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Zorin OS 18 Beta arrives at a pivotal moment: with Windows 10’s extended lifespan ending on October 14, 2025, millions of users face either an enforced upgrade to Windows 11, costly hardware refreshes, or the security risks of running an unsupported OS — and Zorin OS 18 Beta positions itself as a polished, low-friction alternative that aims to keep older PCs useful, secure, and familiar to Windows users.

Laptop on a wooden desk with a sign reading 'End of Windows 10 support: migrate to Zorin OS 18 Beta'.Background​

The Windows 10 end-of-support calendar is fixed: Microsoft stops mainstream security updates for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. That corporate deadline creates a hard decision point for home users, schools, charities, and smaller organisations that lack immediate budget or hardware compatibility for Windows 11 upgrades.
Windows 11’s hardware gate (TPM 2.0, Secure Boot/UEFI, supported CPU families and minimum memory/storage) leaves a sizeable pool of otherwise functional machines unable to upgrade for free. This structural mismatch—between the installed base and the new platform requirements—has catalysed a wave of migration planning and community-led alternatives, with Linux distributions like Zorin OS being a leading option for non-enterprise audiences.
Zorin OS has traditionally pitched itself at the Windows-to-Linux migration audience by offering familiar layouts and bundled tools that reduce the cognitive cost of switching. The appearance and workflow choices in Zorin aim to preserve muscle memory for users who would otherwise find desktop Linux unfamiliar. The Zorin project’s identity as a Dublin-born, design-focused distro underpins this mission.

Overview of Zorin OS 18 Beta​

Zorin OS 18 Beta is the preview step toward the next major release in the Zorin line. The beta introduces a refreshed visual language, deeper cloud integration, usability improvements such as a drag-and-select tiling system, and migration tooling intended to map common Windows workflows to Linux alternatives. Early notes show the distribution continues to use an Ubuntu LTS base, promising long-term security maintenance aligned with Ubuntu’s lifecycle approach.
Key changes advertised in the beta build include:
  • A visually refreshed desktop with rounded panels, lighter accents, and updated application styling to unify the look across core apps.
  • Updated core apps: Files, Settings, Calendar, Evolution, and a new Camera application reflect the new UI style.
  • A drag-and-choose tiling system that lets users arrange windows by dragging them to the top of the screen and selecting predefined layouts.
  • OneDrive integration built into the Files app to browse and manage cloud documents natively.
  • A Web Apps tool to turn websites (Office 365, Google Docs, Teams, etc.) into desktop-like apps.
  • A migration assistant that detects over 170 Windows installer files and suggests compatible Linux alternatives or best ways to run those programs.
  • Performance tuning, improved Bluetooth audio via PipeWire, remote desktop login capability, new theme color options, and expanded hardware support.
  • Long-term support through the Ubuntu LTS lifecycle — positioning the release as secure and stable for multi-year use.
These are the headline features. The beta is explicitly marked as incomplete in places (wallpapers and a welcome tour are not final), but it provides an early look at the project’s direction.

Why Zorin OS is being pitched as a Windows alternative now​

Zorin’s timing is strategic. The calendar transition on October 14, 2025 forces many users to choose between upgrading, paying for Extended Security Updates, replacing hardware, or migrating to another platform.
Zorin addresses three immediate pain points:
  • Hardware obsolescence pressure: Machines that fail Windows 11 checks can be repurposed with lighter Linux distributions rather than scrapped. Zorin’s Core and Lite configurations aim to restore responsiveness on older laptops and desktops.
  • Familiarity and learning curve: Zorin’s layouts, default apps, and appearance settings reduce the cognitive overhead of switching: menus, panels, and window behavior can feel close to what Windows users expect.
  • Security and support: As an Ubuntu LTS-based distribution, Zorin leverages a long-term patching stream — a clear advantage over running an unsupported Windows 10 image. That matters for users who need continued security updates without buying new hardware.
The combination of those three factors — compatibility, familiarity, and supported security updates — is what makes Zorin a practical alternative for many users leaving Windows 10 behind.

Deep dive: What’s new (and why it matters)​

Visual refresh and app polish​

Zorin OS 18 Beta introduces rounded panels, lighter accent treatments, and consistent styling across core apps. The visual refresh isn’t cosmetic only: a unified UI reduces user confusion when switching between apps and helps convey a sense of maturity and professionalism in the desktop experience. Updated core apps like Files, Settings, Calendar, Evolution, and Camera receive interface tweaks to match the new design language.

Tiling, window management, and productivity​

The new tiling system in Zorin OS 18 Beta deserves close attention. Instead of relying on keyboard-only tiling or compositing scripts, users can drag windows to the top of the screen to reveal a set of predefined layouts. This lowers the entry barrier for users unfamiliar with keyboard-driven tiling while still offering advanced shortcuts and custom layouts for power users. For individuals coming from Windows where drag-and-snap is a common pattern, this is an intuitive step forward.

Cloud integration: OneDrive in Files​

Building OneDrive into the Files app is one of the most practical features for users who rely on Microsoft 365 services. Native cloud integration minimizes friction: no separate sync clients, and fewer mental context switches between browser and file manager. That’s especially valuable for users migrating from Windows where OneDrive is tightly integrated into the OS. The Files-level OneDrive browsing model simplifies file access and reduces reliance on web-only workflows.

Web Apps: websites as desktop apps​

The Web Apps tool converts web services into lightweight desktop applications. For users who depend on Office 365, Google Docs, Slack, or Teams, Web Apps can simulate the single-application experience without leaving browser tabs scattered across the workspace. This is a pragmatic approach to app compatibility: where native Linux alternatives don’t exist, web-based services can fill the gap with a near-desktop feel.

Migration tooling and Windows installer detection​

Zorin OS 18 Beta claims it can detect over 170 Windows installer files and recommend either native Linux equivalents or the best compatibility strategy (Wine, Proton, virtual machines, or cloud-hosted Windows). That detection and recommendation layer is a significant usability boost during migration planning because it gives users a concrete map from their current app inventory to workable options on Linux. That said, this is a tooling aid, not a silver bullet: some proprietary or deeply integrated Windows apps will still require virtualization or a hosted Windows environment.

Performance and hardware enablement​

Zorin’s recent updates emphasize broader hardware compatibility and optimizations for older hardware. Shipping more recent NVIDIA drivers on the ISO and tuning the kernel/driver stack for responsiveness are practical improvements that reduce the typical post-install driver fiddling new Linux users face. However, extremely new hardware may still require manual kernel updates or special driver packages.

Multimedia and connectivity​

The move to PipeWire for Bluetooth audio in the Zorin desktop improves low-latency audio routing and better A2DP handling across devices. Combined with updated remote desktop login capabilities and enhanced mobile integration via Zorin Connect, the distribution is shaping up to be a capable everyday desktop for both home and light office scenarios.

Strengths — what Zorin does well​

  • Low-friction migration: Zorin’s desktop modes and appearance choices reduce muscle-memory friction for Windows users, accelerating adoption.
  • Practical cloud and web app support: OneDrive integration and Web Apps bridge the gap for users dependent on Microsoft 365 and similar cloud-first services.
  • Renewed life for older hardware: The Core/Lite distinctions and performance tuning target the exact constituency of machines left behind by Windows 11’s hardware requirements.
  • Community and ecosystem: Zorin’s forums, documentation, and the broader Linux community provide troubleshooting help and migration playbooks for home users and smaller organisations.
  • Security via LTS base: Building on an Ubuntu LTS base delivers a predictable security patch cadence — crucial after Windows 10 support ends.

Risks, caveats, and real-world constraints​

  • Application compatibility remains the primary blocker. Many vertical, industry-specific, or legacy Windows applications have no Linux-native equivalents. Workarounds (Wine/Proton, VMs, remote desktops) are available but introduce complexity, performance trade-offs, and sometimes licensing constraints. Zorin’s detection tool helps triage but cannot eliminate structural incompatibility.
  • Hardware and peripheral edge cases. Peripherals such as specialized scanners, certain USB dongles, and bespoke lab equipment may lack robust Linux drivers. Per-device verification is essential for organisations that rely on such hardware.
  • Enterprise support expectations may not match community models. Large organisations often need SLA-backed support, centralized imaging, and integration with Windows-centric endpoint management. Zorin’s community model and consumer-focused Pro tier are not a direct replacement for enterprise service contracts without additional third-party support.
  • Perception and training overhead. Even with a Windows-like layout, users encounter differences in file paths, update models, and administration tooling. Training, staged rollouts, and help-desk readiness materially improve migration success.
  • Unverifiable or marketing claims. Headline download totals, blanket performance superiority claims, or founder biographies circulating in press summaries sometimes lack single-source verification. Treat broad marketing statements with caution and validate numerics against official project disclosures where possible.

Practical migration playbook (step-by-step)​

Zorin and community guides converge on a pragmatic checklist to reduce risk and align expectations. The following steps are a condensed playbook for home users, schools, and small organisations.
  • Inventory and triage
  • List every application you rely on and mark whether it has a native Linux version, a web alternative, or a Windows-only dependency.
  • Identify critical hardware (printers, scanners, dongles) and confirm driver availability or documented workarounds.
  • Test without commitment
  • Create a live USB of Zorin OS 18 Beta (or the latest stable release) and boot it on the target machine to verify Wi‑Fi, display, webcam, and printer functionality without touching the installed Windows partition.
  • Evaluate application pathways
  • For each Windows-only app, test: native Linux replacements, web-based equivalents, Wine/Proton compatibility, and lightweight Windows VMs. Choose the simplest workable option that maintains performance and functionality.
  • Backup and rollback plan
  • Image the existing Windows installation and create recovery media. If anything goes wrong, a tested rollback path reduces risk and user anxiety.
  • Staged rollout
  • Deploy on a subset of machines (single user or single classroom) and collect feedback. Use community forums and local install events (repair cafés) for hands-on assistance if available.
  • Support model
  • For households: rely on community support and paid Pro tier for optional features.
  • For organisations: define SLAs, decide whether to contract third-party Linux support, and integrate Zorin deployment into existing imaging and management workflows where possible.

Technical verification and cautionary notes​

Several technical claims warrant explicit verification before rolling Zorin OS into production:
  • The claim that Zorin OS 18 provides full OneDrive integration: the beta shows Files-level OneDrive browsing, but organisations with advanced OneDrive features (conditional access, advanced sync policies) should validate behavior against their identity and security policies.
  • The detection of 170+ Windows installer files: this is a migration convenience feature intended to suggest pathways, not a guarantee of flawless execution. Where the suggestion points to Wine or virtualization, performance and licensing must be tested on the specific workload.
  • Long-term support until 2029: Zorin’s reliance on an Ubuntu LTS base implies multi-year security maintenance, but organisations should verify which kernel and component versions are covered and whether specific backported fixes are included in Zorin’s repositories. For very new hardware, the conservative kernel choices of an LTS base might necessitate additional kernel updates.
When in doubt, run a controlled pilot and document the issues you encounter; Zorin’s forums and community can often supply practical workarounds or configuration details.

Who should consider Zorin OS 18 — and who should not​

Ideal candidates:
  • Home users whose machines are ineligible for Windows 11 and who primarily use web apps, email, media, and office productivity tools.
  • Schools and charities seeking to extend device lifespans and stretch limited budgets.
  • Privacy-minded individuals who prefer reduced vendor telemetry and tighter control over data.
  • Individuals comfortable experimenting and running a live USB or willing to accept a modest learning curve.
Less suitable without planning:
  • Organisations with mission-critical Windows-only applications and vendor SLA dependencies.
  • Users requiring special-purpose peripherals with no Linux drivers.
  • High-end creative professionals relying on niche plugins and proprietary toolchains that have no Linux equivalents.

The competitive landscape and alternatives​

Zorin is not the only Linux distribution courting Windows refugees. Distros like Linux Mint, Ubuntu with GNOME tweaks, KDE-based distributions, and lightweight options (Lubuntu, Xubuntu, Puppy) offer alternative trade-offs between familiarity, hardware footprint, and configurability.
Zorin’s differentiator is a focused onboarding experience and UI choices tailored to reduce the perceived jump from Windows. For users prioritising absolute minimalism or extreme lightweight footprints, a dedicated Lite distro might be a better technical fit; for those prioritising enterprise-level management, Windows ESU or staged hardware refreshes with vendor-level support may be more appropriate.

Final analysis and recommendation​

Zorin OS 18 Beta appears to be a thoughtful, practical step for users confronting the end of Windows 10 support. Its combination of a familiar desktop, cloud integration, migration tooling, and an Ubuntu LTS foundation addresses the three most urgent issues for a broad segment of Windows 10 users: hardware compatibility, usability, and security maintenance.
However, realistic migration planning remains essential. Application compatibility and peripheral drivers are the chief risk vectors. The beta’s migration tools and Web Apps capability materially reduce friction for many common scenarios, but they do not replace careful piloting, backups, and staged rollouts in environments where uptime and application fidelity matter.
For individual users and small organisations seeking a secure, cost-effective path off of Windows 10 without buying new hardware, Zorin OS 18 (when stable) is a compelling candidate in the “Windows-like” Linux category. The Beta gives a clear preview of that trajectory, and the Ubuntu LTS base offers a credible security story for multi-year use. Proceed to testing with a live USB, verify your critical apps and peripherals, and build a rollback plan before committing to a full migration.

Zorin OS 18 Beta is not a miracle cure for every Windows-only problem, but it is a mature, practical alternative for a very large slice of the Windows 10 installed base — particularly those who want to keep their existing hardware, maintain security updates, and minimize retraining. The shift away from Windows 10 is now a calendar-driven reality; Zorin’s arrival at this moment is strategically important and operationally useful for many users choosing to avoid the forced hardware refresh route.

Source: BetaNews With Windows 10 support ending soon, Zorin OS 18 Beta arrives as a the ultimate alternative to Windows 11
 

As the October 14, 2025 deadline for Windows 10 support approaches, the Zorin Team has pushed a high‑profile bet on migration: the public Zorin OS 18 Beta is positioned explicitly as a familiar, low‑friction alternative for the millions of Windows 10 users who either can’t—or don’t want to—move to Windows 11.

A dual-monitor desk setup featuring a glowing “Migration Path” between the screens.Background: the Windows 10 end‑of‑support moment and why it matters​

Microsoft’s lifecycle paperwork is definitive: Windows 10 mainstream support ends on October 14, 2025 — no more feature updates, and no more routine security patches after that date for Home and Pro editions (and most Enterprise/Education SKUs). That change transforms risk calculations for every remaining Windows 10 PC because newly discovered vulnerabilities will not receive vendor fixes.
Industry analysts warned early that hundreds of millions of machines could be affected by Windows 11’s stricter hardware gates (TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, CPU/firmware requirements). One widely cited estimate from Canalys put the potentially stranded pool at roughly 240 million PCs that may be unable to upgrade to Windows 11 and therefore face obsolescence pressure or require alternatives. That figure has been repeated in major outlets and has shaped the narrative that the Windows 10 EOL could create both a security problem and an e‑waste challenge.
Microsoft offers mitigation paths — a free in‑place upgrade to Windows 11 for eligible systems, and a limited Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 that can extend protection temporarily — but those routes are not universal solutions. Many households, schools, charities and small businesses face a hard choice: upgrade hardware, pay for temporary ESU, or consider switching to another platform.

Overview: what Zorin OS 18 Beta brings to the migration table​

Zorin OS has long marketed itself as a Windows‑friendly Linux distribution with a design focus on familiarity and a low learning curve. The Zorin OS 18 Beta crystallizes that positioning with a package of features aimed squarely at Windows 10 users who are “left behind” by Windows 11 requirements:
  • OneDrive integration in the Files app (via GNOME Online Accounts), so users can browse Microsoft 365 storage from the file manager.
  • A migration assistant / Windows installer detector that recognizes common Windows installers and recommends native alternatives or compatibility strategies.
  • A new Web Apps tool to create desktop‑like launchers for web services (Office 365, Teams, Google Docs, etc.).
  • A refreshed desktop with rounded panels, new theme accents and an approachable drag‑and‑choose tiling manager for arranging windows.
  • A base rebased on a newer Ubuntu LTS and newer kernel/driver stacks for broader hardware compatibility and longer upstream support.
Independent coverage (9to5Linux, OMG! Ubuntu, Thurrott and community forums) has confirmed these signals in early testing builds, and Zorin’s own messaging in beta communications makes the migration pitch explicit.

Deep dive: the headline features and real‑world implications​

OneDrive integration — a practical bridge for users anchored to Microsoft 365​

One of the most pragmatic additions for Windows migrants is OneDrive access from the Files app. This capability comes via GNOME’s updated Online Accounts (first seen in GNOME 46), which adds a Microsoft 365 account type that exposes OneDrive in the file manager sidebar. For users who have stored years of documents, photos and settings in OneDrive, being able to browse and open those files natively reduces migration friction.
Caveats and limitations:
  • GNOME’s OneDrive integration is primarily a mount/browse experience rather than a drop‑in replacement for Microsoft’s Windows sync client. Selective sync and advanced “Files On‑Demand” behaviour are not guaranteed the way they are on Windows. This can mean different expectations for offline access and bandwidth usage.
  • The Online Accounts path has seen intermittent stability and authentication issues across distributions and versions; community threads and Fedora reports show mount errors and temporary regressions while upstream packages mature. Enterprise Microsoft 365 accounts may require admin verification for app permissions — a potential blocker for corporate users. Test repeatedly with your account type before committing.

Windows‑installer detection & migration assistant — triage, not miracle work​

Zorin has iteratively expanded a built‑in database that detects common Windows installer files and offers guidance: recommend a native Linux package when available, suggest using Wine/Bottles/Proton where appropriate, or propose a VM/cloud path for stubborn, proprietary apps. Earlier Zorin releases documented detection support for over 100–150 titles; 3rd‑party reporting on the 18 Beta references detection counts rising toward 170+ installers. That’s useful for triage — it converts “Will my app run?” into an actionable path.
Important limitations:
  • This tool is an advisory mapping. It does not magically port closed‑source, kernel‑level, or driver‑dependent Windows apps to Linux.
  • Critical business software, bespoke inventory systems, and certain GPU‑accelerated creative tools often require virtualization or a hosted Windows environment to guarantee functional parity.
  • Always pilot essential software in a test environment before switching a production device.

Web Apps: running web‑first services like desktop apps​

Converting cloud apps into discrete desktop entries is a practical shortcut for many users. The Web Apps tool in Zorin OS 18 Beta integrates Progressive Web App (PWA) behavior and makes Office 365, Teams and other browser‑hosted services feel like first‑class apps in the dock and Start‑menu. For users whose workflows already live in the browser, this eliminates a major compatibility headache.

Desktop, tiling and the base OS: modern stack, familiar face​

Zorin OS 18 rebases on a newer Ubuntu LTS lineage and takes advantage of modern GNOME improvements (including Wayland support, newer kernel/driver stacks and updated GPU drivers). That yields better hardware support and driver updates compared with older Zorin 17 branches — meaningful for users who expect their older hardware to keep working. Reviewers note a redesigned UI and a new drag‑and‑choose tiling manager that approximates Windows’ Snap Assist in a more discoverable way.

Strengths: where Zorin OS 18 Beta genuinely helps Windows escapees​

  • Low cognitive switching cost. Zorin’s layout presets, Start‑menu design and visual cues deliberately preserve Windows muscle memory, shortening the learning curve for non‑technical users.
  • Cloud continuity. OneDrive access and Web Apps reduce the “lose everything in the move” anxiety that otherwise blocks many household migrations.
  • Migration triage. The installer detector + recommendations give concrete next steps for many consumer apps, taking guesswork out of compatibility questions.
  • Modern upstream stack. Rebasing on a current Ubuntu LTS and shipping newer kernels/drivers improves compatibility with contemporary hardware, which matters for many older but capable laptops.

Risks, unknowns and things you must verify before making the jump​

  • OneDrive maturity and enterprise constraints. GNOME’s OneDrive integration is new and evolving. Expect edge cases (authentication, admin consent, mount errors) — and test corporate Microsoft 365 accounts explicitly. Don’t assume parity with Windows’ OneDrive client.
  • Application compatibility gaps. The migration assistant is a triage tool — many vertical or proprietary Windows apps will still need virtualization (VMs) or a cloud‑based Windows instance. Plan for that technical overhead and potential licensing costs.
  • Drivers and peripherals. Specialized peripherals (some printers, certain scanners, proprietary audio hardware, lab equipment) may lack stable Linux drivers. If the device is essential, confirm driver availability and test functionality before retiring Windows.
  • Security and update model differences. Moving away from Windows means adopting a different patching cadence. Linux distros can be very secure, but they depend on you or your administrator to install updates. Don’t treat “Linux = no maintenance.”
  • E‑waste and the wider debate. The Canalys 240 million projection underlines the environmental dimension: device replacement at scale has real sustainability consequences. A migration to Linux can reduce e‑waste by extending hardware life, but verify that the old device’s hardware will be fully usable for the intended workload.

A practical migration checklist — step‑by‑step​

  • Back up everything. Use local disk imaging plus cloud export for essential items (OneDrive, Google Drive, external HDD). Test restores.
  • Test OneDrive access on your target distro: add your Microsoft 365 account to GNOME Online Accounts and confirm you can open and edit files you need. If you rely on Files On‑Demand offline behavior, test that exact workflow.
  • Create a Zorin OS 18 Beta live USB and boot your machine (no install). Walk the UI, check Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, printers and video playback.
  • Use the migration assistant to scan any saved Windows installers; compile a list of apps that map cleanly to native Linux packages, those that work under Wine/Bottles/Proton, and those that require VM or cloud hosting.
  • For mission‑critical Windows apps, deploy a VM (VirtualBox, GNOME Boxes) and test functionality, performance and copy‑protection behavior.
  • If gaming is vital, test Proton/Wine performance via Steam and see whether GPU driver support meets your expectations.
  • Double‑check peripheral drivers: webcams, scanners, specialty input devices and audio interfaces often need specific kernel modules or vendor packages.
  • Plan a rollback: keep a verified Windows image and recovery media in case a clean restore is required for any reason.
  • If the device belongs to a workplace environment, consult IT and ask about conditional access policies — your Microsoft 365 admin may need to whitelist GNOME Online Accounts or approve app permissions.

How to evaluate whether to stay on Windows temporarily (ESU) or switch now​

  • Consider paying for Extended Security Updates if you need extra time to plan a controlled migration for large fleets or if critical apps are Windows‑only and can’t be virtualized economically. Microsoft documents the ESU program and upgrade guidance. ESU is a bridge, not a long‑term fix.
  • If the PC meets Windows 11 requirements and you prefer to remain in Microsoft’s ecosystem, the in‑place upgrade is the least disruptive path.
  • If hardware fails Windows 11 checks and budgets are constrained, a tested Linux migration can extend a machine’s useful life for years at effectively zero license cost — provided the essential app stack is supported. The Zorin OS approach aims exactly at that audience.

Critical appraisal: is Zorin OS 18 Beta the “escape hatch” it’s pitched to be?​

Zorin OS 18 Beta is a smart, pragmatic response to a narrow, immediate problem: millions of Windows 10 users need a usable, supported desktop alternative with minimal friction. The Beta’s strength lies in pragmatic integration — OneDrive access, Web Apps, installer detection, and a familiar UI — all of which reduce the perceived cost of switching. Early hands‑on reports and coverage confirm these features work well enough to make real migration trials productive.
However, the Beta is not a one‑size‑fits‑all solution. The technical, legal and operational realities mean:
  • For home users and many schools, Zorin OS 18 is a compelling option that can materially reduce replacement spend and environmental impact.
  • For businesses with strict vendor SLAs, regulated data workflows, or specialized Windows apps, Zorin (or any desktop Linux) will likely be an adjunct rather than a direct replacement unless accompanied by virtualization strategies and new support arrangements.
Finally, a note on claims that are harder to verify independently: headline figures such as cumulative Zorin download totals, or exact installer‑detection counts, are often reported differently across outlets. Treat those numbers as directional and verify against primary vendor statements where possible. The Canalys “240 million” estimate is widely cited, but it remains a forecast and should be read in context rather than as a hard count. Flag any single‑source numeric claim for additional checks.

Conclusion — who should try Zorin OS 18 Beta and how to proceed safely​

Zorin OS 18 Beta is a timely, well‑targeted tool for Windows 10 users facing a calendar‑driven decision. It lowers the barrier for many users to test Linux seriously, offers practical cloud continuity via OneDrive and Web Apps, and packages migration triage into the desktop experience. For home users, educators and budget‑conscious organisations, it is one of the most polished “escape hatch” options available right now.
But it is a Beta: validate OneDrive behaviour for your account type, test essential apps with the migration assistant and VMs, and confirm peripheral compatibility before committing. Keep a tested Windows image and a rollback plan, and consider ESU as a contingency for mission‑critical systems while you execute a careful migration.
For Windows 10 holdouts who want to avoid hardware replacement and preserve access to Microsoft 365 data, Zorin OS 18 Beta is a practical place to start the migration process — not a guarantee of flawless app parity, but an approachable, low‑cost path that lets users decide on their timetable rather than Microsoft’s.


Source: XDA Zorin OS 18 opens its doors to those fleeing Microsoft as the Windows 10 end-of-life date looms
 

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