I've been using Zorin core for about a year without issue and its become my main operating system to now; But since I updated it to 18.1 my USB takes forever to boot.
If I start my desktop, it will boot to the login screen in about 15 seconds as it always has done, but I have no USB mouse or keyboard for about 90 seconds which is very frustrating.
Has anyone else experienced this? and if so is there a way around this problem?
For info.. the Keyboard and mouse work instantly if I dual boot into Win11 and also the bios, and if I install Zorin 18.0 on a spare SSD it also works just fine, so I assume its the upgrade.
My spec if req is
System Details Report
Report details
• Date generated: 2026-04-18 06:28:24
Hardware Information:
• Hardware Model: ASUS ROG STRIX B650E-F GAMING WIFI
• Memory: 32.0 GiB
• Processor: AMD Ryzen™ 7 7800X3D × 16
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960
• Disk Capacity: 11.0 TB
Software Information:
• Firmware Version: 2613
• OS Name: Zorin OS 18.1 Core
• OS Build: (null)
• OS Type: 64-bit
• Windowing System: X11
• Kernel Version: Linux 6.17.0-20-generic
Are Secure Boot and Fast Boot in BIOS disabled? Is Fast Start-Up in Windows disabled? Did You tried to start in an older Kernel?
And only to be clear with this: You wrote, You have a Dual-Boot system but also You have Issues with slow USB Start? Is Zorin installed on the Disk with Windows or do You use Zorin on a USB Stick in Live Mode?
Both Secure Boot and Fast Boot are disabled in the BIOS.
I'm currently running on 6.17.0.20 and did try rolling back to 6.14.0.37. which was interesting in that it locked my display to 1024x768 pixels; It also allowed my mouse to operate ok, but my keyboard still remained off for the 90 seconds.
I do have a dual boot system on my pc controlled via GRUB
Selecting Windows Boot Manager takes me to Windows 11 which starts fine and both keyboard and mouse work straight off as expected.
Selecting Zorin 18.1 starts Linux and brings up the login screen almost instantly, but neither the keyboard or mouse are active for around 90 seconds. After that time both keyboard and mouse work fine and I am able to log in and the pc runs very well. So long as the pc remains on/or asleep it functions very well. Its only if I restart it there is an issue.
I have a spare SSD which I clean installed Zorin 18.0 and it runs without issue, so I guess my next step is to clean install 18.1 to try it out.
In addition to my last reply, The upgrade from Zorin 18.0 to 18.1 was done as a update. I was unaware that it had updated until I began checking as to why the USB problem had arisen.
Yes. That is the normal mechanism for version point updates (e.g. 18.0 to 18.1). You would not know about it unless you checked your installed version status.
I seem to have sorted out my problem. It's a self inflicted problem.
I have two computers, one for programming, and one for office work, which I have coupled via a USB switch to share a keyboard and mouse. Although it works quite happily with Windows and Zorin 18.0, Zorin 18.1. dosn't seem to approve.
Its strange as it dosn't mind when running 18.1 from a USB stick, but once installed the startup problem returns.
Not quite sure how to get over it, but at least I now know what it is.
However, if it worked fine for Z18 but not Z18.1 then maybe it is related to linux-kernel regression for that hardware. Try booting a previous e.g. 6.14... kernel-generic from grub menu item "Additional Options for Zorin".
I think its a hardware problem, as since my last post, I found all three of my Zorin ps's have upgraded to 18.1, and its only one pc fitted with a ASUS B650 mainboard that is affected, and thats only the USB3 ports. My Ugreen 2in/4out switch works now I installed a Pcie USB card.
Its wierd, as my other pc's have MSI B450 boards and have no such issues.