✔ Strengths
✘ Limitations
Head to the official ibik website (ibik.ru) → Aster → Download Archives. Look for aster_v7.2.27.11_22.9.20.exe (size approx. 28 MB). A 30-day trial allows up to two workstations, no credit card required.
Last updated: March 2025. Information based on Aster 7 build 2.27 stable channel.
ASTER Multi-Desktop App 7 Build 2.27 (often referred to as ASTER V7) is a specialized multiseat software for Windows that allows a single PC to function as multiple independent workstations. Build 2.27 is a modern update that enhances accessibility and visual customization while maintaining the core "zero-client" architecture. Key Features of Build 2.27
This specific build introduced several quality-of-life and technical updates:
SecureBoot Support: Users can now enable ASTER even when SecureBoot is enabled in the BIOS, resolving a long-standing conflict for modern hardware. Aster Multi-Desktop App 7 build 2.27
Dark Mode: A native Dark GUI theme has been added to the control panel for a more modern aesthetic.
Legacy OS Compatibility: Official support for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 remains integrated alongside Windows 10 and 11 compatibility.
Unified Distribution: The software and USB activation components are now combined into a single distribution package, simplifying the installation process.
Localization Improvements: The GUI behavior when changing the localization language has been refined. Core Capabilities
Hardware Sharing: Connect multiple monitors, keyboards, mice, and audio devices to one tower. Each user gets their own separate Windows desktop.
Cost & Energy Efficiency: Reduces electricity bills by up to 4 times compared to running separate PC towers and eliminates the need for expensive thin-client hardware. ✔ Strengths
Workplace Management: Devices are assigned via a simple drag-and-drop interface in the ASTER Control Panel.
Independent Use: Each workstation can run different software simultaneously—one user can game while another performs office work or watches video without interference. Performance & Limitations
Gaming: High-performance gaming is possible (e.g., Halo Infinite at 140+ FPS on capable hardware), though some titles with aggressive anti-cheat (like certain EA games) may not work in multiseat mode.
System Shared Resources: Because users share the same OS instance, some settings like Windows Night Mode may affect all connected monitors simultaneously.
Technical Support: Users have praised the WhatsApp support for helping navigate the initial setup hurdles.
If you're planning a setup, are you looking to use this for gaming or for a home/office environment? Knowing your PC specs (CPU/GPU) would also help determine how many seats you can realistically run. Ibiksoft: ASTER is a multiseat software for Windows ✘ Limitations
Several users reported that audio devices (USB headsets, built-in sound cards) would occasionally “swap” between stations after sleep/wake. This has been resolved. Audio assignments now remain locked to their designated workstations.
Developed by the Russian company ibik.ru, Aster (Aster Multidesktop) is a multiseat software that allows multiple users to work on the same PC simultaneously. Unlike simple user-switching, Aster creates separate, isolated "terminals" from a single host machine. With build 2.27 of version 7, the developers have refined stability, hardware recognition, and compatibility with Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Think of it as turning your computer into a mainframe: one CPU, one GPU (or multiple), and one motherboard—but two or three keyboards, mice, and monitors all acting as independent PCs.
The build includes revised drivers for NVIDIA RTX 30/40 series and AMD Radeon RX 6000/7000 series, allowing each workstation to leverage GPU acceleration for light gaming or video playback.
Build 2.27 introduces smarter CPU core management. You can manually allocate which cores (physical and logical) belong to which workstation. For example, in a dual-user setup, Workstation 1 can use cores 0-3, while Workstation 2 uses cores 4-7, preventing one user’s heavy task from lagging the other.