Zorin OS 17.2, released on September 19, 2024, marks a significant update to the Zorin OS 17 series. Built on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat) and powered by the Linux kernel 6.8, it brings numerous performance improvements, bug fixes, and exciting new features. Designed with beginners and experienced Linux users in mind, Zorin OS 17.2 continues its tradition of offering a sleek, customizable, and Windows-friendly Linux distribution that aims to improve user experience.
Whether transitioning from Windows or looking for a Linux system with robust features, Zorin OS 17.2 offers several improvements catering to a wide range of users. This release, from enhanced hardware support to customization options, ensures that Zorin OS remains a top contender in the Linux distribution space.
What’s New in Zorin OS 17.2?
Here is the list of major changes, improvements, features in the Zorin 17.2:
Hardware Support Enhancements
The expanded hardware support is one of the most significant improvements in Zorin OS 17.2. The Linux kernel 6.8 supports various modern hardware, allowing Zorin OS to function smoothly on more devices than ever. Some of the most notable enhancements include:
- Intel Core Ultra Processors: Zorin OS 17.2 now offers better support for Intel’s latest Core Ultra CPUs, making it an ideal choice for users with cutting-edge hardware.
- AMD Zen 5 Processors: Support for AMD Ryzen, Ryzen AI, and EPYC CPUs ensures optimal performance across various machines, from consumer desktops to enterprise servers.
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX Compatibility: Zorin OS 17.2 brings better support for the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 20, 30, and 40 series graphics cards, ensuring that users get the best possible experience with these high-end GPUs.
- Peripheral Support: Logitech peripherals, gamepads from Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia, and Lenovo Legion Go are now seamlessly supported, making this update a strong choice for gamers and creative professionals.
Customization Options in Zorin Appearance
Zorin OS has always been known for its flexibility, and the latest update builds on this reputation. Zorin OS 17.2 brings several enhancements to the Zorin Appearance tool, allowing for even more personalization. Here’s what’s new:
- Cursor Theme Customization: Users can now easily change the cursor theme directly from the “Themes” section in Zorin Appearance. This feature allows for more personal expression and ease of use.
- New “Windows” Section: Zorin OS 17.2 introduces a brand-new “Windows” section in Zorin Appearance, offering controls for window placement, title bar behavior, and focus management.
- Overlay Scrollbars: The update introduces an option to turn off overlay scrollbars, allowing users who prefer a more traditional desktop experience to always display full-width scrollbars.
These new customization features make Zorin OS 17.2 more user-friendly and visually appealing, especially for Windows users who seek a familiar experience.
Software and Application Updates
With Zorin OS 17.2, users can access the latest versions of several essential applications, ensuring better performance, security, and compatibility. Some of the key updates include:
- LibreOffice 24.8: This new version improves compatibility with Microsoft Office documents, enhances spreadsheet functions, and revamps the presentation notes pane, ensuring Zorin OS remains an excellent alternative to Windows for office work.
- Updated Pre-installed Applications: Zorin OS 17.2 ensures fewer updates are required post-installation by including updated versions of many pre-installed applications. Additionally, the system has built-in support for Flatpak, AppImage, and Snap packages, giving users access to the latest versions of their favorite apps.
Improved Security and System Performance
Security is always a key consideration for any operating system. Zorin OS 17.2 ships with the latest security patches, making it the most secure version yet. The update includes several under-the-hood improvements to enhance system performance and compatibility, especially with the newest hardware. These improvements ensure that Zorin OS remains stable, reliable, and secure for personal and professional use.
Main Differences Between Zorin OS 17.1 and 17.2
- Linux Kernel Version: Zorin OS 17.1 used the Linux kernel 6.5, while Zorin OS 17.2 is built on the newer Linux kernel 6.8, offering improved hardware compatibility and performance.
- Better Hardware Support: Zorin OS 17.2 expands hardware support to include Intel Core Ultra processors, AMD Zen 5 CPUs, and newer NVIDIA GPUs, providing smoother operation across a wider range of devices.
- New Customization Options: Zorin OS 17.2 adds more customization capabilities, such as cursor theme changes, the new “Windows” section, and overlay scrollbar toggles, which were unavailable in Zorin OS 17.1.
- Major Application Updates: The update to LibreOffice 24.8 brings significant new features, including better Microsoft Office compatibility and advanced spreadsheet tools, marking a notable improvement over 17.1.
Improved Hardware Support in Zorin OS 17.2
- Intel and AMD CPU Support: Zorin OS 17.2 introduces compatibility with Intel Core Ultra processors and AMD Zen 5 CPUs, ensuring users can run Zorin OS on the latest hardware without compatibility issues.
- NVIDIA GPU Series: The new update supports NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 20, 30, and 40 series, making Zorin OS an excellent option for gaming and high-performance tasks.
- Gaming Peripheral Support: Zorin OS 17.2 improves peripheral compatibility, including gamepads from Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia, and Lenovo Legion Go, catering to gamers looking for a Linux-friendly experience.
- Comparison to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS: Since Zorin OS 17.2 is built on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, the hardware support is comparable, with both distributions offering wide hardware compatibility and up-to-date drivers.
Customization Options in Zorin OS 17.2
- Changing the Cursor Theme: Zorin OS 17.2 introduces the ability to change the cursor theme directly from the Zorin Appearance tool, a previously unavailable feature.
- New “Windows” Section: The newly added “Windows” section allows users to manage window behaviors, including title bars, window placement, and focus settings, giving more control over the desktop experience.
- Overlay Scrollbars: Users can now turn off overlay scrollbars and enable full-width scrollbars, enhancing user preference options.
- Third-party Themes: Zorin OS 17.2 also makes it easier to install third-party themes with the help of a dedicated guide in Zorin Appearance, adding more options for visual customization.
Upgrading from Zorin OS 17 to 17.2
- Upgrade Process: Zorin OS 17 or 17.1 users can easily upgrade to Zorin OS 17.2 using the Software Updater. It ensures all their files and applications remain intact.
- In-place Upgrade from Zorin OS 16: Zorin OS 17.2 also supports in-place upgrades from Zorin OS 16, allowing users to switch without losing data or reinstalling their applications.
- Support Timeline: Zorin OS 17.2 will receive updates and security patches until June 2027, ensuring long-term support for users.
Pre-installed Apps in Zorin OS 17.2
- LibreOffice Version: Zorin OS 17.2 comes with LibreOffice 24.8, featuring improved document compatibility and additional spreadsheet functions.
- Other Notable App Updates: Many pre-installed apps, such as the terminal and browser tools, have also been updated to their latest versions, reducing the need for post-installation updates.
- App Installation Methods: Zorin OS 17.2 supports app installations through Flatpak, AppImage, and Snap packages, giving users flexible ways to install and manage software.
Conclusion
Zorin OS 17.2 represents a solid step forward for the Zorin OS series, building on the success of previous versions with enhanced hardware support, new customization options, and critical application updates. By incorporating the latest Linux kernel 6.8 and supporting cutting-edge hardware like Intel Core Ultra and AMD Zen 5 CPUs, Zorin OS 17.2 is future-proof for users with modern systems. With improvements to its already intuitive Zorin Appearance tool and the inclusion of the latest versions of essential apps like LibreOffice 24.8, it offers both beginners and experienced Linux users a polished, flexible, and user-friendly experience.
Upgrading to this latest release is a straightforward process for those already using Zorin OS 17 or 17.1, while Zorin OS 16 users can also transition without losing data. With long-term support until 2027, Zorin OS 17.2 continues to position itself as an accessible yet powerful alternative to Windows, catering to the needs of users transitioning to Linux.
You can download the Zorin 17.2 from its official website.
