Hi to everyone. Question - what happens to our existing install when Zorin 18 is released? Or more specifically (in my case, anyway), what happens with all the custom configurations made in Zorin 17 just to get things the way we want them to be? For example, with gThumb, I had to go into the .desktop file and edit the "Exec" line to make the dark theme go away and force the program to match Zorin's theme. Same for MyPaint where I enabled Xwayland to get rid of the brush selection bug. And so on and on. You get the idea. So when Zorin 18 is released, what happens? Will I lose my custom configurations? Will Zorin 18 force a reinstall of Flatpak and Snap (which I have my current Zorin 17 setup configured without; my OS install is a .DEB-only setup)? Thanks very much in advance. Appreciate it.
When Zorin OS 18 is released, you will remain on Zorin OS 17 until such time you actively take decisive action to upgrade to Zorin OS 18. As this is not Windows OS, Zorin OS will not force the upgrade, act on the upgrade or Upgrade For You.
Assuming you take action:
It will either be by a full fresh install
Or by using the built in Zorin Upgrader Tool.
Using either method, you can save and transfer over your ~/.config directory or other custom configurations (~/.local/share etc...)
However...
Given the Next Iteration of Gnome... and whatever changes it brings; including deprecations and Extensions...
There is no guarantee that your saved and transferred customizations will remain applicable.
Zorin OS 18 will reinstall Snap and Flatpak. You can remvoe them right away once it does, if you like.
I think the Question is here if the Upgrade Process leads to a default Zorin 18. And then you have the Point of updated and newer Packages and Versions of Configurations and Changes in Function.
A simple Example: Gnome Extension. When You now use a Gnome Extension what is not compatible for the Gnome Version in Zorin 18 it will not work. Themes could be a Point, too. Maybe they will only set back to default but will not be deleted. But when it leads to a default Zorin 18 Installation, it could happen that they will deleted.
And added Repos would be a Thing, too. Because of the new Base, they could cause Issues what we her saw in the Past sometimes.
I personally prefer a fresh Install when a new Main Version comes. I can sort and clean Files that I will keep or not and a fresh installed System feels directly like new born, hahaha!
Yes. That is what I meant.
Got it. True enough.
Ugh. Will remove them.
Thanks for replying, too.
I just might end up doing this. We'll see. Thanks.
I'll fall in a similar category, my mindset is
"I want the new features, and I want stability, what files do I not want to lose how can I save and re-acess these"
IMO it is always a good idea to have a action plan as to how you would recreate your personalised implementation of ZorinOS, extensions, apps etc, whether this is called upon for new OS Version upgrade / fresh install or a fresh install forced due to disaster recovery.
I had a fairly painless experience using the Zorin Upgrader tool from Z16.3 Core to Z17.3 Core, but I do not have many extensions or apps. I just had to do a bit of tinkering with taskbar to get to my liking. I also do not use Snap or Flatpak.
Right now, as things stand, I have a saved clone image of my system drive. So I can simply boot into Disks and restore the image. That's my "action plan." But thus far, I haven't had to make use of it. And as for upgrading, I'm gonna wait for Zorin OS 18 to drop first. Will download the "core" ISO first; see what's new, play around in the live environment, and so on. Then go from there (before the "Pro" ISO). Thanks.
What a real pity, been testing to migrate 
% away from Windows 10/11 on Dell desktop first tried kumbuntu and was a bit painful, but then install fresh copy of Zorin 17 free version all gone really well, I had some previous unix experience with Sun Solaris 8, (2000 to 2005) so install various packages and making changes to OS environment really good, but now hearing possible lost of config and changes when upgrade to 18, means I now doubt I will even try upgrade to paid version. I presume it means the zorin backup carried out wont then work restore the mods to new version 18? My mac (Intel 2019) upgrades with no loss of settings, so seems back to search another win10/11 replacement, or just stay with MAC, am I correct in thinking this way
@Casey69 You can stay at Zorin 17 and use it until end of support June 2027.
Welcome to the Forum!
Well, You have to think about the Point that in a new Main Version, You have new Sources and new Software Version and Dependencies. And new Functions, too. So, the overall Built changes. And that can affect Configurations.
XFCE Lite will not exist?
@Bourne Zorin lite is supported until 2029.
Ok. That is nice. Thanks for link.