AstraOSAstraOS vs Linux vs Windows
A fair comparison – facts only.
How does AstraOS compare to Linux and Windows? A fair table: what AstraOS has today, what the big systems do better and what is still missing.
Short answer
Linux and Windows are far ahead in hardware support, apps and years of testing. AstraOS is new, small and has its own kernel. Pick Linux or Windows for daily work today; follow AstraOS if you want something new.
| AstraOS | Linux | Windows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kernel | Own, from scratch (~816 KB) | Linux kernel | Windows NT kernel |
| Maturity | Pre-alpha, 2026 | Decades, very mature | Decades, very mature |
| Real hardware | Not tested yet (virtual computer only) | Very wide support | Very wide support |
| Runs in 64 MB | Yes, tested | Special small builds only | No (needs far more) |
| Processors | x86-64, ARM64 (ARM in a virtual computer) | Many | x86-64, ARM64 |
| Apps | Simple Linux and Windows programs start; few own apps | Huge | Huge |
| Price | Free alpha | Mostly free | Paid or bundled |
Statements about Linux and Windows are general and simplified. Statements about AstraOS are what we tested.
Where AstraOS wants to be different
Small by rule (64 MB), protection on by default, and one app format for x86-64 and ARM64. Read why AstraOS, the security page and the kernel page. Also: Windows alternative, Linux alternative, lightweight OS, OS from scratch.
AstraOS is an early pre-alpha. Alpha 0.1 comes on 10 November 2026 at 19:00 and runs in a window with AstraOS Starter for Windows. Everything below is tested in a virtual computer, not yet on real hardware.