AstraOS Starter.
Try it. Don't install it.

Why only in a window?

Alpha 0.1 is a first test version. So far we have only tested it in virtual computers. We do not want anyone to risk their data. In a window nothing can go wrong: if something does not work, you simply close the window.

How it works

1. Download the Starter

   From the download page.

2. Say yes to counting

   Before the first start, the Starter asks: “AstraOS may count anonymously that it is being used.” Without your yes, AstraOS does not start.

3. Start

   AstraOS opens in its own window – with desktop, apps and terminal.

4. Look around

   Open the files, the terminal, the text editor or the web browser. Try the settings.

5. Tell us

   Found a mistake? Write to team@astraos.page. Found a security hole? Write to security@astraos.page.

What the counting means

We want to show real numbers on our website: how many people use AstraOS and how often each version was downloaded. Until the alpha is out you see “—” there – we do not invent numbers.

• Only with your yes.
• We count that AstraOS is used – not who you are and not what you do.
• Before the release we will publish exactly what is sent.

What you need

• A computer with Windows, Linux or macOS
• A normal PC processor (x86/x64) or an ARM processor (for example a Mac with Apple chip)
• Enough free memory for the window: AstraOS itself needs only 64 MB, for apps we recommend 2 GB
• Internet for the download and the counting

What you can try in Alpha 0.1

• The desktop: windows, taskbar, start menu with search, icons on the desktop
• Apps: Files, Terminal, Text Editor, Calculator, Task Manager, Settings, Web Browser
• USB sticks and files
• Simple Linux and Windows programs that run in a text window
• Astra Shield: the protection settings and the virus scanner
• Installing AstraOS apps (.aapp)

Later: Astra Install Helper

With the beta (1 December 2026), an update turns AstraOS Starter into Astra Install Helper. It runs on Windows, Linux and macOS – on normal PCs and on ARM computers. Then you choose:

• Try – as before, in a window; nothing changes on your computer.
• USB stick – AstraOS goes onto a USB stick for another PC: plug it in, start the PC from the stick, AstraOS does the rest.
• Hard disk – install AstraOS on your PC, alone or next to your current system (dual boot). The helper does all the settings for you: install and done.

On a Mac: you can use Astra Install Helper on a Mac too – to try AstraOS and to make a USB stick for another PC. Installing AstraOS on the Mac itself is not possible.

This is planned for the beta and does not exist yet.

What does not work yet

• Installing – comes with the beta
• Windows programs with their own windows, macOS programs
• Secure websites (https) in the browser, Wi-Fi, 3D graphics
• Real hardware – the Starter runs AstraOS in a virtual computer

The full status is in the roadmap.