> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://itsfoss.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Zorin OS 17.3 Release Replaces Firefox With Brave as Default Browser - URL: https://itsfoss.com/news/zorin-os-17-3/ - Published: 2025-03-27T02:33:22.000Z - Updated: 2025-03-27T02:33:22.000Z - Description: Check out what the latest Zorin OS release has to offer! - Author: Sourav Rudra - Tags: Distribution Releases, News, #Import 2025-11-08 21:15 Designed to be quick, user-friendly, and reliable, [Zorin OS](https://zorin.com/os/?ref=itsfoss.com) is a popular Linux distribution based on Ubuntu LTS releases that follows a less frequent release cycle than other distros, with new major versions arriving every 2–3 years, and point releases appearing every few months. This approach works well for most Zorin OS users, who prefer the infrequent but dependable quality of life upgrades that enhance the overall desktop experience. A recent announcement sees a new Zorin OS release being introduced with many changes. ## 🆕 Zorin OS 17.3: What's New? ![zorin os 17.3 welcome app open with a mountain wallpaper in the background and a taskbar (called panel) at the bottom](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2025/03/zorin-os-17-3-welcome-1.jpg) **Aimed at Windows 10 users** who are facing an impending end-of-life in October, Zorin OS 17.3 features many new additions, such as a new default (*yet familiar*) web browser, updated pre-installed apps, the latest NVIDIA drivers, and more to tempt those users into making the switch. We start off with **Brave being the new default web browser on Zorin OS**, marking a move away from Firefox. The developers did this citing concerns with [a recent policy change](https://blog.mozilla.org/en/products/firefox/update-on-terms-of-use/?ref=itsfoss.com) by Mozilla, where they felt that Firefox no longer aligned with their values of protecting user privacy. ![brave browser running on zorin os 17.3 asking the user to be set as the default browser](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2025/03/zorin-os-17-3-brave-browser-2-1.png) They have also tweaked the installation to further improve the user experience by hiding many of [Brave](https://brave.com/?ref=itsfoss.com)'s features like Wallet, Rewards, [Leo AI](https://itsfoss.com/brave-browser-leo/), [Talk](https://itsfoss.com/brave-talk/), News, and sponsored background images. Do keep in mind that only new installations are affected by this switch, and existing users can install Brave via the [Software](https://help.zorin.com/docs/apps-games/install-apps/?ref=itsfoss.com#software-store) store should they choose to. Next up is the expanded Software store database, which helps when launching Windows installers. With support for over 150 apps, **Zorin OS now recommends their native Linux versions in the Software store** whenever possible. ![a screenshot of software store showing a dialog suggesting that there is a linux alternative to a windows app available, when a user tried to install it (obsidian)](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2025/03/zorin-os-17-3-windows-app-3.png) **Source: Zorin OS* Moving on, users of touchscreen devices will find that there is a new setting under *Zorin Appearanc*e to add a button to the panel for quick on-screen keyboard launches. Earlier, the on-screen keyboard would automatically appear when tapping on a text field. ![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2025/03/zorin-os-17-3-touchscreen-keyboard-4.png) ![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2025/03/zorin-os-17-3-zorin-connect-5.png) **The new on-screen keyboard button in the panel and the redesigned Zorin Connect app. (Source: Zorin OS)* The [Zorin Connect](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zorinos.zorin%5Fconnect&ref=itsfoss.com) app is another highlight that gels in well with the Zorin OS 17.3 release. It recently received a redesign, along with upgrades to the remote input feature, which now allows middle-clicking, text composition, and gyroscope-based motion control for the cursor. The **pre-installed applications also see upgrades**, with the most recent versions of those apps being included, and **the latest NVIDIA 570 driver** for those looking to run the NVIDIA RTX 5000 series of GPUs. ![the applications list being shown in a grid view on zorin os 17.3](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2025/03/zorin-os-17-3-applications-6.png) Moreover, the devs have integrated up-to-date security patches, while reminding us of their commitment to provide **software updates and security patches until June 2027** for the Zorin OS 17 series. The [announcement blog](https://blog.zorin.com/2025/03/26/zorin-os-17.3-is-here/?ref=itsfoss.com) is a good read for those looking for more information on this release. [Zorin OS 17.3 is HereWe’re excited to announce the release of Zorin OS 17.3 today, which brings a host of improvements across the system. It introduces new features, …![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1.png)Zorin OS homepage![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/thumbnail/17.3-banner.jpg)](https://blog.zorin.com/2025/03/26/zorin-os-17.3-is-here/?ref=itsfoss.com) ## 📥 Download Zorin OS 17.3 ![a screenshot of zorin os software updater app with many pending updates being shown](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2025/03/zorin-os-17-3-software-updater-7.png) **Zorin OS's Software Updater app.* Existing users on Zorin OS 17.x can use the *Software Updater* app to get this release on their computers. Users of Zorin OS 16.x will have to carry out an [in-place upgrade](https://help.zorin.com/docs/getting-started/upgrade-zorin-os/?ref=news.itsfoss.com). On the other hand, if you are a new user, you can opt for the [free](https://zorin.com/os/?ref=itsfoss.com) ***Core*** variant or for the paid ***Pro*** variant, which has [added perks](https://zorin.com/os/pro/?ref=itsfoss.com) like more pre-installed software, extra desktop layouts, and access to Zorin technical support. [Zorin OS 17.3](https://zorin.com/os/download/?ref=news.itsfoss.com)