8 ways I optimize Zorin OS for peak performance – from a decades-long Linux user
8 ways I optimize Zorin OS for peak performance – from a decades-long Linux user
https://www.zdnet.com/article/my-favorite-zorin-os-settings/
Publish Date: 2026-06-03 04:00:00
Source Domain: www.zdnet.com
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
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ZDNET key takeaways
- Zorin OS is one of the best Linux distributions available.
- There is an endless array of potential customizations.
- These are the settings that I believe are a must.
I’m a big fan of Zorin OS. I’ve compared the operating system to the likes of Linux Mint and AnduinOS and always found that it comes out on top. In short, 10 out of 10; would recommend.
Out of the box, Zorin OS looks and behaves great, but there are always tweaks and customizations to make the desktop OS better suited to your aesthetic or your workflow.
I want to show you the Zorin OS settings I always tweak for every installation.
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Do note that these modifications are a matter of taste. What I enjoy might not perfectly align with your requirements. However, I’m confident you’ll want to use at least some of these tweaks.
With that said, let’s get to it.
1. Zorin Layout
One of the coolest tools found in Zorin OS is the Appearance tool. With Zorin Appearance, you can quickly change the desktop layout. The free version provides four layouts, and the Pro version ($47.99) gives double that.
But even the available options can be tweaked. For instance, you can take the default GNOME layout and easily turn it into a MacOS-like desktop. Each layout can be customized, so choose one and start tinkering until you get it exactly how you want.
The Zorin Appearance is one of the first tools I use.
Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET
If you’re like me, you’ll wind up changing the layout several times.
2. Zorin Dash
In every desktop I use, there’s a dock at the bottom of the screen. I find docks incredibly efficient, and they also align with my aesthetic. Whether I’m on Linux or MacOS (sorry, Windows), there’s a dock, and I use it extensively.
On Zorin OS, you can enable the Dash, which is similar to GNOME’s Dash To Dock extension.
Also: I’ve tested so many Linux…
