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Zorin OS 17’s most useful additions are faster-feeling desktop operation, universal search in the Zorin Menu, an alphabetised All Apps view, refreshed visual styling, broader hardware support and RDP as the default remote-desktop protocol. The series ended with Zorin OS 17.3 on 26 March 2025. Zorin’s current technical page lists Zorin OS 18.1 as the latest release, while Zorin OS 17 remains supported with software updates and security patches until 1 June 2027.
What was new in the original Zorin OS 17 release?
Performance-focused optimisation
Zorin said it optimised the system from the Linux kernel through the desktop environment. Its stated goals were faster application launches, smoother animations and shorter loading times. The release wording describes developer targets, not an independently measured benchmark.
Universal search in the Zorin Menu
The menu search became a general-purpose launcher rather than an app-only search. Zorin says it can find:
- Installed applications
- Files
- Calendar appointments
- Contacts
- Applications available in the Software store
- World clocks
It can also perform calculations. To control what appears in results, open Settings → Search, or open the menu’s Search Settings.
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An alphabetised All Apps view
The default menu layout gained an All Apps category that lists installed applications alphabetically. This is useful when you know an application’s name but do not want to browse category folders.
Smaller status popups and updated theme styling
Volume and brightness notifications were redesigned to occupy less of the screen. Zorin also refreshed the styling of native GTK 4 and first-party libadwaita applications, giving newer Linux applications a more consistent appearance. Startup and login screens gained a new Zorin logotype.
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RDP became the default remote-desktop protocol
When Remote Desktop sharing is enabled, Zorin OS 17 uses Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) by default. The release announcement says users can still switch to VNC when that better fits an existing client or workflow.
Updated drivers and longer-term support
Zorin announced updated bundled drivers and support for the 17 series. The current technical details page gives the precise support end date as 1 June 2027.
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How Zorin OS 17.1, 17.2 and 17.3 improved the series
| Release | Date | Notable changes |
|---|---|---|
| Zorin OS 17.1 | 7 March 2024 | Expanded Windows-app detection with tailored alternatives, plus updated system technologies, drivers, security and compatibility. Zorin highlighted Intel Core Ultra, AMD Zen 4, NVIDIA graphics, Wi-Fi 7, Steam Deck and additional game-controller support. |
| Zorin OS 17.2 | 19 September 2024 | Zorin Appearance gained cursor-theme selection and a route to the project’s third-party theme guide. LibreOffice 24.8 and other applications were updated alongside kernel, driver, security and compatibility changes. |
| Zorin OS 17.3 | 26 March 2025 | Installer detection covered more popular Windows applications; Brave became the default browser for new 17.3 installations; Zorin Connect gained remote-input refinements; touchscreen usability improved; ISO images included NVIDIA 570 drivers for newer RTX 5000-series graphics cards. |
Windows application detection in 17.1 and 17.3
Later 17-series releases made the Windows-app handoff more helpful. When a Windows installer is detected, Zorin can suggest a tailored alternative instead of leaving the user to search manually. Version 17.3 expanded detection to additional popular applications.
Zorin Connect remote input in 17.3
Zorin Connect’s 17.3-era updates included remote input from a phone. The announced functions include middle-click support, text composition and sending, and a gyroscope-based mouse option, alongside notification and sharing refinements. These are integrated product features; their availability still depends on a compatible phone setup and enabled connection.
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Touchscreen improvements
Version 17.3 added touchscreen usability changes, including an on-demand button for bringing up the on-screen keyboard.
Is Zorin OS 17 still supported?
Yes. Zorin’s current technical details list 1 June 2027 as the end of software updates and security patches for the 17 series. Zorin OS 17.3 is the final 17-series point release covered here. Because Zorin currently lists 18.1 as the latest version, a new installation should begin with a deliberate choice between the newer release and the 17-series compatibility or support requirements.
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Can your computer run Zorin OS 17.3?
The current official requirements and compatibility guidance are the right baseline for an installation decision.
| Requirement | Current guidance |
|---|---|
| Processor | 1 GHz dual-core, 64-bit Intel or AMD processor |
| Memory | 2 GB RAM |
| Display | 800 × 600 minimum |
| Storage | 15 GB for Core, 35 GB for Education, or 45 GB for Pro |
| Architecture | 64-bit x86 Intel or AMD |
| Base and kernel | Ubuntu 22.04 LTS with Linux kernel 6.8 |
Device-specific cautions
- Apple-silicon Macs cannot run Zorin OS natively. Virtualisation may be possible with UTM in emulation mode.
- ARM-based Surface devices are currently incompatible.
- Intel Macs, Intel/AMD Surface devices and Framework laptops are generally compatible, although particular configurations may need extra setup.
- Check device-specific instructions before installing on a Mac with a T2 chip, a Surface device, a Framework laptop or a Chromebook.
Zorin’s 20 December 2023 launch post said the minimum RAM had been lowered to 1½ GB. The current Help article lists 2 GB, so use 2 GB for present-day planning.
How to move from Zorin OS 17 to a newer release
Updating within the 17 series
- Open Software Updater.
- Install all offered updates and restart if prompted. This is the route Zorin specified for existing Zorin OS 17 users moving to 17.3.
Upgrading from 17 to 18
On 25 February 2026, Zorin announced direct upgrades from 17 to 18 through the Upgrade Zorin OS app for Core, Pro and Education users. The announced route retains files, applications and settings, but Zorin recommends backing up important files first. The same announcement said the Lite upgrade would follow, so do not assume the direct route is available for Lite without checking its current status.
What Zorin’s download figures do—and do not—show
Zorin reported more than 6.2 million downloads of Zorin OS 16 since its August 2021 release in the 2023 OS 17 announcement. In the 17.1 announcement, it reported more than half a million OS 17 downloads after just over two months and said over 78% of that reported cohort came from proprietary platforms such as Windows and macOS. These are publisher-reported download figures, not current installed-base totals, performance measurements or security statistics.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsChoosing Zorin OS 17 today
- Choose 17.3 when you specifically need its Ubuntu 22.04/kernel 6.8 base, a known 17-series setup or a device workflow you have already validated.
- Check 18.1 first when you are making a fresh installation and do not have a compatibility reason to stay on 17.
- Plan hardware checks before installation, especially for Apple-silicon Macs, ARM Surface models, T2 Macs, Chromebooks and unusual graphics hardware.
- Use the current 2 GB figure for memory planning, not the older 1½ GB launch claim.
The strongest reasons to remember Zorin OS 17 are its unified menu search, cleaner application discovery, desktop polish, hardware and driver work, and easier remote-desktop setup. Its practical present-day limitation is that it is now the previous major release, with support ending on 1 June 2027.
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