Starling

Overview

Starling is a desktop environment with a conventional 2D workspace and an optional 3D city workspace. It suits people willing to explore an early preview on Ubuntu or try a replacement shell on Windows. Its appeal is the scope of its own desktop and apps; its preview status and limited Linux package target make it a risky choice for a machine that needs a dependable daily environment.

Key features

The Linux desktop brings together a Wayland compositor, window manager, dock, spaces, and nine first-party apps. It runs native Wayland clients and X11 applications using its own compositor and X11 server, can launch applications already installed on the machine, and can install more through its App Store. That makes Starling a substantial desktop environment rather than a menu customization tool, though users should expect rough edges, missing pieces, and bugs.

The Linux session runs unprivileged, with DRM master access and input provided through logind via libseat. Windows gets a shell, and Store apps continue to work. The preview installer installs per user without administrator privileges, but it is unsigned and prompts SmartScreen on first run, a practical obstacle for users wary of unsigned software.

Starling is part of a broader open software project that also includes a terminal, browser-based office suite, and shared Swift SDK. The terminal offers local shells, remote workspaces connected to a host running its session daemon, and sessions that persist after disconnection. The office suite covers documents, presentations, and spreadsheets in a browser. These products indicate a wider platform ambition, but they do not change the desktop's early-preview status.

Pricing

Starling costs nothing. The free plan is open source under Apache 2.0, including Starling's shell, apps, build tools, documentation, and host code. There is no paid tier to weigh against the free offer, so the decision is whether the preview and supported platforms suit your needs.

Platforms

The supported Linux package target is Ubuntu 26.04 LTS on amd64, where Starling adds a session alongside the existing desktop. Newer Ubuntu versions may work but are not tested. The desktop can also run through Ubuntu 26.04 on WSL2; the preview has been tested with AMD, Intel, and NVIDIA graphics, VirtIO-GPU/virgl in a virtual machine, and Windows through WSL2. Windows 10 and 11 x64 are supported for the shell. The product's platform list also includes macOS and web, but the desktop support described above is narrower.

Linux compatibility covers native Wayland clients and X11 apps. On Windows, Starling's shell keeps Store apps working. Its guide directs users to GitHub Issues for problems and questions, which suits people comfortable reporting issues through a project tracker.

Who it's for

Starling fits technically curious Ubuntu users who want to try a distinct desktop with its own apps, and Windows 10 or 11 users interested in a shell replacement who accept an unsigned preview installer. Its open-source licensing also makes it relevant to people who want to read and build on the code. It is a poor fit for users who require a mature desktop, broad Linux distribution support, or a signed Windows installer.

Pros and cons

Pros: A complete set of desktop components and nine first-party apps gives Ubuntu users more than a launcher or start menu replacement.

Pros: Wayland and X11 application support, plus launching installed apps and an App Store, help it work alongside a broader software collection.

Pros: The Apache-2.0 license covers the shell, apps, build tools, documentation, and host code.

Cons: Ubuntu 26.04 LTS on amd64 is the only package target, limiting who can install the Linux desktop on a supported system.

Cons: Early-preview rough edges, missing pieces, and bugs make it unsuitable where desktop reliability is essential.

Cons: The unsigned Windows installer triggers SmartScreen, which adds friction for cautious users.

Alternatives

If your aim is to alter a start menu rather than adopt a desktop environment, browse Start Menu Customization Software. IObit Uninstaller is a Windows option for batch uninstalling apps, removing Windows apps, and cleaning up leftovers. Choose Launchy if you want a free download with a pay-what-you-want model and support across Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows. Parkdale is a free option for Android, macOS, and Windows; LaunchMenu is a free open-source application for macOS and Windows.

Other Windows alternatives include MaxLauncher, a free download with no paid plans; PExplorer, freely available for Windows and WinPE; Pinpoint, an open-source keystroke launcher; and SbieShell, a freely available shell for isolated Sandboxie desktops.

Verdict

Choose Starling if you want to explore an open-source desktop with its own components and apps on supported Ubuntu, or are willing to try its Windows shell in preview. The breadth of the desktop and Apache-2.0 licensing are strong reasons to give it a look. Choose another environment if you need a polished daily desktop, broader Linux support, or an installer that does not trigger SmartScreen.