Starling

Overview

Starling is an open-source desktop environment with a conventional 2D workspace and an optional 3D city workspace. It is best suited to Linux users curious about a different desktop, or Windows users willing to try a preview shell. Its distinctive workspace and broad app compatibility are appealing, but the early-preview state and narrow Linux target make it a cautious choice for daily reliance.

Key features

The Linux desktop combines a Wayland compositor, window manager, dock, spaces, and nine first-party apps. It also brings its own X11 server, so native Wayland clients and X11 applications can share the environment. Starling can launch applications installed on the machine, and its App Store can install more. That makes it a fuller desktop environment than a menu or launcher, though preview users should expect rough edges, missing pieces, and bugs.

The Linux session runs unprivileged, with DRM master and input provided through logind via libseat. This is a meaningful design choice for users who care about how a desktop session handles system access. Windows users get a shell, not the same Linux desktop; the Windows page says Store apps continue to work. Its installer is per-user and does not require administrator privileges, but it is unsigned and triggers SmartScreen on first run.

Starling is also developing a terminal for local shells, remote workspaces, and sessions that persist after disconnection; a browser-based office suite for documents, presentations, and spreadsheets; and a shared Swift SDK for UI, rendering, and platform hosts. These projects provide context for Starling's wider software ambitions, but they are separate from the desktop's core use.

Pricing

Starling costs nothing. Its software is open source under Apache 2.0, including the shell, apps, build tools, documentation, and host code. There are no paid tiers or plan limits to weigh against a cheaper option, making it an accessible way to explore the desktop without a subscription.

Platforms

The desktop is supported on Ubuntu 26.04 LTS (amd64), where it adds a session alongside the existing desktop rather than replacing it. The guide names this as the only package target; newer Ubuntu versions may work but are untested. The desktop can also run through Ubuntu 26.04 on WSL2, and Windows shell support covers Windows 10 and 11 x64. The preview has been tested with AMD, Intel, and NVIDIA graphics, VirtIO-GPU/virgl in a virtual machine, and Windows through WSL2, but that does not broaden the stated Linux package target.

The broader Starling platform lists Linux, macOS, web, and Windows. Those platform labels do not change the desktop's narrower support: its stated Linux target remains Ubuntu 26.04 LTS on amd64, with Windows access through the shell or WSL2.

Who it's for

Choose Starling if you want to explore a distinct Linux workspace, need one environment for Wayland and X11 apps, or are interested in a Windows shell that leaves Store apps working. Its open-source license and unprivileged Linux session also suit users who want to inspect and build on the software. Look elsewhere if you need a mature desktop, a wide range of tested Linux distributions, or a signed Windows installer without a SmartScreen prompt. Problems and questions go through GitHub Issues.

Pros and cons

• Pros: A complete desktop foundation with a dock, spaces, nine first-party apps, and support for native Wayland and X11 clients.
• Pros: Free and Apache-2.0 licensed, with the desktop able to launch installed apps and install more through its App Store.
• Pros: The Linux session runs unprivileged, and Windows shell installation does not require administrator privileges.
• Cons: The desktop is an early preview, so bugs, missing pieces, and rough edges are expected.
• Cons: Ubuntu support is limited to 26.04 LTS on amd64; other Linux systems are not a stated package target.
• Cons: The Windows preview installer is unsigned and prompts SmartScreen on first run.

Alternatives

For a narrower start-menu or launcher need, Start Menu Customization Software is a category to explore. IObit Uninstaller is the better fit when the task is Windows app removal, batch uninstalling, or automatic cleanup of leftovers. Choose Launchy for a free launcher spanning Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows; its pay-what-you-want plan has no fixed price, with a $10 USD recommended value and a suggestion to consider paying $3. Parkdale is another free option for readers comparing software across Android, macOS, and Windows. LaunchMenu suits someone seeking a free, open-source application for macOS or Windows. MaxLauncher is a free Windows download with no paid plans listed, while PExplorer is a freely available Windows and WinPE program. Pinpoint is an open-source keystroke launcher for Windows. SbieShell is the relevant alternative for a Windows shell for isolated Sandboxie desktops.

Verdict

Starling is worth considering for Linux users who want a fresh workspace with native Wayland and X11 compatibility, or Windows users interested in an open-source shell preview. Its breadth and free Apache-2.0 license are its strongest reasons to choose it; the early-preview status, limited Ubuntu target, and unsigned Windows installer are the reasons to look elsewhere if reliability and broad support come first.