Starling vs Win9xplorer
Starling
starling.buildWin9xplorer
win9xplorer.abby.mdSide by side
| Figure | Starling | Win9xplorer |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 0 |
| Spec score · Start Menu Customization Software | 8.4 (#5) | 6.4 (#34) |
| Integrations | The Linux desktop launches applications installed on the machine; its App Store can install more applications. | The maker identifies Spotify as an integration through its taskbar toolbar. |
| License | Starling says its software is open source under Apache 2.0 and invites people to read the code and build on it. | The project is GPL-licensed; the repository identifies the license as GNU General Public License. |
Plans
In their own words
Starling
Starling is a desktop environment with a 2D workspace and an optional 3D city workspace. Its Linux desktop combines a Wayland compositor, window manager, dock, spaces, and nine first-party apps in a session alongside the existing desktop. It runs native Wayland clients and X11 apps, can launch applications installed on the machine, and includes an App Store for installing more. The supported Linux package target is Ubuntu 26.04 LTS on amd64; the desktop can also run through Ubuntu 26.04 on WSL2. Starling’s Windows shell supports Windows 10 and 11 on x64, and its page says Store apps keep working. The shell, apps, build tools, documentation, and host code are open source under Apache 2.0, and the product is free. The Linux session runs without elevated privileges. Starling labels the desktop an early preview and says users should expect rough edges, missing pieces, and bugs. Its Windows preview installer installs per user without administrator privileges, but is unsigned and prompts SmartScreen on first run.
Win9xplorer
Win9xplorer has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.