Major release update question

[tmmls]

Hi,

I'm looking for a replacement for my Windows 10.

Can Zorin be easily updated to the next major release when it becomes available? From within the Os? Or does a clean install have to be performed?

Thank you.

Tim

[applecheeks37]

You can upgrade from within Zorin OS from one version to the other using their Zorin Upgrader:
Upgrade Zorin OS - Zorin Help
Personally, I would recommend a fresh clean install every time going to a new major version. Just avoids some hiccups that might happen, and lets you clean things up that have gotten a little cluttered over time. At least, that's how I see it.

[zenzen]

You don't have to install it again, but I always use this opportunity to do some maintenance on my systems. Like ensuring all my backups are up to date, keep track of unused applications, etc.

Do keep in mind, that the Zorin OS Pro license is only valid for the current release you purchased it for. That means that if you buy it right now for Zorin OS 17, you'll need an additional license for Zorin OS 18, once it's released. You can still use the upgrade tool, but you'll have to use one of the regular versions i.e. Core or Lite.

So, if you're considering purchasing a Pro license, I'd recommend waiting for the Zorin OS 18 release.

[Forpli]

It was/is not possible to upgrade from Zorin 16 pro to Zorin 17 core/lite with the Zorin upgrader tool. A fresh install was/is needed. Do you know if this will be changed for Zorin 18 so that it is possible to upgrade from Zorin 17 pro to Zorin 18 core/lite?

[zenzen]

I'm pretty sure that it is possible, I remember seeing a few threads about it. But this was the first time the upgrader tool existed so it's possible there were too many issues and some features were disabled. I would think it's fixed by this release.

[Forpli]

Thank you for the information. Then I was wrong informed. I had only seen threads where it was not possible.

Cannot upgrade from 16.3 Pro to 17 without purchase new OS

Users can go from 16 Pro to 17 Core, but currently, they must do a fresh install. This is a pretty fair question, though. It seems like the Upgrader should offer the ability to go from Pro to Core should a user wish to or need to skip a purchase cycle and use the free version. However, in looking over the Upgrader Source Code, it becomes pretty clear why it is not offered in the Upgrader Tool. In order for the Upgrader to properly work without breakage, it must be able to address and upgrade e…

[zenzen]

Maybe I'm imagining things But let's hope it's now supported.

[Aravisian]

As it is currently, the Upgrader tool does not allow upgrading from 16 Pro to 17 Core.

I have seen no indications that the Zorin OS 18 release offers a change on this...

[tmmls]

And what happens when all your custom configurations like installed java versions, maven, applications, mail configurations, or even your personal documents... ?

[Aravisian]

@tmmls

And what happens when all your custom configurations like installed java versions, maven, applications, mail configurations, or even your personal documents... ?

All your configurations and personal data are retained when using the upgrader.

It is possible that any sources or software that is no longer maintained by the next version may not work properly (Which is as true of a fresh install).

[applecheeks37]

I would just like to add (on top of what @Aravisian said) that if you do intend on doing an upgrade in place from 17-18, as always I would recommend taking backups or a system image of anything important that you may need. While it should be a fairly painless process, there are always things that can go wrong. You'd definitely want a backup in case you need to revert back and attempt the upgrade at a later date with some other changes in mind.