When comparing Zorin OS vs Microsoft Windows 11, the Slant community recommends Zorin OS for most people. In the question“What is the best laptop OS?” Zorin OS is ranked 18th while Microsoft Windows 11 is ranked 57th.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Stable
Pro Good Selection of pre-installed software
New users may be unaware of what software is available for Linux, but Zorin includes a good selection for everyday tasks out of the box.
Pro Windows desktop style
The desktop UI was made to resemble Windows 7, but alternative settings are available.
Pro Ubuntu-based
Zorin is compatible with Ubuntu's sizable repositories of Free Software.
Pro Bundles tools for changing the look and feel of the distribution
Zorin includes look changer and theme changer.
Pro Partial Windows compatibility
Zorin includes WINE and PlayOnLinux to run many Windows applications and games.
Pro Installer can set up dual boot
Pro Ubuntu got too big
Ubuntu uses too much resources, Zorin uses less.
Pro Accessibility features
Pro Zorin Connect
Allows syncing notifications with your phone.
Pro Low resources consumption
Pro Great support for video games
Top support for video drivers.
Pro New Features
Such as notification pane, weather gadget and a sweet new centered taskbar.
Pro Great for gamers
DirectX 12 Ultimate and DirectStorage boost gaming performance quite a bit.
Pro New UI design and features
Centered Taskbar and Start Menu, Widgets panel, and so many more new features and UI elements make Windows 11 truly unique compared to other operating systems.
Cons
Con Limited desktop styles in Free Version
All free editions only offer Windows XP, 2000, and 7 and Gnome 2. You have to pay $9-10 in order to get Unity (Ubuntu) and Mac OS X themes.
Con Even with v16 Pro, zero tech support replies
Do not pay for Pro. You’re supposed to get tech support with your $39 purchase. After contacting them a few months ago about the inability to install build tools due to their wonky custom versions, to date there has been no answer. You could find a friend and get them to send you the theme and look packages. The rest is all available easily in the Ubuntu catalog.
Con Tethered to the Microsoft Store
Each new release of Windows tugs users closer to the walled garden of the Microsoft Store.
Con Still too many legacy features
Windows 11 still has the Control Panel, Computer Managment and lots of other legacy features that originate from XP, Vista or 7.
Con Spyware
Like Windows 10, Windows 11 records everything you do, builds a profile, then sells it to a third party. Go with Linux.
Con OneDrive is a bit slow
OneDrive opens a folder or file a couple seconds slower on Windows 10 compared to Windows 11. Not a problem if you don't use OneDrive though.
