Zorin, a Linux distro that positioned itself as a familiar and accessible entry point for users leaving Windows, continues to move with growing confidence toward reaching a broader user base. I say this because the most recently published information on the subject is impressive.
Following the release of Zorin OS 18 on October 14, the project recorded more than 100,000 downloads within the first 48 hours. In just one month, that figure climbed to 1 million. Now, Zorin OS has reached another milestone.
According to a post on the distribution’s official X account, Zorin OS 18 has reached 2 million downloads in less than 3 months since release, marking the fastest adoption in the project’s history. But what’s even more interesting is the fact that more than three-quarters of those downloads came from Windows users.
Let me clarify right away that this refers specifically to downloads of the installation ISO image, not to actual new installations or the number of actively reported systems. Something notoriously hard (and practically impossible) to track in the Linux ecosystem, due to the operating system’s very nature.
Even so, this achievement is remarkable and highlights the growing interest among users looking for an alternative to traditional Windows workstations. So, it seems many of them naturally turn to familiar names like Linux Mint or Zorin, both widely regarded as some of the easiest and most welcoming entry points into the Linux world. And for good reason.
With the new Zorin OS 18 release (built on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS), the distro continues that approach, offering long-term support alongside a refined desktop experience focused on ease of use, visual polish, and out-of-the-box functionality. Critical points for every Windows user considering switching to Linux.
In fact, Zorin’s achievement should be seen in a broader context. It’s not just a win for one distribution, but a win for the entire Linux ecosystem, which has long been viewed as catering mainly to advanced and highly technical users. Distributions like Zorin clearly show that this perception no longer holds. So congratulations to the Zorin team – job well done.
