OS 18 being LTS means long-term support until April 2029. Security patches, bug fixes, maintenance updates will continue throughout that period. blog.zorin.com+2Linuxiac+2

Who Should Try the Beta & Why

Here are some use-cases where trying the beta makes sense:

  • You’re currently using Windows 10 or an older version of Windows and want to explore a stable Linux alternative before Windows 10 support ends.

  • You like modern UI/UX, visual polish, and want features like rounded panels, beautiful themes, and options for Web Apps.

  • You’re a developer or tech enthusiast who wants to test newer kernel, updated drivers, and help report bugs.

  • You need cloud integration (OneDrive), remote login, or want better integration of web-based software in your desktop workflow.

If your machine is used for critical work, though (e.g. production, important client work, or stability-critical), it’s safer to wait for the stable release or use the beta in a virtual machine / secondary device first.

How to Get Started with the Beta

Here’s a quick walkthrough to try the beta:

  1. Visit Zorin’s official site and navigate to the Zorin OS 18 Beta download page. blog.zorin.com+1

  2. Download the “Core Beta” edition (if you want the free version); Pro features/layouts will be available later or require the Pro edition. blog.zorin.com+1

  3. Create a bootable USB drive (using tools like Rufus, UNetbootin, Etcher etc.).

  4. Boot from USB, try in live mode if you want to evaluate without installing, then install if satisfied.

  5. After install, explore new settings: Appearance → Theme, Windows → Advanced Window Tiling, Settings → Online Accounts for OneDrive, etc.

  6. Report bugs / suggestions — there’s a feedback tool (“Send Feedback”) built in. blog.zorin.com

Pros & Cons — My Take

What Looks Great

  • The UI refresh is classy and modern — noticeable improvements in aesthetics and feel.

  • Productivity improvements (tiling, Web Apps, cloud integration) are very welcome and make the OS more usable out-of-the-box.

  • The foundation (Ubuntu 24.04.3, Kernel 6.14, updated drivers) gives strong future potential and solid hardware compatibility.

  • Good theming options, plus new accent colours, help users personalize the experience.

What Might Be Drawbacks / What to Check

  • The beta may still have bugs; not all features are polished or complete.

  • Some hardware might face driver incompatibilities or require manual tweaks.

  • If you depend on specific proprietary software or drivers (e.g. certain GPU vendors, specialized apps), those may lag behind in support.

  • Performance might not yet be fully optimised across all configurations.

When Is Final Release & Support Timeline

  • Stable release expected in the coming weeks (after the beta feedback period). OMG! Ubuntu+2blog.zorin.com+2

  • Upgrades from Zorin OS 17 to 18 will become available shortly after stable release. blog.zorin.com+1

  • As mentioned, Zorin OS 18 is LTS: support (security updates / maintenance) until at least April 2029. blog.zorin.com+1

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