Today, the Zorin OS team released Zorin OS 17.1, the first update to the latest Zorin OS 17 series, bringing various improvements and updates to the Education edition.
Arriving two and a half months after the initial Zorin OS 17 release, Zorin OS 17.1 enhances support for Windows apps by integrating the latest Wine 9.0 compatibility layer. This enables the running of Windows applications and games on GNU/Linux systems. Additionally, the release introduces the Bottles graphical user interface for Wine.
Furthermore, Zorin OS 17.1 expands its built-in database of tailored apps to detect installer files for popular Windows apps and games. With support for over a hundred apps, ex-Windows users now have access to even more tailored recommendations for alternatives to their favorite Windows applications.
For instance, Zorin OS now prompts users to install the native Linux version of applications when attempting to launch them using Windows installers. This enhancement aligns with Zorin OS’s mission to serve as the primary Linux distribution for users transitioning from Windows or macOS.
“After just over two months since its release, Zorin OS 17 has been downloaded over half a million times. More than 78% of these downloads came from proprietary platforms like Windows and macOS, reflecting our mission to bring the power of Linux to new people and to grow the community for the benefit of all,”
Artyom Zorin, CEO & Co-Founder
Education edition
This release also includes an update to the Education edition, which now aligns with the latest Zorin OS 17 series, mirroring updates made to the Core and Pro editions. Zorin OS 17.1 Education features a range of educational software tailored for pre-schools, primary, and secondary schools, including Logseq and LibreOffice 24.2.
Furthermore, the Education edition incorporates the Reading Strip extension for GNOME Shell, offering teachers and students a visual guide that tracks their cursor to aid concentration while reading. Users can activate Reading Strip in the “Interface” section within Zorin Appearance.
Additionally, this release introduces thumbnails for a wider range of file formats, including .exe installers, AppImage applications, RAW images, and EPUB ebooks. It also introduces a new Window Placement option in Zorin Appearance, allowing users to specify where new windows appear on the screen (centered or spread). Numerous components have been updated as well.
Under the hood, Zorin OS 17.1 operates on the Linux kernel 6.5 and Mesa 23.2 graphics stack sourced from Ubuntu 23.10. It remains compatible with the software repositories of Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, ensuring ongoing support with software updates and security patches until June 2027.
For new installations, Zorin OS 17.1 is now downloadable from the official website in Core, Education, and Pro (commercial) editions. Existing Zorin OS 17 users can update their installations by running the Software Updater utility and applying all available updates.
