AstraOSAstraOS as a Linux alternative
Its own kernel – and an honest status.
Is AstraOS a Linux alternative? A new OS with its own kernel, no Linux code, that starts simple Linux programs. What works today and what does not.
Short answer
Not for daily work yet. Linux is mature and runs on very wide hardware. AstraOS is different on purpose: its own kernel, written from scratch, with no Linux code inside.
What already works
- Simple Linux programs start, including the BusyBox toolbox and its shell – also on ARM64.
- The kernel only understands how such programs ask for services; it contains no Linux code.
- Own desktop, own network software, runs in 64 MB.
What does not work yet
Big Linux applications, package managers and drivers for most real hardware. The goal for version 1.0 is that Linux programs run completely natively; that is not done.
Read the fair comparison, what runs and why an own kernel.
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.
Alpha 0.1 on 10 November 2026, 19:00Try AstraOS in a window with AstraOS Starter for Windows.How it works