Windows 11 requires new hardware. Zorin OS does not.
Since October 14, 2025, Microsoft no longer provides security updates for Windows 10. Windows 11 does not run on many of these computers — because of TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and the processor list. Zorin OS runs on hardware up to 15 years old, is open source, and the Core edition costs nothing. Here is the complete comparison, honest and without marketing language.
The clock is ticking: what has applied since October 2025
October 14, 2025 marked the end of extended support for Windows 10. Computers that cannot be upgraded to Windows 11 no longer receive fixes for security vulnerabilities. Three points are key here:
No more security updates
Without patches, every newly disclosed vulnerability remains permanently exploitable. This also affects computers that still function perfectly from a technical standpoint.
Windows 11 does not run everywhere
TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and a list of supported processors exclude a large part of existing hardware — even though it is entirely sufficient for office work.
Working devices become waste
Anyone who buys new solely because of the operating system is replacing hardware that would still last for years. That costs money and creates electronic waste.
The direct comparison: Windows 11, Zorin OS Core, and Zorin OS Pro
All information about Zorin OS comes from the manufacturer's website zorin.com (Retrieved September 26, 2026). The information about Windows 11 describes the as-delivered state of the current version. We deliberately do not state prices — they change and belong in an offer, not in a comparison table.
| Criterion | Windows 11 | Zorin OS 18 Core | Zorin OS 18 Proone-time payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost and term | |||
| License Costs | paid, tied to hardware or account | none — freely downloadable | one-time, no subscription |
| Duration of use of a license | tied to the Windows version | Zorin OS 18 with updates until at least June 2029 | likewise — and usable for life |
| Cost per workstation in operation | Antivirus, Office subscription, sometimes additional licenses | no additional license costs required | none — creative and productivity apps included |
| Hardware | |||
| Minimum requirements | TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, supported CPU | runs on computers up to 15 years old | like Core |
| Continue using older hardware | often not possible | yes, explicitly intended | yes |
| RAM and CPU requirements | high, grows with updates | low, no increase over time | low |
| Operation and updates | |||
| Forced restarts | yes, updates can only be delayed | no — you decide when to restart | no |
| Advertising and preinstalled additional software | present | none | none |
| Driver support | automatic, partly with additional software | automatic from the Ubuntu sources | like Core |
| Privacy and control | |||
| Telemetry | enabled by default, fully disableable only to a limited extent | no data collection by the system | none |
| Account requirement | Microsoft account expected for many features | no account required, no registration | no account required |
| Source code auditable | no | yes — open source, independently auditable | yes |
| Legal basis | provider headquartered outside the EU | European project, based on Ubuntu/Debian | like Core |
| Usability and migration | |||
| Familiar interface | a fixed interface | 4 layouts in the Zorin Appearance app | 12 layouts, including Windows 11-like, Windows Classic-like, macOS-like and ChromeOS-like |
| Windows programs (.exe / .msi) | native | many programs run via Windows App Support | like Core |
| Office documents | Microsoft 365 (subscription) | LibreOffice preinstalled, compatible with Office and 365 files | additionally a full Office suite |
| Installation alongside Windows | — | Dual-boot possible, files on the Windows partition remain readable | like Core |
| Accessibility | extensive | Screen reader, screen magnifier, click assistance | like Core |
| Languages | many | over 100 languages | like Core |
| Applications | |||
| Creative suite (video, image, illustration, 3D, audio) | only via subscriptions or one-time purchases | can be installed later via software management | preinstalled: Kdenlive, GIMP, Inkscape, Blender, Ardour |
| Productivity add-on | some require payment | via software management | included: task planner, notes with stylus, mind maps, CAD, password manager, time tracking |
| Share mouse and keyboard across multiple computers | not included | not included | Deskflow, encrypted on the local network |
| Desktop wirelessly to TV or projector | via Miracast | via Miracast devices | Network Displays integrated |
| Notes, sketches and PDF annotations with pen | Notes app | via software management | Xournal++ with shape recognition and audio recording |
| Games | native | Steam, Epic, GOG, itch.io, Lutris; graphics drivers for NVIDIA, AMD and Intel | like Core |
| Free access to additional programs | Microsoft Store, some paid | Software management, mostly free | like Core, plus a curated selection |
| Devices and support | |||
| Smartphone connection | Phone Link, Microsoft account required | Zorin Connect (Android), encrypted on the local network, without cloud | like Core |
| Installation support from the manufacturer | paid or via specialist retailers | via community and specialist businesses | Zorin Installation Support by email for one computer |
| Upgrade from Core to Pro | — | — | possible on a running system, files, programs and settings are preserved |
| Design packages | Standard | Standard | additional curated wallpapers |
Green = advantage over Windows, Red = disadvantage, Orange = limitation. Zorin OS Core can be tested free of charge from a USB stick before any purchase, without installing anything.
Core or Pro? The decision in two sentences
Both editions are the same operating system with the same base. The difference lies in the scope of the included programs, in the number of desktop layouts and in the support.
Zorin OS 18 Core
- Complete operating system, permanently free
- Standard programs for office, internet and media
- LibreOffice, compatible with Microsoft Office and 365 files
- Zorin Connect for pairing with Android devices
- 4 desktop layouts: Windows-like, Windows list, Touch, GNOME-like
- Access to the software management with thousands of programs
- Security updates until at least June 2029
The right choice for office, school, club and everyone who primarily wants to work reliably.
Zorin OS 18 Pro
- Everything from Core
- 12 desktop layouts instead of 4, including Windows 11, Windows Classic, macOS, ChromeOS, Ubuntu, Cinnamon and a compact panel
- Creative suite preinstalled: Kdenlive (video), GIMP (image editing), Inkscape (illustration), Blender (3D and effects), Ardour (audio editing)
- Advanced productivity tools: Deskflow for one mouse and keyboard across multiple computers, Planify as task planner, Xournal++ for notes and PDF annotations, Network Displays for wireless screen transmission
- Additional applications for 3D and 2D CAD, mind maps, time tracking, password management and focus work
- Zorin Installation Support by email for one computer
- Additional curated wallpapers
- According to the manufacturer, bundled alternatives to professional software worth over 5,000 US dollars
The right choice for freelancers, creatives, technical users and businesses that want to link the work of multiple computers together. Payment is a one-time fee — no subscription. For commercial use, a separate copy is required per computer.
AI models and AI assistants on Zorin OS
A point that is almost always missing in Windows comparisons: Linux is the platform on which AI development tools run first. Both the command-line assistants from the major providers and locally operated language models are ready for use on Zorin OS in just a few minutes — without additional software, without setting up a development environment.
Claude Code
Anthropic's coding agent works directly in the terminal, reads and writes files, executes commands, and works through entire tasks. Runs natively on Zorin OS.
npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code
DeepSeek
DeepSeek's interface is compatible with OpenAI. This allows DeepSeek to be integrated into any application that accepts an OpenAI key — from chat to your own automation.
curl https://api.deepseek.com/chat/completions \
-H "Authorization: Bearer $DEEPSEEK_API_KEY"
Local models with Ollama
Language models on your own computer — without a single line of your data leaving the device. Exactly where data protection is non-negotiable.
curl -fsSL https://ollama.com/install.sh | sh
ollama pull qwen2.5-coder:14b
ollama run qwen2.5-coder:14b
LM Studio
Graphical interface for downloading and running local models, with an OpenAI-compatible interface on your own computer — for anyone who does not want a command line.
lms server start
ChatGPT and Codex CLI
You use ChatGPT in the browser as usual. For the command line, OpenAI provides the Codex-CLI, which is also installed via Node.js.
npm install -g @openai/codex
Your data stays with you
You make the decisive choice, not the provider: A local model processes everything on the device. For cloud models, we determine in advance which content may leave the house.
Why this is easier under Linux: Containers, compilers, graphics drivers and Python environments are available here out of the box. Installing a model is a command, not a multi-page setup manual. And a system that does not restart on its own also does not interrupt a training or evaluation run lasting several hours.
The advantages of Zorin OS over Windows at a glance
A summary of what the table details — and what makes the difference in everyday use.
No license costs
Core is free, Pro is a one-time purchase. There is no dependency on an annual license and no costs that increase with the number of employees.
Hardware lasts longer
Zorin OS runs on computers up to 15 years old. Instead of buying new because of the operating system, you keep using existing devices — that is the largest single item of savings and the most effective contribution against electronic waste.
No forced restart
Updates run when it suits you. No system restarts in the middle of a presentation, no open work is lost.
No telemetry, no account
Zorin OS does not collect personal data and does not require sign-in. The source code is open and can be audited by independent parties.
Smaller attack surface
The architecture of Linux makes it uninteresting for the usual Windows malware. A paid antivirus subscription is not required.
An interface you already know
The Zorin Appearance app configures the start menu, taskbar, and window behavior the way you're used to from Windows. Pro offers twelve layouts for this.
Your files remain usable
LibreOffice opens, edits, and saves Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents. When installed alongside Windows, the files on the Windows partition remain accessible.
Windows programs run too
With Windows App Support, many .exe and .msi installation files can be started directly — for cases where there is no alternative.
Smartphone without cloud lock-in
Zorin Connect links an Android device and computer via an encrypted connection on the local network: notifications, file transfer, remote control of mouse and keyboard. The data does not go through a cloud service.
Ready for AI tools
Claude Code, Codex CLI, Ollama, LM Studio, and DeepSeek are installed in minutes. Local models work completely without data outflow.
Tools included instead of as a subscription
Pro already includes video editing, image editing, illustration, 3D, audio, CAD, task planning, and password management.
European project
Zorin OS is developed in Ireland and builds on Ubuntu and Debian — a foundation that runs even where reliability matters.
Which distribution suits you?
Zorin OS is our recommendation for switchers. Depending on the task, however, another distribution may be the better choice — we set up all three.
Zorin OS
The most familiar interface for switchers, a polished look, and a clean path from Windows. Core free, Pro with an extensive software package.
Ubuntu & Linux Mint „Cinnamon“
The most widespread foundation and a particularly familiar desktop environment with a classic Start menu and taskbar. Very large community, long support periods.
Fedora
Current technology, short innovation cycles, and robust stability. Popular with developers and in system administration.
Frequently asked questions about switching
Will my usual programs continue to work?
For most programs there are direct equivalents or they run via Windows App Support. You can edit Microsoft Office files with LibreOffice without changing your workflow. For image editing, illustration, and video editing, Zorin OS Pro provides GIMP, Inkscape, and Kdenlive — programs used professionally.
Tell us in advance which specialized application you absolutely need. We will check the specific case before you switch.
Do I have to type commands into a terminal?
No. Zorin OS has a software manager like an app store, and all settings can be reached graphically. You only need the command line if you want to use it — for example for AI tools like Claude Code.
Is my printer or scanner compatible?
In most cases, yes — often more reliably than under Windows, because no additional software is needed. Network printers are usually detected automatically. Check your model's compatibility before switching, or ask us.
Can I install Linux alongside Windows?
Yes. With a dual-boot installation, you choose which system starts when you boot up. Your files on the Windows partition remain readable from Zorin OS — so you can test first and remove Windows later.
What does Zorin OS Pro cost — and is it a subscription?
No, it is a one-time payment. The copy applies to major version 18 including all minor versions and can be used for life. Later major versions are available at a discount. For commercial use, a separate copy is intended per computer; for private use, one copy may be installed on multiple devices you own.
We will gladly tell you the current price in an initial consultation, because it can change and we do not want to write anything incorrect on the page.
Can I run a local AI model on a refurbished notebook?
Smaller models already run with 8 GB of RAM; it becomes comfortable from 16 GB. For large models with a double-digit billion number of parameters, a dedicated graphics card with sufficient memory is required. We advise you on the right combination of device and model — and set it up for you right away.
How much RAM do I need for AI tools in the terminal?
Command-line assistants like Claude Code work with the cloud themselves and need hardly any memory — 8 GB is enough. Only locally operated models place demands on RAM or graphics card.
What happens to my data during the switch?
We create a full backup before the switch and then transfer documents, images, emails and bookmarks. Windows remains untouched during the migration, so you can switch back at any time.
Ready to switch?
We deliver fully set-up refurbished notebooks with Zorin OS — tested, with a one-year warranty. On request, we will also set up your AI tools and your data.
View refurbished notebooks Request a free consultation