Yep unfortunately, but I will be back when the first v18.# Pro update comes along. Meanwhile sticking with v17.3 Pro.
cheers CD
Yes, well, Windows 11 hasn't done any better with the updates (KB5063978) that removed the recovery repair feature at startup. Anyway, a million Zorin users could mean the same amount of problems or information to identify what's wrong, repair it, and ultimately, a more robust system.
Hopefully, the latter will happen.
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Consider that this type of issues happen even to multi-trillion companies like Microsoft. Upgrades are difficult, because they make assumptions on what the end-user's system looks like that may not be necessarily true. And since everyone is different, is hard to predict every little complication.
For the time being, you can consider other distributions like Linux Mint or MX Linux. Zorin OS 17 is still supported until 2027, so you still have some time there before making a decision.
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And when You try a different Distro? I mean wehn zorin doesn't work like You need it, it isn#t wrong to look for something that does it.
Like @zenzen already suggested: What is with Linux Mint? The Cinnamon Desktop might be a Thing ... You can like it or not. But it is functional.
both versions are pure deb
Mint upgrades totally briked 2 of my laptops too. Even Timeshift couldn't help. Complete new install was the only way. After the second time, I found Zorin, and it is only my opinion, but I think it's a way better distro than Mint. ...and don't get me started on their forum - what a bunch of arrogant Neck-Beards!
The point about Z 18 being forced to release too soon to coincide with EoL for WX is true, I think. I've had to upgrade to Windows 11, using Chris Titus Tech's Win Utility tool, to strip out all the bloat, Copilot, Recall and telemetry, and get the install to work WITHOUT a MS account. Oh well, I'm still bucking the MS system and "ethos", but I so want Linux to be ready for everyone, and I think Zorin have a good change, IF they would only listen to their community.
I'm still using Z 17.3 and 18 on other machines, just not for my job.
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Agreed. I have been a long time user of Zorin OS now. I started paying for Pro versions to support the OS because I've been so impressed with how everything "just works" for me, every time. Version 18 is the first time I've bought my key, downloaded, backed everything up, installed fresh, and instantly had so many problems. Network shares are nearly impossible unless you use the terminal, Steam games crash after loading, etc. Roll back to 17.3 and it's all smooth. They shouldn't have launched it yet.
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Absolutely, switching to a different OS and desktop environment can solve a lot of issues and give you a fresh start. Linux Mint is great for a smooth, beginner-friendly experience. Debian with XFCE is solid if you want something lightweight and stable. MX Linux is also a good pick for newcomers — very straightforward and easy to set up.
PS: Edited by zenzen to add formatting to the quote block
Welcome to the forum, @JohnM. It's a great point you made about rolling back, we don't have to upgrade and, if we don't like it, ditch Zorin and dive into Pop_OS, or whatever. It isn't like it (18) can't improve exponentially, of course it can. It's just been rushed, for an understandable reason. 17.3 hasn't gone away. It's not 18 , or die.
I wish for 2 things: the Zorin Bro's would interact more, and they'd actually have to use a well set up Windows 10 PC for a month. They are over worked and a bit out of touch.
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I've had the same experience with Mint, unfortunately. I only mention it because in the past I've used it for a good while without issues, and because in the end is quite good for beginners, I think.
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I've been using Linux desktops since 2008 (servers way before that), and I have never been impressed with Mint. I even tried it again this year (in a VM) and still think it is rubbish, but there seem to be people in every thread advocating for it. Are they getting paid? Otherwise, I don't understand at all. If I was going to consider moving from Zorin, I think I would consider Big Linux. For me the main issue is that it is Arch-based and I'm just much more comfortable with Debian-based systems.
It is too bad Zorin 18 seems to have been released too early. I am a big fan of Zorin and there are a couple new features in 18 that I really want. I'm still on the fence about when to move to it. My main system is very new and has strong hardware, so I would hope it all works. However, for now I think I might wait a bit longer.
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can you elaborate more of why mint is rubbish
Rubbish was probably too strong a word. It isn't actually that bad, but it just feels very generic. I don't think it is as polished as Zorin and some other distros. It is not as easy to change the appearance, i don't like the old-fashioned menu system, and for me it is just not as easy to find things.
I am sure if I spent more time with it, I would get used to it and it would be fine. However, when I switched to Zorin, I did not feel any learning curve. Things were logically arranged and I could easily customize the things i wanted without any trouble.
Also, my work computer is Windows 11. Previously, when I switched from that to my home computer, it always took a little time to adjust and get back into things. However, because I could use the Zorin Windows 11 layout, switching back and forth became much easier.
In my current position, I am finally allowed to use Linux at work as well. Once I make that switch, I may not use the Windows 11 layout anymore, but great to have so many choices!
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That actually speaks volumes to Linux Mint. I myself have only had issues with it in the past couple of years, and I'd be willing to try it again once I can be sure that routine upgrades don't bork my installation.
It's really a simple matter of preference: what works for some, doesn't necessarily apply to others.
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@brianr0922 & @zenzen. I've considered trying Mint again too, but I'm always put off, not just that it could break my PC, but by the sheer arrogance of the user-base. If I were to try another distro, which I'll probably do during the Christmas holiday period, it'll most likely be Pop!_OS. Arch seems too new and unstable for my liking, and I don't need cutting edge updates... stability and reliability are keys for me.
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I use Linux Mint XFCE but keep away from their unfriendly forum...Since 7 months I'm using it daily. Once I had a problem that Windows and Mint didn't boot any more and I had to reinstall both😕 but I don't know what has caused the problem, maybe malware or an update.
Apart from this really annoying incident, I am satisfied.
However, I would prefer to refrain from upgrading to the next higher version at this time to avoid complications or system crashes.
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Interesting you say that. There's one moderator over there I personally feel could lighten up some. It's like they get off on a power trip or something. But generally speaking, regular users (in my experience) have been okay.
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I can't speak for everyone, but I can say I certainly am not getting paid for mentioning Mint.
I agree with your later comment that it's not very polished and "feels very generic." That's my biggest gripe with Mint. It's quite bland and the default backgrounds are always ugly. Fortunately, it can be easily tweaked with a better background and extensions like Blur Cinnamon that make it look 10 years newer.
I've tried a ton of different distros and haven't had anything that works as reliably and smoothly as Mint for my particular workflow. No problems with updates in the past two years either (other than one minor conflict with a kernel upgrade and my GPU). I have it on my work computer, home computer, and Mint XCFE on a 15 year old computer that works like a champ with it.
That said, I do like the look and feel of Zorin, Ubuntu 24, and KDE's Plasma desktop much better than Mint and I may someday move to one of those. Plasma just irks me because I can't stand Dolphin and haven't wanted to put the time into overhauling the look of the file manager.
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Agreed. I'm out of touch honestly - I've been using Zorin since 15.3 - and 17.x for a couple years now I guess? For me It's been flawless. No terminal/console required. It's on my main machine and laptop. Never a lockup, Network file sharing works, games, office you name it. So I just have been lost in a bubble of 'this is how it is in here'. lol - Hey, this got me to throw in a second drive and play with distros again which is always fun 
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I have not tried Blur Cinnamon, so thanks, @ditchingwin, for that. I'll give it a try.
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