How to install Zorin OS, the best Linux-based alternative to Windows 10 now that it has been abandoned

It's been about a week since Microsoft hit the button and abandoned Windows 10. Around the same time I arrive a new version of Zorin OS, one of the most popular distributions for those looking to make the jump from a Microsoft system. And I'm not just saying it; the project itself announced on October 21st that 300.000 users have downloaded Zorin OS 18 in just one week, and most of them are doing so from Windows.

So we thought it was a good idea to publish an article to help in the download and installation process Zorin OS on any compatible computer. If you've decided to switch to Windows, we welcome you. If you don't know where to start, don't worry; below we'll detail everything you need to make the switch.

Download Zorin OS

Zorin OS is available in three versions:

• The Pro, which is paid, is priced at €47.99.
• The version for education.
• The Core, which is the, let's say, normal one.

We can download the Core version from its download page, going down a little.

When you click "Download," a pop-up window will appear inviting you to subscribe to their newsletter. I recommend clicking "Skip to download," which will begin downloading the Zorin OS ISO.

Download times may vary. If it takes too long, you can choose different servers.

Create installation media

Now that we have the Zorin OS ISO on our computer, it's time to create the installation media. There are many ways to do this, but I recommend using Etcher:

1. Let's go to your official websiteIf you're not on Windows, Etcher is available in repositories like the AUR, AppImage, and also as DEB and RPM packages. But we assume you're here because you're looking to migrate from Windows. The screenshots are from Linux, but the Windows version is the same.
2. The installer is downloaded and the program is installed.
3. The program then starts. If it asks for administrator permissions, grant them.
4. The Etcher interface is very simple:
   1. In the first step, you choose the ISO you want to install by clicking "Flash from file" and searching for the Zorin OS ISO.

1. 2. In the second, the drive where we want to create the installation media. An 8GB drive is more than enough. If it's too large, we'll be prompted to avoid deleting anything important.

1. 3. Finally, we click "Flash." If it asks for administrator permissions—or a password on Linux—we accept and wait. At the end, there's a step to verify that everything went well. I've used this many times before, and I usually skip it, but I don't recommend it.

Another option is to do it with Rufus, but it has more options and can be complicated. What I do recommend is trying Rufus if Etcher fails in any way. Rufus allows you to create installation media for BIOS, UEFI, or an option that, in theory, works in both cases.

Installing the operating system

To install the operating system, you must shut down or restart the computer and boot from the installation media you just created. It's virtually impossible to cover all the options on every computer out there, but you have to get it to boot from the USB. How? It depends on the computer. On my laptop, I can enter the BIOS (although my computer is UEFI, that section is still called BIOS) with F2 and change the boot order so that it boots from the USB first. I can also press F12 to select the boot drive, which is another option.

In other cases, it will be different. You may need to enter the BIOS with the Delete key, or it may be another Fx key, or there may be an option to select boot with another Fx key, like F7 on my mini PC. You'll have to find out how and boot from the USB.

Zorin OS Installation Process

1. Once booted from the USB, the first thing you'll see is an option to test or install the system. You can press Enter or wait for it to start automatically.

2. The first thing that will appear next will be an option to try the system or install it directly. I chose "Try" for the simple reason that the screenshots look better if you log in. All you'll see next is the interface with the system open in the background, but it doesn't matter whether you choose the "Install" option directly.
3. Once in the installer, the first step will ask us to choose a language. In our case, we choose "Spanish" and then click "Continue."

4. In the next step, we need to choose the keyboard layout. On the left, choose the language, and on the right, choose the variant. With the keyboard layout selected, click "Continue."

5. Next, we'll indicate whether or not we want to download updates while Zorin OS is being installed, whether or not we want third-party software to be installed, and whether or not we want to participate in the census. I recommend checking the first two. Then, select "Continue."

6. The next step is one of the most important, but also the most confusing. If you're looking to replace Windows 10 with Zorin OS, choose "Erase disk" and then "Install now." If there was already a system on the hard drive, the installer will detect it and allow you to install Zorin OS alongside the existing system. This is known as Dual Boot, and it's possible to keep Windows alongside Zorin OS. If you choose this option, a window will display the size of each operating system. The "More options" option is for creating partitions, deleting them, and other things that we won't explain here.

7. The "Install Now" option above is followed by a confirmation. In the window that summarizes what you're about to do, you can "Go Back" to make any changes or "Continue" to begin the installation.

Final steps

8. The installation has begun, but there are a few more settings left. Next, choose your time zone and then click "Continue."

9. We're almost done with our work. The last thing we need to do is create the user.
   • Name: Enter your full name. I usually use it, but for tutorials, I choose my nickname.
   • Team name: What we want the team to be called.
   • Username: This is the name that will appear in the terminal, groups, and so on.
   • Password: A login and terminal password. You must enter it twice.
   • You can choose to start directly, which is not recommended in many scenarios, or to ask for the password.
   • You can also encrypt the disk for added security, something I've never done in my life. But it can be done.

10. After clicking "Continue" in the previous window, wait. You'll see slides and various tips.
11. When it's finished, a smaller pop-up window will appear, telling you we can restart or continue testing. To complete the installation, click "Restart."

12. Finally, we'll see a window with the logo telling us to remove the installation media and press Enter. Do so, and when it reboots, we'll be in Zorin OS.

And that would be all. Now it's time to enjoy the good life.