A new version of Ubuntu-based Zorin OS is available to download.
Zorin OS 16.3 introduces a number of refinements that, its developers say, help “elevate your computing experience even further”.
On paper, the inclusion of the new Zorin OS Upgrader app is Zorin OS 16.3’s tentpole feature.
This tool has been in a year in development. It allows users to upgrade from one version of Zorin OS to another, be it a new version (e.g., a point release like this one) or a different edition (such as going from Zorin OS Lite to Zorin OS Pro).
Previously users needed to re-install the operating system from scratch to move from one release/edition to another. This required backing up files, apps, and settings. That’s no longer necessary thanks to the addition of this tool.
Helpfully, the new Zorin OS Upgrader is being back-ported (as a standard software update) to users of Zorin OS 15 and above, thus allowing them to also perform in-place upgrades to newer versions. A nice touch since an upgrade tool is only truly useful to those for whom an upgrade is actually available!
Other changes in Zorin OS 16.3 include:
- LibreOffice 7.5
- Miscellaneous updates to preinstalled software
- Ubuntu 22.04 LTS GA Linux kernel
- Security updates (via Ubuntu/Canonical)
Additionally, a new version of the Zorin Connect app for Android is available. When installed on an Android device and paired with the connect app in Zorin OS, the app lets users see mobile notifications on the desktop, run commands on their desktop from their phone, and other similar tasks.
Want in?
Zorin OS 16.3 is based on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS and gets ongoing software updates and critical security patches until April 2025.
You can download Zorin OS 16.3 for free from the Zorin OS website, or opt for Zorin OS Pro (a paid version with more preinstalled software and support options).
Alternatively, if you already run Zorin OS 16.x you simply need to install any/all pending updates listed in the Software Updater tool to “get” this release.