How to Install Zorin OS – Best Linux for Windows Users (Dual Boot on Older PCs)

If your computer can’t install Windows 11 because of unsupported CPU requirements (SSE4.2 / POPCNT) and you don’t want to stay stuck on an unsupported Windows 10, switching to Linux is the smartest move.

In this complete step-by-step guide, Daniel from Tips2Fix shows how to install Zorin OS 18, one of the best Linux distributions for Windows users, on older PCs, without deleting Windows.

This tutorial focuses on Legacy MBR BIOS systems, but the same logic applies to UEFI systems as well.

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Why Zorin OS Is the Best Linux for Windows Users

Zorin OS is designed specifically for people who are coming from Windows.

It is:

• Fast and lightweight

• Modern and stable

• Very similar to Windows 10 / Windows 11 in layout

• Perfect for older and unsupported computers

On many old PCs, Zorin OS runs faster than Windows, even on hardware like Core 2 Duo or Core 2 Quad processors.

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Who This Guide Is For

This tutorial is ideal if you are:

• A Windows 10 user with an unsupported CPU

• Using a PC without SSE4.2 or POPCNT

• Running Core 2 Duo / Core 2 Quad systems

• Looking for a fast, stable Windows alternative

• Afraid of losing files while switching to Linux

👉 No data is deleted. Windows stays installed.

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System Requirements for Zorin OS 18

Zorin OS has very low requirements compared to Windows 11:

• CPU: 64-bit processor (Core 2 Duo supported)

• RAM: Minimum 2 GB (4–8 GB recommended)

• Storage: Minimum 15–20 GB

• Graphics: Works with older GPUs (NVIDIA, Intel, AMD)

This makes it perfect for old PCs that Windows 11 refuses to install on.

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Step 1: Download Zorin OS 18

Go to the official Zorin OS website and download Zorin OS 18 Core (Free Version).

• Choose Core, not Education or Pro

• Make sure your system is 64-bit

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Step 2: Check BIOS Mode (MBR vs UEFI)

Before installing Linux, you must know how your system is configured.

On Windows:

1. Open System Information

2. Check BIOS Mode

• If it says Legacy → you are using MBR

• If it says UEFI → you are using GPT

⚠️ This is extremely important when creating the bootable USB.

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Step 3: Create a Bootable USB Using Rufus

You will need:

• A USB flash drive (minimum 8 GB)

• Rufus software

Steps:

1. Open Rufus

2. Select Zorin OS ISO

3. Choose:

   • MBR for Legacy BIOS

   • GPT for UEFI systems

4. Start and wait for completion

⚠️ This will erase everything on the USB.

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Step 4: Create Space for Dual Boot (Without Losing Data)

To keep Windows and install Linux safely, you must create unallocated space.

Method 1: Windows Disk Management

• Shrink the C: drive

• Create at least 30–40 GB unallocated space

Method 2 (Recommended): AOMEI Partition Assistant (Free)

• Allows safer resizing when Windows blocks shrinking

• No data loss if done correctly

⚠️ Do NOT format the new space yet.

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Step 5: Boot from USB and Start Installation

1. Insert USB

2. Restart PC

3. Press F12 / F2 / ESC (depends on manufacturer)

4. Select USB device

Choose Install Zorin OS.

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Step 6: Manual Partition Setup (Critical Step)

When asked about installation type:

• Choose “Something else”

Select the unallocated space you created:

• Create a partition

• File system: EXT4

• Mount point: / (root)

⚠️ Do NOT touch Windows partitions.

Proceed with installation.

Step 7: Fix GRUB Bootloader (If Windows Doesn’t Appear)

On some Legacy MBR systems, Windows does not appear in the boot menu.

Solution (Terminal Commands)

Open Terminal in Zorin OS and edit GRUB:

sudo nano /etc/default/grub

Make sure:

GRUB_TIMEOUT_STYLE=menu
GRUB_DISABLE_OS_PROBER=false
GRUB_TIMEOUT=10

Add this lines in the end of the file :

GRUB_DISABLE_OS_PROBER=false

✅ You will now see Windows + Zorin OS at startup.

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Step 8: Fix Windows Shutdown Problem

If Windows restarts instead of shutting down:

1. Open Control Panel

2. Go to Power Options

3. Choose What the power button does

4. Disable Fast Startup

5. Save changes

Problem solved.

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Step 9: Install GPU Drivers (NVIDIA)

After first login:

1. Open Software & Updates

2. Go to Additional Drivers

3. Select recommended NVIDIA driver

4. Apply and reboot

This fixes screen glitches and improves performance.

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Step 10: Install Updates & Optimize System

• Enable automatic security updates

• Install recommended system updates

• Zorin OS is now stable and optimized

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Running Windows Software on Linux

Zorin OS supports many Windows apps using Wine & Bottles.

Install Windows App Support:

• Enables Wine

• Allows running many .exe programs

⚠️ Not all Windows software works:

• Microsoft Office 2019 → works

• Latest Office versions → not supported

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Free Linux Alternatives to Windows Apps

Instead of Windows software, use native Linux apps:

• LibreOffice → Word / Excel alternative

• Google Chrome → same as Windows

• Audacity → audio editing

• Steam → full Linux gaming support

Most popular apps already exist for Linux.

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Gaming on Linux (Steam)

Steam works extremely well on Linux:

• Install Steam

• Log in

• Download games

• Play

Linux gaming has improved massively.

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Final Thoughts

Zorin OS is one of the best Linux distributions for Windows users, especially if:

• Your PC is old

• Windows 11 is unsupported

• You want speed and stability

With dual boot, you risk nothing and gain everything.

If you have questions or issues, leave a comment or check the Tips2Fix YouTube channel for more tutorials.

God bless 🙏