- Zorin OS 16 Lite is Here
- A stunning new look
- New taskbar with window previews
- Additional desktop layouts in the Pro Lite edition
- Redesigned Zorin Appearance
- Sideload Windows software safer and easier
- New Sound Recorder app
- …and so much more
- How to get Zorin OS 16 Lite
- Make your computer
- A familiar desktop you already know how to use .
- Less More Speed.
- Revive your old PC .
- Reliable.
- Secure.
- Privacy-respecting.
- A world of incredible Apps .
- Ready. Set. Game!
- Play thousands of games from…
- Your phone and computer work as one with Zorin Connect .
- Sync notifications and messages between devices.
- Send files and photos between your phone and computer.
- Control your computer’s mouse and keyboard .
- Use your phone as a slideshow remote and presentation pointer .
- Control music and video playback across your devices.
- Dual boot.
- Accessibility.
- Compatible with your documents and files.
- Make your computer better.
- Frequently asked questions.
Zorin OS 16 Lite is Here
Breathe new life into your old and low-spec computers with the latest Zorin OS.
Less than 4 months since the release of Zorin OS 16, we’re thrilled to say that it’s been downloaded over 1 million times. We’ve been overwhelmed by the terrific feedback we’ve heard from users around the world and the press. Thank you all for helping to make this the biggest release of Zorin OS ever!
Today, we’re excited to announce the release of Zorin OS 16 Lite. It condenses the full Zorin OS 16 experience into a streamlined operating system, designed to run on low-spec computers as old as 15 years. We believe this is more important than ever, after the obsolescence of older PCs in Windows 11 during a global chip shortage. By pairing the most advanced and efficient software with a user-friendly experience, we’ve made it possible for anyone to extend the lifespan of their computers for years to come.
To get Zorin OS 16 Lite now visit the Download page or read on to learn about what’s new since Zorin OS 15 Lite.
A stunning new look
Zorin OS 16 Lite has been refreshed with a revamped and refined appearance out of the box. We’ve introduced the new, more polished default theme from Zorin OS 16 that’s easier on the eyes. You’ll find detailed touches and delightful animations throughout the system that elevate your computing experience.
We’ve also introduced new artwork and desktop wallpapers to make your desktop even more beautiful and inviting.
New taskbar with window previews
The taskbar in the panel is entirely new and re-written from the ground up to integrate better into the desktop. It now shows window previews when hovering over an app icon, giving you a better overview of your workflow.
Additional desktop layouts in the Pro Lite edition
We’re introducing two new desktop layouts in Zorin OS 16 Pro Lite: Chrome OS-like and Windows Classic-like.
The Chrome OS-like desktop environment features a centered icon taskbar design and an all-new fullscreen app grid menu. It’s a great choice for newer computer users who are more familiar with simpler computing platforms like smartphones and tablets.
Redesigned Zorin Appearance
Zorin OS 16 Lite now includes the new Zorin Appearance from Zorin OS 16, which was designed to be 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.
In Zorin OS 16, we’ve refreshed the app’s layout to make it even easier to find customization options, with the category tabs moved from the top to the left side of the window. Desktop layouts have also been separated into a dedicated tab, and you can now set the size of desktop icons independently from the Files app.
Nevertheless, the Software store maintains its simple and unified user experience, so you can find & install the latest versions of the apps you want with one click without needing to think about which source or app package format to use.
Sideload Windows software safer and easier
When sideloading apps and games, Zorin OS 16 Lite makes it even easier to install the software you want in the most compatible and secure way.
Zorin OS now comes with a built-in database that detects popular Windows installer files, so that the system can guide you through the installation process. If the system recognizes the .exe or .msi file you double-clicked on, it will automatically suggest you to install the app or game (or its closest alternative) from the recommended source, whether it’s a native package in the Software store or a Linux-optimized installer for a PC game in Lutris or Steam. It also provides you with a simple and informed option to install Windows App Support if you wish to run the Windows version of the app or game.
We believe this feature will make it even easier for new users to get started with their favorite software in Zorin OS, and learn the breadth and benefits of the Linux app ecosystem.
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.
…and so much more
- Fractional scaling for high-resolution displays
- New dedicated music player app: Rhythmbox
- 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
- The latest XFCE 4.16 desktop environment
- Based on Ubuntu 20.04.3 LTS
Zorin OS 16 Lite will be supported with software updates and security patches until April 2025. This extended support period makes it the perfect choice for large deployments in businesses, schools, and organizations.
How to get Zorin OS 16 Lite
You can download Zorin OS 16 Lite and Pro Lite (included with every copy of Zorin OS 16 Pro) from the Download page on our website today.
If you’ve already purchased Zorin OS 16 Pro, you’ll now be able to download your copy of Zorin OS 16 Pro Lite from the download link in your purchase email. If you’ve lost this email, you can re-send it here.
We hope that you’ll enjoy using Zorin OS 16 Lite!
Make your computer
Zorin OS is the alternative to Windows and macOS designed to make your computer faster, more powerful, secure, and privacy-respecting.
“[Zorin OS] is just so clean and polished. I don’t really anticipate a learning curve for new users.”
“It has everything in terms of offering a friendly and usable experience to those coming from… Windows or macOS”
A familiar desktop you already know how to use .
Zorin OS is designed to be easy, so you don’t need to learn anything to get started. The Zorin Appearance app lets you change the desktop layout to feel like the environment you’re familiar with, whether it’s Windows, macOS, or Linux.
Less
More Speed.
Your computer should work as fast as you do. Zorin OS runs lightning quick and doesn’t slow down over time. Apps open fast, so you can spend more time being productive.
Revive your old PC .
We’ve streamlined the Zorin OS Lite edition to work on computers as old as 15 years. With it, you can keep using your PC for longer to save money on upgrades and reduce e-waste to help the environment.
Because of the lower hardware requirements [of Zorin OS] alone, we’re expecting to extend the life of the city’s PCs by 30-40%
― City of Vicenza, Italy
Reliable.
With an Ubuntu and Linux foundation, Zorin OS is built on the same Open Source software that powers the U.S. Department of Defense and computers on the International Space Station .
Secure.
Thanks to the advanced security features of Linux, Zorin OS is resistant to PC viruses and malware . Security patches and software updates arrive quickly and are available for years to come.
Privacy-respecting.
We believe privacy is a fundamental human right. That’s why Zorin OS doesn’t collect personal data , so advertisers and governments can’t spy on your activity. Zorin OS is Open Source , so anyone can audit its source code to verify its privacy.
A world of incredible Apps .
Zorin OS comes with all the essential apps you need out of the box, so you can get working right away. Discover thousands of powerful apps from the built-in Software store. You can even run many Windows apps in Zorin OS with Windows App Support.
Ready. Set. Game!
Play an enormous library of your favorite games, whether they’re AAA titles or indie games. Install native Linux and Windows games from Steam, Lutris, and other sources. Zorin OS comes with NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel graphics drivers as well as game optimizations , so you can get the best performance easily.
Play thousands of games from…
Your phone and computer work as one with Zorin Connect .
Zorin Connect is integrated into the Zorin OS desktop to merge the experience between your computer and Android device. It works over an encrypted connection on your local network, so your data stays private and doesn’t reach the cloud.
Sync notifications and messages between devices.
Send files and photos between your phone and computer.
Control your computer’s mouse and keyboard .
Use your phone as a slideshow remote and presentation pointer .
Control music and video playback across your devices.
Dual boot.
You can install Zorin OS alongside Windows or macOS to keep your files and apps. You’ll be able to choose which OS to use at each boot-up.
Accessibility.
Zorin OS is translated into over 100 languages . It includes a screen reader, magnifier, click assist, and other assistive technologies .
Compatible with your documents and files.
Your documents, music, photos, and videos just work. Zorin OS comes pre-installed with the LibreOffice suite, which lets you view, create, and edit Microsoft Office/365 documents. If you install Zorin OS alongside Windows, you can access the files on your Windows drive partition from within Zorin OS.
Make your computer better.
Join the millions who have downloaded Zorin OS. You can get started for free.
@ZorinOS is an extremely beautiful and elegant Operating System. Totally digging it.
― Rishi Giri
Did [Zorin OS] save me money? You bet it did.
I like Zorin so much I named a weapon in my latest sci-fi book after it. 😊️
― Karl Drinkwater
The amount of meticulous effort and attention to detail is insane.
Changed my full time work OS to @ZorinOS and fell in love with it 😊️😊️😍️😍️ . To me it looks like the OS of the future.
― Gauransh K.
It is easy to use and has everything you need and the ability to do almost anything.
Zorin looks really amazing! I am enjoying every click.
@ZorinOS Just switched and could not be happier so much faster than windows 10 and looks amazing too.
― Kingek
…I enjoy using Zorin OS. It works flawlessly and I recommend it to everyone that I can.
So I’ve installed @ZorinOS today, and all I have to say is. wow. Everything feels so sleek.
I just got [Zorin OS] and let me just say it’s wonderful!
This OS is absolutely marvelous! A total ’10’ in my book!
Frequently asked questions.
Can I try Zorin OS before installing it on my computer?
Absolutely! You can run Zorin OS from a USB drive to test-drive it without touching your computer’s hard drive. When you’re ready to install it, simply double-click on the «Install Zorin OS» icon on the desktop and follow the step-by-step instructions on the screen.
How much does Zorin OS cost?
You can download and use the Core or Lite editions of Zorin OS completely free. For more advanced features, additional apps, and support, you can purchase Zorin OS Pro from here.
Will my computer work with Zorin OS?
If your computer is 15 years old or newer, chances are it should work with Zorin OS. You can check if your computer meets the system requirements.
If you’re thinking of purchasing Zorin OS Pro and aren’t sure if your computer is compatible, you can download Zorin OS Core or Lite for free to test-drive it by running it from a USB flash drive first.
Will [insert app] work in Zorin OS?
You can install a huge library of apps from the built-in Software store, including many popular apps you know and love. Zorin OS is also natively compatible with Ubuntu & Linux apps (.deb or .AppImage executables), and you can run many Windows apps by simply double-clicking on their .exe or .msi file.
How long does it take to get Zorin OS?
The time it takes to download Zorin OS and create a USB install drive will depend on your Internet connection and hardware. Zorin OS usually takes between 10 and 20 minutes to install on your computer, just enough time to have a coffee. You can find out how to install Zorin OS here.
How long will Zorin OS get software updates for?
Zorin OS 16 will receive software updates and security patches until at least April 2025. We normally release major versions every 2 years, so you’ll have plenty of time to upgrade to future versions to extend support.
Kao the Kangaroo © 2022 Tate Multimedia S.A. All rights reserved. The game photo in the top image on this webpage is copyright of Tate Multimedia S.A.
Slime Rancher © 2015 — 2021 Monomi Park, LLC. All rights reserved. Developed and published by Monomi Park, LLC. “Slime Rancher” is a registered trademark of Monomi Park, LLC. The game video is copyright of Monomi Park, LLC.
No Man’s Sky © 2016 — 2021 Hello Games Limited. All rights reserved. Developed and published by Hello Games Limited. “No Man’s Sky” is a registered trademark of Hello Games Limited. The game video is copyright of Hello Games Limited.
Art of Rally © 2020 Funselektor Labs Inc. All rights reserved. Developed and published by Funselektor Labs Inc. “Art of Rally” is a registered trademark of Funselektor Labs Inc. The game video is copyright of Funselektor Labs Inc.