A popular Linux distribution has seen a massive surge in downloads, capitalizing on the end of Windows 10 support and growing user fatigue with Microsoft’s focus on artificial intelligence in Windows 11.
Zorin OS 18, a Linux operating system based on Ubuntu, achieved one million downloads in just over a month since its release. This milestone highlights a growing migration away from Microsoft’s operating systems.
The surge coincided with the official end of support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Zorin OS 18 was strategically launched on the very same date.
Zorin OS 18 has amassed 1 million downloads in just over a month since its release, breaking all previous records 🎉
We’re also excited to announce that the Zorin OS 17 → 18 upgrade is now available for testing! Experience Zorin OS 18 without reinstalling and keep your setup. pic.twitter.com/32HDcYPaFT— Zorin OS (@ZorinOS) November 18, 2025
While some Windows 10 users have extended their security updates for another year, their PCs will lose all security updates after October 13, 2026. This will leave older hardware, unable to upgrade to Windows 11, completely vulnerable.
Additionally, Microsoft’s increasing emphasis on artificial intelligence in Windows 11 has reportedly caused user exhaustion, pushing some to seek alternatives.
This convergence of factors presents a significant opportunity for Linux distributions, including major players like Ubuntu and Linux Mint, to attract new users.
The open-source community has made substantial progress in simplifying the user experience. Linux, once known for requiring constant command-line usage, is now far more accessible.
Installation processes for Linux distributions have become fully automated. Many are now as simple, or even simpler, than installing Windows 11.
The widespread adoption of application stores in Linux allows users to download and install software with a single click.
Furthermore, gaming compatibility has vastly improved, with over 90 percent of Windows games now playable on Linux through the Proton interface. However, some applications offered in Linux app stores may still experience functionality issues.