Zorin OS 16 based on Ubuntu 20.04.3 LTS has been released.

Zorin OS 16 is Released

From the release of our last major version in June 2019, Zorin OS 15 has been downloaded nearly 3 million times around the world. Ever since, we’ve been listening to your feedback and working hard to build the ultimate operating system; one that helps to make your computer better, faster, easier, more secure, and privacy-respecting.

Today, we’re excited to finally launch the next major version of our operating system: Zorin OS 16. This is a huge leap forward that refines every level of the operating system: from how it looks to how it works. It’s packed with new features and improvements that help you get the most power out of your computer, so you can accomplish more than ever.

To get Zorin OS 16 now visit the  Download page, or read on to learn about what’s new.

A stunning new look

Zorin OS 16 has been refreshed with a revamped and refined appearance out of the box. We’ve introduced a new, more polished default theme that’s easier on the eyes. You’ll find detailed touches and delightful animations throughout the system that elevate your computing experience.

Faster and smoother performance

Speed has been a top focus in Zorin OS 16, so the desktop runs dramatically snappier on a wide range of hardware, old and new. Performance optimizations have been made at every level of the operating system, from the kernel to the desktop environment. Apps open faster, animations are smoother, and loading times are reduced so you can spend more time being productive.

Get started easier with the Tour

The new Tour is the best place to learn your way around Zorin OS. When you log in for the first time, the Tour will guide you through the basics of how to use and customize the desktop, connect your online accounts, link your phone with your computer using Zorin Connect, and install the software you need to work and play. It’s the most welcoming way to go from newbie to Zorin OS expert and to set up the desktop to work best for you.

Navigate quicker and smoother with touchpad gestures

If you’re using a laptop, moving between your apps and workspaces is even quicker and easier. Zorin OS 16 introduces multi-touch touchpad gestures, enabled out of the box. Now you can switch between workspaces with fluid 1:1 motion by swiping 4 fingers up or down. Pinch on the touchpad with 3 fingers to open the activities overview and instantly see every app running on your workspaces.

Our world of apps just got bigger: Flathub is now enabled

You’ll notice that even more apps are available to install from the Software store in Zorin OS 16 than ever before. This is thanks to the addition of the Flathub repository to Zorin OS out of the box. Flathub is the de-facto standard repository from where to get apps using the Flatpak package format. It has flourished into a huge ecosystem of apps and games from many independent developers, as well as software directly from big names like Spotify, Zoom, and Discord.

Sideload Windows software safer and easier

When sideloading apps and games, Zorin OS 16 makes it even easier to install the software you want in the most compatible and secure way.

New Sound Recorder app

The new Sound Recorder app provides a simple and beautiful way to record audio and speech and play it back. Whether you’re creating a voice memo for yourself or producing a podcast, the Sound Recorder app adapts to your workflow and makes recording audio effortless.

A more informative and customizable taskbar

It’s now easier than ever to view the status of your running apps at a glance. The taskbar now displays badges showing the number of unread messages as well as progress bars for ongoing operations, like when copying large files in the Files app.

Redesigned Zorin Appearance

Speaking of customization, we’ve now made Zorin Appearance even easier to use and navigate. Zorin Appearance allows you to select a different desktop layout, change the app and icon theme, choose your desktop font, and tweak other parts of your desktop to make it truly yours.

New Windows 11-like desktop layout

We’re introducing an all-new desktop layout in Zorin Appearance which resembles the default interface in Windows 11. It features a modern and streamlined UI that adapts well to computers with touchpads, mice, or touchscreens. The new grid menu, activities overview button, and taskbar icons are placed front and center for easy access and effortless navigation on screens of all sizes.

Jelly Mode

Undoubtedly the most groundbreaking and revolutionary feature we’ve ever included, Jelly Mode will fundamentally change how you use your computer forever . When enabled, windows wobble when moved around the desktop and squeeze into their app icons when minimized. You can enable Jelly Mode from the Interface tab in Zorin Appearance to give your desktop a more fluid and playful feel.

…and so much more

• Fractional scaling for high-resolution displays
• Use & install the latest NVIDIA drivers directly on the .iso file
• Easily join an Active Directory domain from the system installer
• Star files for easy access in the Files app
• Better fingerprint reader support with simpler setup
• New Photos app for simpler photo management
• Display a QR code to easily connect your devices to your computer’s Wi-Fi hotspot
• The Settings app now has a refreshed category layout that’s easier to navigate
• Easily create app folders in the app grid by dragging apps onto each other (Touch, macOS-like, and Ubuntu-like desktop layouts only)
• Disabled built-in tracking and telemetry in Firefox by default for a more privacy-respecting web browsing experience
• Flicker-free boot experience (on supported hardware)
• Encrypted installations can now create a recovery key
• Improved support for newer hardware
• Based on Ubuntu 20.04.3 LTS

Zorin OS 16 is Released - Zorin