Running Zen Studio on Linux

This guide explains step-by-step how to set up a Windows VM on Ubuntu, Debian, or Arch Linux, allowing you to install Zen Studio and connect your Cronus Zen.

Create the Windows VM

• Open VirtualBox and click New

  • Name: ZenWindowsVM

  • Type: Microsoft Windows

  • Version: Windows 10 (64-bit)

• Allocate resources

  • Memory: 4096 MB or more

  • Hard disk: 30 GB (VDI, dynamically allocated)

• Mount the Windows ISO

  • Select VM → Settings → Storage

  • Under IDE controller, click the empty disk

  • Choose a disk file → select your ISO

• Start the VM and complete the Windows installation wizard

⚙️ Configure the VM Post-Install

• Windows Update

  • Open Settings → Update & Security → Check for updates.

  • Install all updates and reboot.

• Guest Additions

  • In the VirtualBox VM menu: Devices → Insert Guest Additions CD image.

  • In Windows Explorer, run VBoxWindowsAdditions.exe

  • Reboot.

• USB Passthrough

  • Power off the VM.

  • Settings → USB → enable USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 controller, Click + → select Cronus Zen → OK.

⏳ Install Zen Studio

• Power on the Windows VM.

• Inside Windows, open your browser and go to:

  • collectiveminds.gitbook.io/cronuszen/mainhub/downloads

• Download Zen Studio.

20MB

ZenStudio_Setup_v1.6.1_Build_77.exe

Open

• Run the installer: Next → Accept License → Install → Finish.

• If the installer fails while downloading .NET Framework 4.8.1:

  • Download the offline installer from Microsoft

    • dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet-framework/thank-you/net48-offline-installer

• Run the .NET installer and reboot Windows.

• Rerun the Zen Studio installer.

Connect your Cronus Zen

• Hold both blue Cronus Zen buttons.

• Plug in the Cronus Zen into your PC/Laptop.

• LEDs will flash.

• Now release both blue buttons.

• In VirtualBox menu: Devices → USB → select Cronus Zen.

• In Windows, launch ZEN Studio and confirm device detection.

🆘 Tips & Troubleshooting

• Add your Linux user to the vboxusers group:

  • sudo usermod -aG vboxusers $USER

  • Then log out and back in.

• On Arch, ensure VirtualBox kernel modules are loaded:

  • sudo modprobe vboxdrv vboxnetflt vboxnetadp

• If USB passthrough fails:

  • Toggle between USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 in VM settings.

• Enable nested paging and I/O APIC:

  • Under System → Acceleration for better performance.

• For automation or headless use:

  • Explore VBoxManage to script VM creation and USB filters.

❤️ Special thanks to Gatsugatsusama (Cronus Zen Discord Moderator) for the methods.