Use Windows instead of Zorin OS

This guide explains how you can switch from Zorin OS to Windows in just a few steps. In addition to a video, you will find instructions directly below which explain the procedure step-by-step.

If the video is not displayed correctly, watch the video directly on "YouTube". To do this, click on the button of the same name in the video area (usually at the bottom right).

1. start the Windows 10 installation wizard

Search for "Windows 10" on your PC and start the application. If you do not have the programme, you can download the installation programme here: Windows 10 Installer

Important: Make sure that you are using the latest version of Zorin OS. To make sure you have it, you can simply have a quick look in the update centre (search for "Software" at the bottom left via the Zorin OS button).

2. follow the instructions in the wizard

The installation wizard should guide you cleanly. Make absolutely sure that you have saved all data somewhere where you can use it again later. For example:

• Another USB stick
• Google Drive
• Microsoft OneDrive
• External hard disk

ATTENTIONAs soon as you start the installation, all data on the laptop and the USB stick used will be lost. Make sure that you have saved all important files somewhere (see point 2 of these instructions).

3. installation of Windows

As soon as Windows is installed on the USB stick, you can restart the laptop using the Zorin menu (or by pressing the power button). The Windows installation should now start automatically.

If that doesn't work: Call up the "Boot Options" by starting the laptop again and pressing the necessary key directly (often F9 or ESC). Then select the USB stick on which you have installed Windows.

Important: The key required varies from laptop to laptop. The quickest way to find out is to briefly enter the laptop model (or brand) on your mobile phone and add "Boot Options".

As soon as the Windows symbol appears, everything has worked. Now you can simply follow the steps of the installation programme.

Problems after installation?

The Windows installation should have downloaded all important drivers automatically after a few minutes. Also make sure that you have installed all Windows updates you have completed.

If you want to download an additional driver, proceed as follows:

 1. find out which laptop you own

Your laptop may be labelled on the screen or below the keyboard (e.g. "HP EliteBook 840" or "Lenovo Yoga X1"). If you can't find a model there, look on the back of the laptop. If you are still stuck, click on the Windows symbol at the bottom left and search for "System information". As soon as you select this option, a window should open. Here you will find the exact model.

 2. search for the appropriate drivers

You can now use the model name to search the Internet for the appropriate drivers. For example, if the camera does not work, you can search for "MODEL camera driver" in Google as follows. You should then receive some search results.

Make sure that you always download these drivers from the website that is also the manufacturer of the laptop. Unfortunately, there are many sites that will try to install harmful programmes for you. You can easily recognise this by the URL (website name). 

Some manufacturers (e.g. HP) also offer driver tools that can help you to find the right drivers. Here is the link: HP Driver Downloads 

3. install the driver

After you have downloaded the correct driver, you can install it in a few steps. Since a different procedure is required depending on the driver and the problem, we would like to link you to a video that shows the procedure: Install driver

 4. restart your laptop

Once everything has been installed, you will be asked in most cases if you want to restart the laptop. If this is not the case (and your device still does not work), restart the laptop again.

Questions or uncertainties?

Simply get in touch with our support team 😎

📞 +41 56 521 30 49