diff --git a/.github/workflows/binaries.yml b/.github/workflows/binaries.yml
index c7b4786..8778b8d 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/binaries.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/binaries.yml
@@ -74,6 +74,22 @@ jobs:
             --name "${{ matrix.artifact_name }}" \
             voxvera/cli.py
 
+      - name: Validate built binary contract surface (Linux/macOS)
+        if: matrix.os != 'windows-latest'
+        shell: bash
+        run: |
+          ./dist/${{ matrix.artifact_name }} platform-status --json
+          ./dist/${{ matrix.artifact_name }} doctor --json
+          ./dist/${{ matrix.artifact_name }} autostart status --json
+
+      - name: Validate built binary contract surface (Windows)
+        if: matrix.os == 'windows-latest'
+        shell: pwsh
+        run: |
+          & ".\dist\${{ matrix.artifact_name }}" platform-status --json
+          & ".\dist\${{ matrix.artifact_name }}" doctor --json
+          & ".\dist\${{ matrix.artifact_name }}" autostart status --json
+
       - name: Build .deb (Linux)
         if: matrix.os == 'ubuntu-22.04'
         run: |
diff --git a/.github/workflows/ci.yml b/.github/workflows/ci.yml
index 4349dda..afbb387 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/ci.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/ci.yml
@@ -23,3 +23,39 @@ jobs:
         run: flake8 voxvera tests --exclude=voxvera/vendor --ignore=E501,W503,W293,E402,E306,E704,E261,F841,E302,F401,E401,F541
       - name: Test
         run: pytest tests/ -v
+      - name: Platform smoke
+        run: bash scripts/platform-smoke.sh linux-cli
+
+  platform-contract:
+    runs-on: ${{ matrix.os }}
+    timeout-minutes: 15
+    strategy:
+      fail-fast: false
+      matrix:
+        include:
+          - os: macos-latest
+            smoke_target: macos-cli
+          - os: windows-latest
+            smoke_target: windows-cli
+    steps:
+      - uses: actions/checkout@v4
+      - uses: actions/setup-python@v5
+        with:
+          python-version: '3.12'
+      - name: Install dependencies
+        shell: bash
+        run: |
+          python -m pip install --upgrade pip
+          pip install -e ".[test]"
+      - name: Verify smoke target listing
+        shell: bash
+        run: bash scripts/platform-smoke.sh list
+      - name: Validate platform-status JSON
+        shell: bash
+        run: python -m voxvera.cli platform-status --json
+      - name: Validate doctor JSON
+        shell: bash
+        run: python -m voxvera.cli doctor --json
+      - name: Validate autostart JSON
+        shell: bash
+        run: python -m voxvera.cli autostart status --json
diff --git a/Dockerfile b/Dockerfile
index 02e9b1e..53be4c9 100644
--- a/Dockerfile
+++ b/Dockerfile
@@ -1,5 +1,8 @@
 FROM python:3.11-slim
 
+# Experimental container path: Linux systemd remains the supported
+# persistent-host deployment target.
+
 # Install system dependencies (only runtime)
 RUN apt-get update && apt-get install -y \
     tor onionshare-cli \
@@ -13,10 +16,9 @@ WORKDIR /opt/voxvera
 RUN pip install .
 
 # Prepare flyers volume
-RUN mkdir /flyers && ln -s /flyers /opt/voxvera/host
+RUN mkdir /flyers
+ENV VOXVERA_DIR=/flyers
 VOLUME /flyers
 
-# VoxVera expects to run in /opt/voxvera for local assets
-WORKDIR /opt/voxvera
-
-CMD ["voxvera", "quickstart"]
+# Seed a default config when the volume is empty, then retry startup periodically.
+CMD ["sh", "-lc", "mkdir -p /flyers && if [ ! -f /flyers/config.json ]; then cp /opt/voxvera/voxvera/src/config.json /flyers/config.json; fi && voxvera quickstart --non-interactive && while true; do sleep 300; voxvera start-all || true; done"]
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 8496020..21df3e8 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -10,11 +10,16 @@ Generate printable flyers with QR codes linking to Tor (.onion) hidden services.
 
 VoxVera is designed for maximum portability and censorship resistance.
 
+Linux with systemd is the supported persistent-host deployment target.
+Windows, macOS, Docker, Flatpak, AppImage, Homebrew, and Chocolatey remain experimental until their background Tor hosting and auto-recovery paths are validated end-to-end.
+
+See [docs/platform-support-matrix.md](docs/platform-support-matrix.md) for the canonical platform status table and [docs/roadmap-platform-parity.md](docs/roadmap-platform-parity.md) for the parity plan.
+
 ### 1. Standalone Binaries (Recommended)
-Download the zero-dependency executable for your OS:
+Download the executable for your OS:
 - 🐧 [**Linux**](https://github.com/PR0M3TH3AN/VoxVera/releases/latest/download/voxvera-linux)
-- 🪟 [**Windows**](https://github.com/PR0M3TH3AN/VoxVera/releases/latest/download/voxvera-windows.exe)
-- 🍏 [**macOS**](https://github.com/PR0M3TH3AN/VoxVera/releases/latest/download/voxvera-macos)
+- 🪟 [**Windows (Experimental)**](https://github.com/PR0M3TH3AN/VoxVera/releases/latest/download/voxvera-windows.exe)
+- 🍏 [**macOS (Experimental)**](https://github.com/PR0M3TH3AN/VoxVera/releases/latest/download/voxvera-macos)
 
 ### 2. Universal Mirroring (The "Viral" Method)
 If you found a physical VoxVera flyer, scan it and click **"Download"**. You will receive a `voxvera-portable.zip` containing the full tool, all dependencies, and all 14 languages—ready to run offline.
@@ -23,6 +28,7 @@ If you found a physical VoxVera flyer, scan it and click **"Download"**. You wil
 ```bash
 curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/PR0M3TH3AN/VoxVera/main/install.sh | bash
 ```
+On Linux, this now installs the recurring `systemd --user` recovery timer used to retry hidden-service startup after boot or offline periods. On macOS, the installer path is still experimental.
 
 ### 4. Developer / Python Install
 ```bash
diff --git a/RELEASE.md b/RELEASE.md
index ebed75c..9269ffd 100644
--- a/RELEASE.md
+++ b/RELEASE.md
@@ -46,7 +46,9 @@ python3 -m voxvera.cli build-site
 
 ## 3. Build Distribution Binaries
 
-Standardized binaries and AppImages must be generated for the current platform.
+Linux CLI delivery is the supported deployment target today. Other package formats should be treated as experimental release artifacts until their Tor/OnionShare background-hosting behavior is validated end-to-end.
+Capture platform evidence before promoting any support tier: run `bash scripts/platform-smoke.sh linux-cli` locally for the supported Linux path, and keep CI/workflow evidence aligned with the same command.
+As other runtime targets mature, use `bash scripts/platform-smoke.sh macos-cli`, `bash scripts/platform-smoke.sh windows-cli`, or `bash scripts/platform-smoke.sh docker-cli` on their native environments before changing their support labels.
 
 ### Standard Binary
 Generates an architecture-specific binary (e.g., `voxvera-linux-x86_64`) in `voxvera/resources/bin/`.
@@ -60,24 +62,28 @@ Wraps the standard binary into a self-contained AppImage.
 ```bash
 ./packaging/build_appimage.sh
 ```
+Experimental package surface.
 
 ### Flatpak (Linux)
 Generates a standalone `.flatpak` bundle. Requires `flatpak-builder`.
 ```bash
 ./packaging/build_flatpak.sh
 ```
+Experimental package surface.
 
 ### Debian Package (Linux)
 Generates a `.deb` package for Debian/Ubuntu systems.
 ```bash
 ./packaging/build_deb.sh
 ```
+Experimental package surface unless its runtime dependencies and recovery behavior are explicitly validated for the release.
 
 ### DMG (macOS)
 Generates a `.dmg` installer for macOS (must be run on macOS).
 ```bash
 ./packaging/build_dmg.sh
 ```
+Experimental package surface.
 
 ## 4. Release Execution
 
diff --git a/ci/test-e2e.sh b/ci/test-e2e.sh
index f67fdc6..2e7bb15 100755
--- a/ci/test-e2e.sh
+++ b/ci/test-e2e.sh
@@ -26,6 +26,9 @@ fi
 
 echo "VoxVera command: $voxvera_cmd"
 
+echo "Checking platform contract before workflow..."
+bash scripts/platform-smoke.sh linux-cli
+
 # Generate demo flyer
 echo "Initializing demo flyer..."
 "$voxvera_cmd" --lang en init --template voxvera <<EOI
@@ -104,6 +107,9 @@ if [ "${VOXVERA_E2E_OFFLINE:-}" != "1" ]; then
     exit 1
   fi
 
+  echo "Checking platform contract with live Tor..."
+  VOXVERA_REQUIRE_TOR=1 bash scripts/platform-smoke.sh linux-cli
+
   # Start OnionShare
   echo "Starting OnionShare..."
   # Explicitly set environment variables that OnionShare-cli respects
diff --git a/docs/ar/docker.md b/docs/ar/docker.md
index 318d35d..d7d7373 100644
--- a/docs/ar/docker.md
+++ b/docs/ar/docker.md
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 # Docker Usage
 
+Experimental: the container path is not yet a production-grade hidden-service deployment target. Linux with `systemd --user` remains the supported persistent-host environment.
+
 A prebuilt image containing Tor, OnionShare and the `voxvera` CLI is published to
 `ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera`.
 
@@ -7,10 +9,11 @@ A prebuilt image containing Tor, OnionShare and the `voxvera` CLI is published t
 # pull the image
 docker pull ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera:latest
 
-# run voxvera quickstart with flyers stored in ./flyers
+# run the experimental container with flyers stored in ./flyers
 mkdir -p flyers
 docker run -it --rm -v "$(pwd)/flyers:/flyers" ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera
 ```
 
-The container uses `/flyers` as the working directory and runs `voxvera quickstart`
-by default. All generated flyer files will appear in the mounted `flyers` folder.
+The container stores runtime state under `/flyers`, seeds a default `config.json` if needed, and retries `voxvera start-all` periodically after the initial `quickstart`.
+
+Use this path for testing only until the container runtime and background recovery behavior are validated end-to-end.
diff --git a/docs/ar/troubleshooting.md b/docs/ar/troubleshooting.md
index e75be08..c582141 100644
--- a/docs/ar/troubleshooting.md
+++ b/docs/ar/troubleshooting.md
@@ -6,6 +6,10 @@ This page collects common issues encountered when hosting or accessing flyers.
 - Ensure Tor is allowed through your firewall. On systems using `ufw` you may need to run `sudo ufw allow tor`.
 - Some networks block Tor entirely. If you cannot reach onion services, try connecting over a different network or use a Tor bridge.
 
+## Supported deployment target
+- The supported persistent-host setup is Linux with `systemd --user`.
+- Windows, macOS, Docker, Flatpak, AppImage, Homebrew, and Chocolatey are currently experimental and may not recover hosting automatically after reboot or network interruptions.
+
 ## Tor port detection
 
 `voxvera serve` auto-detects Tor by probing common ports (9050/9150 for SOCKS, 9051/9151 for control). If detection fails -- for example when Tor runs on non-standard ports -- you can override with environment variables:
@@ -39,6 +43,17 @@ keypair (and URL) will be generated on the next `voxvera serve`. The
 `voxvera import` command preserves this file automatically, but manual
 deletion of the `host/` directory will destroy it.
 
+## Hosting does not return after reboot or network loss
+On Linux, install or verify the recovery timer:
+
+```bash
+voxvera autostart
+systemctl --user status voxvera-start.timer
+systemctl --user status voxvera-start.service
+```
+
+The supported recovery path is the recurring `systemd --user` timer, which reruns `voxvera start-all` every few minutes.
+
 ## QR codes not generated
 If `voxvera build` reports "No URLs configured yet", this is expected before the first `voxvera serve`. QR codes for tear-off links are generated automatically once the .onion address is known. QR codes for the content link are generated if you provided a URL during `voxvera init`.
 
diff --git a/docs/de/docker.md b/docs/de/docker.md
index 318d35d..d7d7373 100644
--- a/docs/de/docker.md
+++ b/docs/de/docker.md
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 # Docker Usage
 
+Experimental: the container path is not yet a production-grade hidden-service deployment target. Linux with `systemd --user` remains the supported persistent-host environment.
+
 A prebuilt image containing Tor, OnionShare and the `voxvera` CLI is published to
 `ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera`.
 
@@ -7,10 +9,11 @@ A prebuilt image containing Tor, OnionShare and the `voxvera` CLI is published t
 # pull the image
 docker pull ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera:latest
 
-# run voxvera quickstart with flyers stored in ./flyers
+# run the experimental container with flyers stored in ./flyers
 mkdir -p flyers
 docker run -it --rm -v "$(pwd)/flyers:/flyers" ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera
 ```
 
-The container uses `/flyers` as the working directory and runs `voxvera quickstart`
-by default. All generated flyer files will appear in the mounted `flyers` folder.
+The container stores runtime state under `/flyers`, seeds a default `config.json` if needed, and retries `voxvera start-all` periodically after the initial `quickstart`.
+
+Use this path for testing only until the container runtime and background recovery behavior are validated end-to-end.
diff --git a/docs/de/troubleshooting.md b/docs/de/troubleshooting.md
index e75be08..c582141 100644
--- a/docs/de/troubleshooting.md
+++ b/docs/de/troubleshooting.md
@@ -6,6 +6,10 @@ This page collects common issues encountered when hosting or accessing flyers.
 - Ensure Tor is allowed through your firewall. On systems using `ufw` you may need to run `sudo ufw allow tor`.
 - Some networks block Tor entirely. If you cannot reach onion services, try connecting over a different network or use a Tor bridge.
 
+## Supported deployment target
+- The supported persistent-host setup is Linux with `systemd --user`.
+- Windows, macOS, Docker, Flatpak, AppImage, Homebrew, and Chocolatey are currently experimental and may not recover hosting automatically after reboot or network interruptions.
+
 ## Tor port detection
 
 `voxvera serve` auto-detects Tor by probing common ports (9050/9150 for SOCKS, 9051/9151 for control). If detection fails -- for example when Tor runs on non-standard ports -- you can override with environment variables:
@@ -39,6 +43,17 @@ keypair (and URL) will be generated on the next `voxvera serve`. The
 `voxvera import` command preserves this file automatically, but manual
 deletion of the `host/` directory will destroy it.
 
+## Hosting does not return after reboot or network loss
+On Linux, install or verify the recovery timer:
+
+```bash
+voxvera autostart
+systemctl --user status voxvera-start.timer
+systemctl --user status voxvera-start.service
+```
+
+The supported recovery path is the recurring `systemd --user` timer, which reruns `voxvera start-all` every few minutes.
+
 ## QR codes not generated
 If `voxvera build` reports "No URLs configured yet", this is expected before the first `voxvera serve`. QR codes for tear-off links are generated automatically once the .onion address is known. QR codes for the content link are generated if you provided a URL during `voxvera init`.
 
diff --git a/docs/en/docker.md b/docs/en/docker.md
index 318d35d..d7d7373 100644
--- a/docs/en/docker.md
+++ b/docs/en/docker.md
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 # Docker Usage
 
+Experimental: the container path is not yet a production-grade hidden-service deployment target. Linux with `systemd --user` remains the supported persistent-host environment.
+
 A prebuilt image containing Tor, OnionShare and the `voxvera` CLI is published to
 `ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera`.
 
@@ -7,10 +9,11 @@ A prebuilt image containing Tor, OnionShare and the `voxvera` CLI is published t
 # pull the image
 docker pull ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera:latest
 
-# run voxvera quickstart with flyers stored in ./flyers
+# run the experimental container with flyers stored in ./flyers
 mkdir -p flyers
 docker run -it --rm -v "$(pwd)/flyers:/flyers" ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera
 ```
 
-The container uses `/flyers` as the working directory and runs `voxvera quickstart`
-by default. All generated flyer files will appear in the mounted `flyers` folder.
+The container stores runtime state under `/flyers`, seeds a default `config.json` if needed, and retries `voxvera start-all` periodically after the initial `quickstart`.
+
+Use this path for testing only until the container runtime and background recovery behavior are validated end-to-end.
diff --git a/docs/en/troubleshooting.md b/docs/en/troubleshooting.md
index e75be08..c582141 100644
--- a/docs/en/troubleshooting.md
+++ b/docs/en/troubleshooting.md
@@ -6,6 +6,10 @@ This page collects common issues encountered when hosting or accessing flyers.
 - Ensure Tor is allowed through your firewall. On systems using `ufw` you may need to run `sudo ufw allow tor`.
 - Some networks block Tor entirely. If you cannot reach onion services, try connecting over a different network or use a Tor bridge.
 
+## Supported deployment target
+- The supported persistent-host setup is Linux with `systemd --user`.
+- Windows, macOS, Docker, Flatpak, AppImage, Homebrew, and Chocolatey are currently experimental and may not recover hosting automatically after reboot or network interruptions.
+
 ## Tor port detection
 
 `voxvera serve` auto-detects Tor by probing common ports (9050/9150 for SOCKS, 9051/9151 for control). If detection fails -- for example when Tor runs on non-standard ports -- you can override with environment variables:
@@ -39,6 +43,17 @@ keypair (and URL) will be generated on the next `voxvera serve`. The
 `voxvera import` command preserves this file automatically, but manual
 deletion of the `host/` directory will destroy it.
 
+## Hosting does not return after reboot or network loss
+On Linux, install or verify the recovery timer:
+
+```bash
+voxvera autostart
+systemctl --user status voxvera-start.timer
+systemctl --user status voxvera-start.service
+```
+
+The supported recovery path is the recurring `systemd --user` timer, which reruns `voxvera start-all` every few minutes.
+
 ## QR codes not generated
 If `voxvera build` reports "No URLs configured yet", this is expected before the first `voxvera serve`. QR codes for tear-off links are generated automatically once the .onion address is known. QR codes for the content link are generated if you provided a URL during `voxvera init`.
 
diff --git a/docs/en/usage.md b/docs/en/usage.md
index 1dec6b6..6975e87 100644
--- a/docs/en/usage.md
+++ b/docs/en/usage.md
@@ -6,18 +6,22 @@ This guide covers common CLI workflows. See `docs/docker.md` for Docker instruct
 
 VoxVera is designed to be highly portable. You can run it directly from the source code on any platform with Python installed.
 
+Linux with `systemd --user` is the supported persistent-host environment. Windows, macOS, Docker, Flatpak, AppImage, Homebrew, and Chocolatey are currently experimental and should not yet be treated as equally reliable hidden-service deployment targets.
+
 ### 1. Automated Install (Recommended)
-The easiest way to install VoxVera is using our cross-platform installer script:
+The easiest way to install VoxVera is using the Linux-first installer script:
 
 **Linux / macOS:**
 ```bash
 curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/PR0M3TH3AN/VoxVera/main/install.sh | bash
 ```
+On Linux, this also installs the recurring recovery timer used to retry hidden-service startup after boot and after missed/offline periods.
 
 **Windows (PowerShell):**
 ```powershell
 irm https://raw.githubusercontent.com/PR0M3TH3AN/VoxVera/main/install.ps1 | iex
 ```
+The Windows installer is experimental and does not yet guarantee production-ready background hosting behavior.
 
 ### 2. Manual Source Install
 If you have downloaded the source code ZIP:
@@ -50,6 +54,16 @@ If you wish to remove VoxVera from your system, you can use the provided uninsta
    ```
    This automatically detects your Tor instance, starts OnionShare, and writes the generated .onion address into the flyer's tear-off links.
 
+### Persistent Hosting On Linux
+
+For a machine that should resume hosting automatically after boot or after being offline, install the autostart recovery timer:
+
+```bash
+voxvera autostart
+```
+
+This installs a `systemd --user` timer that reruns `voxvera start-all` every few minutes. The retry loop is the supported way to recover hidden-service hosting after suspend, reboot, or temporary network loss.
+
 ## Language Support
 
 VoxVera is fully localized. You can change your language preference permanently using either the interactive selector or a direct shortcut:
diff --git a/docs/es/docker.md b/docs/es/docker.md
index 318d35d..d7d7373 100644
--- a/docs/es/docker.md
+++ b/docs/es/docker.md
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 # Docker Usage
 
+Experimental: the container path is not yet a production-grade hidden-service deployment target. Linux with `systemd --user` remains the supported persistent-host environment.
+
 A prebuilt image containing Tor, OnionShare and the `voxvera` CLI is published to
 `ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera`.
 
@@ -7,10 +9,11 @@ A prebuilt image containing Tor, OnionShare and the `voxvera` CLI is published t
 # pull the image
 docker pull ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera:latest
 
-# run voxvera quickstart with flyers stored in ./flyers
+# run the experimental container with flyers stored in ./flyers
 mkdir -p flyers
 docker run -it --rm -v "$(pwd)/flyers:/flyers" ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera
 ```
 
-The container uses `/flyers` as the working directory and runs `voxvera quickstart`
-by default. All generated flyer files will appear in the mounted `flyers` folder.
+The container stores runtime state under `/flyers`, seeds a default `config.json` if needed, and retries `voxvera start-all` periodically after the initial `quickstart`.
+
+Use this path for testing only until the container runtime and background recovery behavior are validated end-to-end.
diff --git a/docs/es/troubleshooting.md b/docs/es/troubleshooting.md
index e75be08..c582141 100644
--- a/docs/es/troubleshooting.md
+++ b/docs/es/troubleshooting.md
@@ -6,6 +6,10 @@ This page collects common issues encountered when hosting or accessing flyers.
 - Ensure Tor is allowed through your firewall. On systems using `ufw` you may need to run `sudo ufw allow tor`.
 - Some networks block Tor entirely. If you cannot reach onion services, try connecting over a different network or use a Tor bridge.
 
+## Supported deployment target
+- The supported persistent-host setup is Linux with `systemd --user`.
+- Windows, macOS, Docker, Flatpak, AppImage, Homebrew, and Chocolatey are currently experimental and may not recover hosting automatically after reboot or network interruptions.
+
 ## Tor port detection
 
 `voxvera serve` auto-detects Tor by probing common ports (9050/9150 for SOCKS, 9051/9151 for control). If detection fails -- for example when Tor runs on non-standard ports -- you can override with environment variables:
@@ -39,6 +43,17 @@ keypair (and URL) will be generated on the next `voxvera serve`. The
 `voxvera import` command preserves this file automatically, but manual
 deletion of the `host/` directory will destroy it.
 
+## Hosting does not return after reboot or network loss
+On Linux, install or verify the recovery timer:
+
+```bash
+voxvera autostart
+systemctl --user status voxvera-start.timer
+systemctl --user status voxvera-start.service
+```
+
+The supported recovery path is the recurring `systemd --user` timer, which reruns `voxvera start-all` every few minutes.
+
 ## QR codes not generated
 If `voxvera build` reports "No URLs configured yet", this is expected before the first `voxvera serve`. QR codes for tear-off links are generated automatically once the .onion address is known. QR codes for the content link are generated if you provided a URL during `voxvera init`.
 
diff --git a/docs/fa/docker.md b/docs/fa/docker.md
index 318d35d..d7d7373 100644
--- a/docs/fa/docker.md
+++ b/docs/fa/docker.md
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 # Docker Usage
 
+Experimental: the container path is not yet a production-grade hidden-service deployment target. Linux with `systemd --user` remains the supported persistent-host environment.
+
 A prebuilt image containing Tor, OnionShare and the `voxvera` CLI is published to
 `ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera`.
 
@@ -7,10 +9,11 @@ A prebuilt image containing Tor, OnionShare and the `voxvera` CLI is published t
 # pull the image
 docker pull ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera:latest
 
-# run voxvera quickstart with flyers stored in ./flyers
+# run the experimental container with flyers stored in ./flyers
 mkdir -p flyers
 docker run -it --rm -v "$(pwd)/flyers:/flyers" ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera
 ```
 
-The container uses `/flyers` as the working directory and runs `voxvera quickstart`
-by default. All generated flyer files will appear in the mounted `flyers` folder.
+The container stores runtime state under `/flyers`, seeds a default `config.json` if needed, and retries `voxvera start-all` periodically after the initial `quickstart`.
+
+Use this path for testing only until the container runtime and background recovery behavior are validated end-to-end.
diff --git a/docs/fa/troubleshooting.md b/docs/fa/troubleshooting.md
index e75be08..c582141 100644
--- a/docs/fa/troubleshooting.md
+++ b/docs/fa/troubleshooting.md
@@ -6,6 +6,10 @@ This page collects common issues encountered when hosting or accessing flyers.
 - Ensure Tor is allowed through your firewall. On systems using `ufw` you may need to run `sudo ufw allow tor`.
 - Some networks block Tor entirely. If you cannot reach onion services, try connecting over a different network or use a Tor bridge.
 
+## Supported deployment target
+- The supported persistent-host setup is Linux with `systemd --user`.
+- Windows, macOS, Docker, Flatpak, AppImage, Homebrew, and Chocolatey are currently experimental and may not recover hosting automatically after reboot or network interruptions.
+
 ## Tor port detection
 
 `voxvera serve` auto-detects Tor by probing common ports (9050/9150 for SOCKS, 9051/9151 for control). If detection fails -- for example when Tor runs on non-standard ports -- you can override with environment variables:
@@ -39,6 +43,17 @@ keypair (and URL) will be generated on the next `voxvera serve`. The
 `voxvera import` command preserves this file automatically, but manual
 deletion of the `host/` directory will destroy it.
 
+## Hosting does not return after reboot or network loss
+On Linux, install or verify the recovery timer:
+
+```bash
+voxvera autostart
+systemctl --user status voxvera-start.timer
+systemctl --user status voxvera-start.service
+```
+
+The supported recovery path is the recurring `systemd --user` timer, which reruns `voxvera start-all` every few minutes.
+
 ## QR codes not generated
 If `voxvera build` reports "No URLs configured yet", this is expected before the first `voxvera serve`. QR codes for tear-off links are generated automatically once the .onion address is known. QR codes for the content link are generated if you provided a URL during `voxvera init`.
 
diff --git a/docs/fr/docker.md b/docs/fr/docker.md
index 318d35d..d7d7373 100644
--- a/docs/fr/docker.md
+++ b/docs/fr/docker.md
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 # Docker Usage
 
+Experimental: the container path is not yet a production-grade hidden-service deployment target. Linux with `systemd --user` remains the supported persistent-host environment.
+
 A prebuilt image containing Tor, OnionShare and the `voxvera` CLI is published to
 `ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera`.
 
@@ -7,10 +9,11 @@ A prebuilt image containing Tor, OnionShare and the `voxvera` CLI is published t
 # pull the image
 docker pull ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera:latest
 
-# run voxvera quickstart with flyers stored in ./flyers
+# run the experimental container with flyers stored in ./flyers
 mkdir -p flyers
 docker run -it --rm -v "$(pwd)/flyers:/flyers" ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera
 ```
 
-The container uses `/flyers` as the working directory and runs `voxvera quickstart`
-by default. All generated flyer files will appear in the mounted `flyers` folder.
+The container stores runtime state under `/flyers`, seeds a default `config.json` if needed, and retries `voxvera start-all` periodically after the initial `quickstart`.
+
+Use this path for testing only until the container runtime and background recovery behavior are validated end-to-end.
diff --git a/docs/fr/troubleshooting.md b/docs/fr/troubleshooting.md
index e75be08..c582141 100644
--- a/docs/fr/troubleshooting.md
+++ b/docs/fr/troubleshooting.md
@@ -6,6 +6,10 @@ This page collects common issues encountered when hosting or accessing flyers.
 - Ensure Tor is allowed through your firewall. On systems using `ufw` you may need to run `sudo ufw allow tor`.
 - Some networks block Tor entirely. If you cannot reach onion services, try connecting over a different network or use a Tor bridge.
 
+## Supported deployment target
+- The supported persistent-host setup is Linux with `systemd --user`.
+- Windows, macOS, Docker, Flatpak, AppImage, Homebrew, and Chocolatey are currently experimental and may not recover hosting automatically after reboot or network interruptions.
+
 ## Tor port detection
 
 `voxvera serve` auto-detects Tor by probing common ports (9050/9150 for SOCKS, 9051/9151 for control). If detection fails -- for example when Tor runs on non-standard ports -- you can override with environment variables:
@@ -39,6 +43,17 @@ keypair (and URL) will be generated on the next `voxvera serve`. The
 `voxvera import` command preserves this file automatically, but manual
 deletion of the `host/` directory will destroy it.
 
+## Hosting does not return after reboot or network loss
+On Linux, install or verify the recovery timer:
+
+```bash
+voxvera autostart
+systemctl --user status voxvera-start.timer
+systemctl --user status voxvera-start.service
+```
+
+The supported recovery path is the recurring `systemd --user` timer, which reruns `voxvera start-all` every few minutes.
+
 ## QR codes not generated
 If `voxvera build` reports "No URLs configured yet", this is expected before the first `voxvera serve`. QR codes for tear-off links are generated automatically once the .onion address is known. QR codes for the content link are generated if you provided a URL during `voxvera init`.
 
diff --git a/docs/he/docker.md b/docs/he/docker.md
index 318d35d..d7d7373 100644
--- a/docs/he/docker.md
+++ b/docs/he/docker.md
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 # Docker Usage
 
+Experimental: the container path is not yet a production-grade hidden-service deployment target. Linux with `systemd --user` remains the supported persistent-host environment.
+
 A prebuilt image containing Tor, OnionShare and the `voxvera` CLI is published to
 `ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera`.
 
@@ -7,10 +9,11 @@ A prebuilt image containing Tor, OnionShare and the `voxvera` CLI is published t
 # pull the image
 docker pull ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera:latest
 
-# run voxvera quickstart with flyers stored in ./flyers
+# run the experimental container with flyers stored in ./flyers
 mkdir -p flyers
 docker run -it --rm -v "$(pwd)/flyers:/flyers" ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera
 ```
 
-The container uses `/flyers` as the working directory and runs `voxvera quickstart`
-by default. All generated flyer files will appear in the mounted `flyers` folder.
+The container stores runtime state under `/flyers`, seeds a default `config.json` if needed, and retries `voxvera start-all` periodically after the initial `quickstart`.
+
+Use this path for testing only until the container runtime and background recovery behavior are validated end-to-end.
diff --git a/docs/he/troubleshooting.md b/docs/he/troubleshooting.md
index e75be08..c582141 100644
--- a/docs/he/troubleshooting.md
+++ b/docs/he/troubleshooting.md
@@ -6,6 +6,10 @@ This page collects common issues encountered when hosting or accessing flyers.
 - Ensure Tor is allowed through your firewall. On systems using `ufw` you may need to run `sudo ufw allow tor`.
 - Some networks block Tor entirely. If you cannot reach onion services, try connecting over a different network or use a Tor bridge.
 
+## Supported deployment target
+- The supported persistent-host setup is Linux with `systemd --user`.
+- Windows, macOS, Docker, Flatpak, AppImage, Homebrew, and Chocolatey are currently experimental and may not recover hosting automatically after reboot or network interruptions.
+
 ## Tor port detection
 
 `voxvera serve` auto-detects Tor by probing common ports (9050/9150 for SOCKS, 9051/9151 for control). If detection fails -- for example when Tor runs on non-standard ports -- you can override with environment variables:
@@ -39,6 +43,17 @@ keypair (and URL) will be generated on the next `voxvera serve`. The
 `voxvera import` command preserves this file automatically, but manual
 deletion of the `host/` directory will destroy it.
 
+## Hosting does not return after reboot or network loss
+On Linux, install or verify the recovery timer:
+
+```bash
+voxvera autostart
+systemctl --user status voxvera-start.timer
+systemctl --user status voxvera-start.service
+```
+
+The supported recovery path is the recurring `systemd --user` timer, which reruns `voxvera start-all` every few minutes.
+
 ## QR codes not generated
 If `voxvera build` reports "No URLs configured yet", this is expected before the first `voxvera serve`. QR codes for tear-off links are generated automatically once the .onion address is known. QR codes for the content link are generated if you provided a URL during `voxvera init`.
 
diff --git a/docs/he/usage.md b/docs/he/usage.md
index 021306c..058210a 100644
--- a/docs/he/usage.md
+++ b/docs/he/usage.md
@@ -6,18 +6,22 @@ This guide covers common CLI workflows. See `docs/docker.md` for Docker instruct
 
 VoxVera is designed to be highly portable. You can run it directly from the source code on any platform with Python installed.
 
+Linux with `systemd --user` is the supported persistent-host environment. Windows, macOS, Docker, Flatpak, AppImage, Homebrew, and Chocolatey are currently experimental and should not yet be treated as equally reliable hidden-service deployment targets.
+
 ### 1. Automated Install (Recommended)
-The easiest way to install VoxVera is using our cross-platform installer script:
+The easiest way to install VoxVera is using the Linux-first installer script:
 
 **Linux / macOS:**
 ```bash
 curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/PR0M3TH3AN/VoxVera/main/install.sh | bash
 ```
+On Linux, this also installs the recurring recovery timer used to retry hidden-service startup after boot and after missed/offline periods.
 
 **Windows (PowerShell):**
 ```powershell
 irm https://raw.githubusercontent.com/PR0M3TH3AN/VoxVera/main/install.ps1 | iex
 ```
+The Windows installer is experimental and does not yet guarantee production-ready background hosting behavior.
 
 ### 2. Manual Source Install
 If you have downloaded the source code ZIP:
@@ -50,6 +54,16 @@ If you wish to remove VoxVera from your system, you can use the provided uninsta
    ```
    This automatically detects your Tor instance, starts OnionShare, and writes the generated .onion address into the flyer's tear-off links.
 
+### Persistent Hosting On Linux
+
+For a machine that should resume hosting automatically after boot or after being offline, install the autostart recovery timer:
+
+```bash
+voxvera autostart
+```
+
+This installs a `systemd --user` timer that reruns `voxvera start-all` every few minutes. The retry loop is the supported way to recover hidden-service hosting after suspend, reboot, or temporary network loss.
+
 ## Language Support
 
 VoxVera is fully localized. You can change your language preference permanently using either the interactive selector or a direct shortcut:
diff --git a/docs/hi/docker.md b/docs/hi/docker.md
index 318d35d..d7d7373 100644
--- a/docs/hi/docker.md
+++ b/docs/hi/docker.md
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 # Docker Usage
 
+Experimental: the container path is not yet a production-grade hidden-service deployment target. Linux with `systemd --user` remains the supported persistent-host environment.
+
 A prebuilt image containing Tor, OnionShare and the `voxvera` CLI is published to
 `ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera`.
 
@@ -7,10 +9,11 @@ A prebuilt image containing Tor, OnionShare and the `voxvera` CLI is published t
 # pull the image
 docker pull ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera:latest
 
-# run voxvera quickstart with flyers stored in ./flyers
+# run the experimental container with flyers stored in ./flyers
 mkdir -p flyers
 docker run -it --rm -v "$(pwd)/flyers:/flyers" ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera
 ```
 
-The container uses `/flyers` as the working directory and runs `voxvera quickstart`
-by default. All generated flyer files will appear in the mounted `flyers` folder.
+The container stores runtime state under `/flyers`, seeds a default `config.json` if needed, and retries `voxvera start-all` periodically after the initial `quickstart`.
+
+Use this path for testing only until the container runtime and background recovery behavior are validated end-to-end.
diff --git a/docs/hi/troubleshooting.md b/docs/hi/troubleshooting.md
index e75be08..c582141 100644
--- a/docs/hi/troubleshooting.md
+++ b/docs/hi/troubleshooting.md
@@ -6,6 +6,10 @@ This page collects common issues encountered when hosting or accessing flyers.
 - Ensure Tor is allowed through your firewall. On systems using `ufw` you may need to run `sudo ufw allow tor`.
 - Some networks block Tor entirely. If you cannot reach onion services, try connecting over a different network or use a Tor bridge.
 
+## Supported deployment target
+- The supported persistent-host setup is Linux with `systemd --user`.
+- Windows, macOS, Docker, Flatpak, AppImage, Homebrew, and Chocolatey are currently experimental and may not recover hosting automatically after reboot or network interruptions.
+
 ## Tor port detection
 
 `voxvera serve` auto-detects Tor by probing common ports (9050/9150 for SOCKS, 9051/9151 for control). If detection fails -- for example when Tor runs on non-standard ports -- you can override with environment variables:
@@ -39,6 +43,17 @@ keypair (and URL) will be generated on the next `voxvera serve`. The
 `voxvera import` command preserves this file automatically, but manual
 deletion of the `host/` directory will destroy it.
 
+## Hosting does not return after reboot or network loss
+On Linux, install or verify the recovery timer:
+
+```bash
+voxvera autostart
+systemctl --user status voxvera-start.timer
+systemctl --user status voxvera-start.service
+```
+
+The supported recovery path is the recurring `systemd --user` timer, which reruns `voxvera start-all` every few minutes.
+
 ## QR codes not generated
 If `voxvera build` reports "No URLs configured yet", this is expected before the first `voxvera serve`. QR codes for tear-off links are generated automatically once the .onion address is known. QR codes for the content link are generated if you provided a URL during `voxvera init`.
 
diff --git a/docs/ja/docker.md b/docs/ja/docker.md
index 318d35d..d7d7373 100644
--- a/docs/ja/docker.md
+++ b/docs/ja/docker.md
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 # Docker Usage
 
+Experimental: the container path is not yet a production-grade hidden-service deployment target. Linux with `systemd --user` remains the supported persistent-host environment.
+
 A prebuilt image containing Tor, OnionShare and the `voxvera` CLI is published to
 `ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera`.
 
@@ -7,10 +9,11 @@ A prebuilt image containing Tor, OnionShare and the `voxvera` CLI is published t
 # pull the image
 docker pull ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera:latest
 
-# run voxvera quickstart with flyers stored in ./flyers
+# run the experimental container with flyers stored in ./flyers
 mkdir -p flyers
 docker run -it --rm -v "$(pwd)/flyers:/flyers" ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera
 ```
 
-The container uses `/flyers` as the working directory and runs `voxvera quickstart`
-by default. All generated flyer files will appear in the mounted `flyers` folder.
+The container stores runtime state under `/flyers`, seeds a default `config.json` if needed, and retries `voxvera start-all` periodically after the initial `quickstart`.
+
+Use this path for testing only until the container runtime and background recovery behavior are validated end-to-end.
diff --git a/docs/ja/troubleshooting.md b/docs/ja/troubleshooting.md
index e75be08..c582141 100644
--- a/docs/ja/troubleshooting.md
+++ b/docs/ja/troubleshooting.md
@@ -6,6 +6,10 @@ This page collects common issues encountered when hosting or accessing flyers.
 - Ensure Tor is allowed through your firewall. On systems using `ufw` you may need to run `sudo ufw allow tor`.
 - Some networks block Tor entirely. If you cannot reach onion services, try connecting over a different network or use a Tor bridge.
 
+## Supported deployment target
+- The supported persistent-host setup is Linux with `systemd --user`.
+- Windows, macOS, Docker, Flatpak, AppImage, Homebrew, and Chocolatey are currently experimental and may not recover hosting automatically after reboot or network interruptions.
+
 ## Tor port detection
 
 `voxvera serve` auto-detects Tor by probing common ports (9050/9150 for SOCKS, 9051/9151 for control). If detection fails -- for example when Tor runs on non-standard ports -- you can override with environment variables:
@@ -39,6 +43,17 @@ keypair (and URL) will be generated on the next `voxvera serve`. The
 `voxvera import` command preserves this file automatically, but manual
 deletion of the `host/` directory will destroy it.
 
+## Hosting does not return after reboot or network loss
+On Linux, install or verify the recovery timer:
+
+```bash
+voxvera autostart
+systemctl --user status voxvera-start.timer
+systemctl --user status voxvera-start.service
+```
+
+The supported recovery path is the recurring `systemd --user` timer, which reruns `voxvera start-all` every few minutes.
+
 ## QR codes not generated
 If `voxvera build` reports "No URLs configured yet", this is expected before the first `voxvera serve`. QR codes for tear-off links are generated automatically once the .onion address is known. QR codes for the content link are generated if you provided a URL during `voxvera init`.
 
diff --git a/docs/platform-support-matrix.md b/docs/platform-support-matrix.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6aec889
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/platform-support-matrix.md
@@ -0,0 +1,51 @@
+# Platform Support Matrix
+
+This file is the canonical human-readable summary of VoxVera's actual platform support posture.
+
+The machine-readable companion file is [`support-matrix.json`](/home/user/Documents/GitHub/VoxVera/support-matrix.json).
+
+## Support Tiers
+
+- **Supported**: validated for persistent hidden-service hosting with documented recovery behavior.
+- **Beta**: feature-complete enough for broader testing, but not yet validated for production-grade recovery claims.
+- **Experimental**: may install or run, but is not yet validated for reliable background hidden-service hosting.
+- **Unsupported**: not currently a target for reliable hosting.
+
+## Current Matrix
+
+| Platform | Tier | Canonical Runtime Model | Distribution Surfaces | Notes |
+| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
+| Linux CLI with `systemd --user` | Supported | System Tor or Tor Browser plus `onionshare-cli`, with recurring `systemd --user` timer recovery | `install.sh`, `voxvera-install.sh`, `pip/pipx`, Linux binary | Current reference implementation |
+| Docker CLI | Experimental | Containerized runtime with `VOXVERA_DIR=/flyers` and periodic `start-all` retries | Dockerfile, GHCR image | Needs end-to-end restart validation |
+| macOS CLI | Experimental | CLI runtime with `launchd` autostart path and external Tor/OnionShare dependencies | `install.sh`, `pip/pipx`, macOS binary, DMG | No validated recovery claim yet |
+| Windows CLI | Experimental | CLI runtime with Task Scheduler path and external Tor/OnionShare dependencies | `install.ps1`, Windows binary, Chocolatey | Binary naming and runtime model need cleanup |
+| Electron GUI | Experimental | GUI frontend over the CLI runtime | `gui/electron` | Must converge on shared runtime behavior |
+| Flatpak/AppImage/Homebrew/Chocolatey/Deb | Experimental | Distribution-only until runtime parity exists | packaging scripts/manifests | Package availability does not imply hosting parity |
+
+## What "Supported" Means For VoxVera
+
+To move a platform to **Supported**, VoxVera should have evidence for all of the following:
+
+1. Fresh install works on a clean machine.
+2. Manual `build` and `serve` work.
+3. `.onionshare-session` survives rebuilds and restarts.
+4. Hosting returns after reboot or login.
+5. Hosting returns after a temporary offline period.
+6. Logs and status are inspectable with documented commands.
+7. The docs and release artifacts do not overstate capability.
+
+## Promotion Rules
+
+- Do not promote a package surface before the underlying runtime model is validated.
+- Do not call a platform "recommended" unless it is also `supported`.
+- If a platform lacks validated auto-recovery after reboot or network interruption, it must remain `experimental` or `beta`.
+
+## Current Recommendation
+
+If your goal is reliable Tor hidden-service hosting today, use the Linux CLI path and install the recurring recovery timer with:
+
+```bash
+voxvera autostart
+```
+
+That is the current reference deployment model the rest of the platform work should converge toward.
diff --git a/docs/pt/docker.md b/docs/pt/docker.md
index 318d35d..d7d7373 100644
--- a/docs/pt/docker.md
+++ b/docs/pt/docker.md
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 # Docker Usage
 
+Experimental: the container path is not yet a production-grade hidden-service deployment target. Linux with `systemd --user` remains the supported persistent-host environment.
+
 A prebuilt image containing Tor, OnionShare and the `voxvera` CLI is published to
 `ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera`.
 
@@ -7,10 +9,11 @@ A prebuilt image containing Tor, OnionShare and the `voxvera` CLI is published t
 # pull the image
 docker pull ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera:latest
 
-# run voxvera quickstart with flyers stored in ./flyers
+# run the experimental container with flyers stored in ./flyers
 mkdir -p flyers
 docker run -it --rm -v "$(pwd)/flyers:/flyers" ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera
 ```
 
-The container uses `/flyers` as the working directory and runs `voxvera quickstart`
-by default. All generated flyer files will appear in the mounted `flyers` folder.
+The container stores runtime state under `/flyers`, seeds a default `config.json` if needed, and retries `voxvera start-all` periodically after the initial `quickstart`.
+
+Use this path for testing only until the container runtime and background recovery behavior are validated end-to-end.
diff --git a/docs/pt/troubleshooting.md b/docs/pt/troubleshooting.md
index e75be08..c582141 100644
--- a/docs/pt/troubleshooting.md
+++ b/docs/pt/troubleshooting.md
@@ -6,6 +6,10 @@ This page collects common issues encountered when hosting or accessing flyers.
 - Ensure Tor is allowed through your firewall. On systems using `ufw` you may need to run `sudo ufw allow tor`.
 - Some networks block Tor entirely. If you cannot reach onion services, try connecting over a different network or use a Tor bridge.
 
+## Supported deployment target
+- The supported persistent-host setup is Linux with `systemd --user`.
+- Windows, macOS, Docker, Flatpak, AppImage, Homebrew, and Chocolatey are currently experimental and may not recover hosting automatically after reboot or network interruptions.
+
 ## Tor port detection
 
 `voxvera serve` auto-detects Tor by probing common ports (9050/9150 for SOCKS, 9051/9151 for control). If detection fails -- for example when Tor runs on non-standard ports -- you can override with environment variables:
@@ -39,6 +43,17 @@ keypair (and URL) will be generated on the next `voxvera serve`. The
 `voxvera import` command preserves this file automatically, but manual
 deletion of the `host/` directory will destroy it.
 
+## Hosting does not return after reboot or network loss
+On Linux, install or verify the recovery timer:
+
+```bash
+voxvera autostart
+systemctl --user status voxvera-start.timer
+systemctl --user status voxvera-start.service
+```
+
+The supported recovery path is the recurring `systemd --user` timer, which reruns `voxvera start-all` every few minutes.
+
 ## QR codes not generated
 If `voxvera build` reports "No URLs configured yet", this is expected before the first `voxvera serve`. QR codes for tear-off links are generated automatically once the .onion address is known. QR codes for the content link are generated if you provided a URL during `voxvera init`.
 
diff --git a/docs/roadmap-platform-parity.md b/docs/roadmap-platform-parity.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..82be4f6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/roadmap-platform-parity.md
@@ -0,0 +1,270 @@
+# Platform Parity Roadmap
+
+This roadmap focuses on one question:
+
+How do we expand VoxVera beyond Linux without overstating reliability, while still converging on real cross-platform parity for Tor hidden-service hosting?
+
+## Strategic Principle
+
+Parity is not a packaging milestone. It is a runtime-contract milestone.
+
+Every platform must eventually implement the same hosting contract:
+
+1. install VoxVera
+2. ensure Tor and OnionShare are available
+3. build site assets
+4. serve the hidden service
+5. preserve `.onionshare-session`
+6. recover hosting after reboot, login, suspend, or offline periods
+7. surface logs and status
+
+Package formats should inherit that contract. They should not define independent behavior.
+
+## Phase 0: Truth Alignment
+
+Goal: bring repo claims, docs, and release posture into line with current reality.
+
+Deliverables:
+
+- canonical support matrix
+- machine-readable support declaration
+- installer/package warnings for experimental paths
+- README and docs aligned to the actual supported target
+
+Definition of done:
+
+- no docs imply parity that tests do not support
+- every platform surface has an explicit support tier
+- release artifacts are not treated as proof of hosting reliability
+
+## Phase 1: Harden Linux As Reference
+
+Goal: make Linux CLI with `systemd --user` the clearly defensible model that other platforms copy.
+
+Work items:
+
+1. Add `voxvera doctor` for runtime validation.
+   - Check Tor reachability.
+   - Check OnionShare availability.
+   - Check `start-all` surfaces.
+   - Check autostart timer installation.
+   - Check host directories and session files.
+
+2. Add `voxvera autostart status`.
+   - Show service and timer files.
+   - Show whether the timer is enabled.
+   - Show next/last run timestamps if available.
+
+3. Normalize Linux log/status guidance.
+   - Document host log paths.
+   - Document timer/service status commands.
+   - Document expected recovery flow after reboot/network loss.
+
+4. Validate restart behavior.
+   - fresh install
+   - first serve
+   - reboot
+   - suspend/resume if possible
+   - temporary offline period followed by reconnect
+
+Definition of done:
+
+- Linux remains the only `supported` path until the above evidence exists and is documented.
+
+## Phase 2: Platform Adapter Layer
+
+Goal: stop encoding platform logic in ad hoc installer scripts.
+
+Recommended structure:
+
+- `voxvera/platforms/base.py`
+- `voxvera/platforms/linux.py`
+- `voxvera/platforms/macos.py`
+- `voxvera/platforms/windows.py`
+- `voxvera/platforms/docker.py`
+
+Each adapter should define:
+
+- support tier
+- Tor discovery strategy
+- OnionShare discovery strategy
+- state root
+- autostart installation strategy
+- autostart status strategy
+- log/status surface
+- known limitations
+
+CLI surfaces to add:
+
+- `voxvera doctor`
+- `voxvera platform-status`
+- `voxvera autostart`
+- `voxvera autostart status`
+- `voxvera autostart uninstall`
+
+Definition of done:
+
+- shell installers become thin wrappers over shared Python logic instead of owning runtime policy themselves
+
+## Phase 3: Docker Beta Candidate
+
+Goal: make Docker a coherent, testable deployment surface.
+
+Decisions to settle:
+
+- single-container runtime vs compose-based runtime
+- host Tor vs container Tor
+- log and state persistence model
+
+Recommended direction:
+
+- keep runtime state under one explicit volume root
+- document restart policy clearly
+- make health and recovery behavior observable
+
+Validation checklist:
+
+- container restart preserves onion identity
+- host reboot with restart policy restores hosting
+- state remains in mounted volume
+- logs remain inspectable
+
+Promotion target:
+
+- `experimental` -> `beta`
+
+## Phase 4: macOS CLI
+
+Goal: establish one honest CLI-based macOS hosting model before packaging.
+
+Work items:
+
+1. define Tor discovery strategy
+2. define OnionShare discovery/install strategy
+3. validate manual `build` + `serve`
+4. implement and validate `launchd` recovery
+5. document known limitations
+
+Promotion target:
+
+- remain `experimental` until `launchd` recovery is validated
+- move to `beta` only after login/reboot/offline recovery evidence exists
+
+## Phase 5: Windows CLI
+
+Goal: establish one canonical Windows runtime model before claiming package parity.
+
+Work items:
+
+1. unify binary naming across installer, Chocolatey, docs, and release assets
+2. define Tor discovery strategy
+3. define OnionShare discovery strategy
+4. validate manual `build` + `serve`
+5. implement Task Scheduler recovery path
+6. add Windows-specific status/log guidance
+
+Promotion target:
+
+- remain `experimental` until scheduled recovery and state persistence are proven
+- move to `beta` only after reboot/login/offline recovery evidence exists
+
+## Phase 6: Electron GUI Convergence
+
+Goal: make the GUI a frontend to the supported runtime, not a separate runtime.
+
+Work items:
+
+1. route the GUI through shared CLI/runtime surfaces
+2. reduce duplicated Tor startup behavior
+3. add visibility for:
+   - Tor status
+   - OnionShare status
+   - hosting status
+   - onion URL
+   - logs
+4. make window-close behavior explicit and safe
+
+Promotion target:
+
+- GUI remains `experimental` until it stops diverging from the CLI runtime contract
+
+## Phase 7: Package Surface Promotion
+
+Goal: package formats should become trustworthy wrappers around validated runtimes.
+
+Work items:
+
+1. Debian package
+   - declare actual runtime dependencies
+   - validate install + host + recovery path
+
+2. AppImage
+   - decide whether it is distribution-only or a real hosting target
+
+3. Homebrew
+   - fix artifact URL/sha/version policy
+   - clarify whether it installs a hosting target or just a CLI
+
+4. Chocolatey
+   - align artifact naming and installer semantics
+
+5. Flatpak
+   - decide whether Tor/OnionShare can be supported sanely in-sandbox
+
+Rule:
+
+- no package surface should be promoted above the support tier of its underlying runtime
+
+## Testing Program
+
+### 1. Unit tests
+
+- config/state logic
+- autostart file generation
+- platform adapter selection
+
+### 2. Mocked integration tests
+
+- `serve`
+- `autostart`
+- `doctor`
+- `platform-status`
+
+### 3. Platform smoke tests
+
+- fresh install
+- build
+- serve
+- persist identity
+- restart
+- recover
+
+Current smoke target names:
+
+- `linux-cli`
+- `macos-cli`
+- `windows-cli`
+- `docker-cli`
+
+These target names are contract-level validation entry points. Only `linux-cli` currently represents a supported hosting path; the others should be used to validate experimental posture and dependency discovery on their native platforms until their recovery behavior is proven.
+
+### 4. Release checks
+
+- support matrix is current
+- docs match support tiers
+- artifact names match scripts and package manifests
+
+## Immediate Next Tasks
+
+1. Add `voxvera doctor`.
+2. Add `voxvera autostart status`.
+3. Add the platform adapter scaffold.
+4. Capture Linux reboot/offline recovery validation steps in docs and CI notes.
+5. Pick Docker's canonical runtime model.
+6. Normalize Windows binary naming before further Windows work.
+
+## Non-Goals
+
+- claiming parity before recovery behavior is validated
+- treating package availability as support proof
+- maintaining separate runtime semantics in GUI vs CLI
diff --git a/docs/ru/docker.md b/docs/ru/docker.md
index 318d35d..d7d7373 100644
--- a/docs/ru/docker.md
+++ b/docs/ru/docker.md
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 # Docker Usage
 
+Experimental: the container path is not yet a production-grade hidden-service deployment target. Linux with `systemd --user` remains the supported persistent-host environment.
+
 A prebuilt image containing Tor, OnionShare and the `voxvera` CLI is published to
 `ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera`.
 
@@ -7,10 +9,11 @@ A prebuilt image containing Tor, OnionShare and the `voxvera` CLI is published t
 # pull the image
 docker pull ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera:latest
 
-# run voxvera quickstart with flyers stored in ./flyers
+# run the experimental container with flyers stored in ./flyers
 mkdir -p flyers
 docker run -it --rm -v "$(pwd)/flyers:/flyers" ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera
 ```
 
-The container uses `/flyers` as the working directory and runs `voxvera quickstart`
-by default. All generated flyer files will appear in the mounted `flyers` folder.
+The container stores runtime state under `/flyers`, seeds a default `config.json` if needed, and retries `voxvera start-all` periodically after the initial `quickstart`.
+
+Use this path for testing only until the container runtime and background recovery behavior are validated end-to-end.
diff --git a/docs/ru/troubleshooting.md b/docs/ru/troubleshooting.md
index e75be08..c582141 100644
--- a/docs/ru/troubleshooting.md
+++ b/docs/ru/troubleshooting.md
@@ -6,6 +6,10 @@ This page collects common issues encountered when hosting or accessing flyers.
 - Ensure Tor is allowed through your firewall. On systems using `ufw` you may need to run `sudo ufw allow tor`.
 - Some networks block Tor entirely. If you cannot reach onion services, try connecting over a different network or use a Tor bridge.
 
+## Supported deployment target
+- The supported persistent-host setup is Linux with `systemd --user`.
+- Windows, macOS, Docker, Flatpak, AppImage, Homebrew, and Chocolatey are currently experimental and may not recover hosting automatically after reboot or network interruptions.
+
 ## Tor port detection
 
 `voxvera serve` auto-detects Tor by probing common ports (9050/9150 for SOCKS, 9051/9151 for control). If detection fails -- for example when Tor runs on non-standard ports -- you can override with environment variables:
@@ -39,6 +43,17 @@ keypair (and URL) will be generated on the next `voxvera serve`. The
 `voxvera import` command preserves this file automatically, but manual
 deletion of the `host/` directory will destroy it.
 
+## Hosting does not return after reboot or network loss
+On Linux, install or verify the recovery timer:
+
+```bash
+voxvera autostart
+systemctl --user status voxvera-start.timer
+systemctl --user status voxvera-start.service
+```
+
+The supported recovery path is the recurring `systemd --user` timer, which reruns `voxvera start-all` every few minutes.
+
 ## QR codes not generated
 If `voxvera build` reports "No URLs configured yet", this is expected before the first `voxvera serve`. QR codes for tear-off links are generated automatically once the .onion address is known. QR codes for the content link are generated if you provided a URL during `voxvera init`.
 
diff --git a/docs/sw/docker.md b/docs/sw/docker.md
index 318d35d..d7d7373 100644
--- a/docs/sw/docker.md
+++ b/docs/sw/docker.md
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 # Docker Usage
 
+Experimental: the container path is not yet a production-grade hidden-service deployment target. Linux with `systemd --user` remains the supported persistent-host environment.
+
 A prebuilt image containing Tor, OnionShare and the `voxvera` CLI is published to
 `ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera`.
 
@@ -7,10 +9,11 @@ A prebuilt image containing Tor, OnionShare and the `voxvera` CLI is published t
 # pull the image
 docker pull ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera:latest
 
-# run voxvera quickstart with flyers stored in ./flyers
+# run the experimental container with flyers stored in ./flyers
 mkdir -p flyers
 docker run -it --rm -v "$(pwd)/flyers:/flyers" ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera
 ```
 
-The container uses `/flyers` as the working directory and runs `voxvera quickstart`
-by default. All generated flyer files will appear in the mounted `flyers` folder.
+The container stores runtime state under `/flyers`, seeds a default `config.json` if needed, and retries `voxvera start-all` periodically after the initial `quickstart`.
+
+Use this path for testing only until the container runtime and background recovery behavior are validated end-to-end.
diff --git a/docs/sw/troubleshooting.md b/docs/sw/troubleshooting.md
index e75be08..c582141 100644
--- a/docs/sw/troubleshooting.md
+++ b/docs/sw/troubleshooting.md
@@ -6,6 +6,10 @@ This page collects common issues encountered when hosting or accessing flyers.
 - Ensure Tor is allowed through your firewall. On systems using `ufw` you may need to run `sudo ufw allow tor`.
 - Some networks block Tor entirely. If you cannot reach onion services, try connecting over a different network or use a Tor bridge.
 
+## Supported deployment target
+- The supported persistent-host setup is Linux with `systemd --user`.
+- Windows, macOS, Docker, Flatpak, AppImage, Homebrew, and Chocolatey are currently experimental and may not recover hosting automatically after reboot or network interruptions.
+
 ## Tor port detection
 
 `voxvera serve` auto-detects Tor by probing common ports (9050/9150 for SOCKS, 9051/9151 for control). If detection fails -- for example when Tor runs on non-standard ports -- you can override with environment variables:
@@ -39,6 +43,17 @@ keypair (and URL) will be generated on the next `voxvera serve`. The
 `voxvera import` command preserves this file automatically, but manual
 deletion of the `host/` directory will destroy it.
 
+## Hosting does not return after reboot or network loss
+On Linux, install or verify the recovery timer:
+
+```bash
+voxvera autostart
+systemctl --user status voxvera-start.timer
+systemctl --user status voxvera-start.service
+```
+
+The supported recovery path is the recurring `systemd --user` timer, which reruns `voxvera start-all` every few minutes.
+
 ## QR codes not generated
 If `voxvera build` reports "No URLs configured yet", this is expected before the first `voxvera serve`. QR codes for tear-off links are generated automatically once the .onion address is known. QR codes for the content link are generated if you provided a URL during `voxvera init`.
 
diff --git a/docs/templates/docker.md b/docs/templates/docker.md
index 318d35d..d7d7373 100644
--- a/docs/templates/docker.md
+++ b/docs/templates/docker.md
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 # Docker Usage
 
+Experimental: the container path is not yet a production-grade hidden-service deployment target. Linux with `systemd --user` remains the supported persistent-host environment.
+
 A prebuilt image containing Tor, OnionShare and the `voxvera` CLI is published to
 `ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera`.
 
@@ -7,10 +9,11 @@ A prebuilt image containing Tor, OnionShare and the `voxvera` CLI is published t
 # pull the image
 docker pull ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera:latest
 
-# run voxvera quickstart with flyers stored in ./flyers
+# run the experimental container with flyers stored in ./flyers
 mkdir -p flyers
 docker run -it --rm -v "$(pwd)/flyers:/flyers" ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera
 ```
 
-The container uses `/flyers` as the working directory and runs `voxvera quickstart`
-by default. All generated flyer files will appear in the mounted `flyers` folder.
+The container stores runtime state under `/flyers`, seeds a default `config.json` if needed, and retries `voxvera start-all` periodically after the initial `quickstart`.
+
+Use this path for testing only until the container runtime and background recovery behavior are validated end-to-end.
diff --git a/docs/templates/troubleshooting.md b/docs/templates/troubleshooting.md
index e75be08..c582141 100644
--- a/docs/templates/troubleshooting.md
+++ b/docs/templates/troubleshooting.md
@@ -6,6 +6,10 @@ This page collects common issues encountered when hosting or accessing flyers.
 - Ensure Tor is allowed through your firewall. On systems using `ufw` you may need to run `sudo ufw allow tor`.
 - Some networks block Tor entirely. If you cannot reach onion services, try connecting over a different network or use a Tor bridge.
 
+## Supported deployment target
+- The supported persistent-host setup is Linux with `systemd --user`.
+- Windows, macOS, Docker, Flatpak, AppImage, Homebrew, and Chocolatey are currently experimental and may not recover hosting automatically after reboot or network interruptions.
+
 ## Tor port detection
 
 `voxvera serve` auto-detects Tor by probing common ports (9050/9150 for SOCKS, 9051/9151 for control). If detection fails -- for example when Tor runs on non-standard ports -- you can override with environment variables:
@@ -39,6 +43,17 @@ keypair (and URL) will be generated on the next `voxvera serve`. The
 `voxvera import` command preserves this file automatically, but manual
 deletion of the `host/` directory will destroy it.
 
+## Hosting does not return after reboot or network loss
+On Linux, install or verify the recovery timer:
+
+```bash
+voxvera autostart
+systemctl --user status voxvera-start.timer
+systemctl --user status voxvera-start.service
+```
+
+The supported recovery path is the recurring `systemd --user` timer, which reruns `voxvera start-all` every few minutes.
+
 ## QR codes not generated
 If `voxvera build` reports "No URLs configured yet", this is expected before the first `voxvera serve`. QR codes for tear-off links are generated automatically once the .onion address is known. QR codes for the content link are generated if you provided a URL during `voxvera init`.
 
diff --git a/docs/templates/usage.md b/docs/templates/usage.md
index 226c878..e80012b 100644
--- a/docs/templates/usage.md
+++ b/docs/templates/usage.md
@@ -6,18 +6,22 @@ This guide covers common CLI workflows. See `docs/docker.md` for Docker instruct
 
 VoxVera is designed to be highly portable. You can run it directly from the source code on any platform with Python installed.
 
+Linux with `systemd --user` is the supported persistent-host environment. Windows, macOS, Docker, Flatpak, AppImage, Homebrew, and Chocolatey are currently experimental and should not yet be treated as equally reliable hidden-service deployment targets.
+
 ### 1. Automated Install (Recommended)
-The easiest way to install VoxVera is using our cross-platform installer script:
+The easiest way to install VoxVera is using the Linux-first installer script:
 
 **Linux / macOS:**
 ```bash
 curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/PR0M3TH3AN/VoxVera/main/install.sh | bash
 ```
+On Linux, this also installs the recurring recovery timer used to retry hidden-service startup after boot and after missed/offline periods.
 
 **Windows (PowerShell):**
 ```powershell
 irm https://raw.githubusercontent.com/PR0M3TH3AN/VoxVera/main/install.ps1 | iex
 ```
+The Windows installer is experimental and does not yet guarantee production-ready background hosting behavior.
 
 ### 2. Manual Source Install
 If you have downloaded the source code ZIP:
@@ -50,6 +54,16 @@ If you wish to remove VoxVera from your system, you can use the provided uninsta
    ```
    This automatically detects your Tor instance, starts OnionShare, and writes the generated .onion address into the flyer's tear-off links.
 
+### Persistent Hosting On Linux
+
+For a machine that should resume hosting automatically after boot or after being offline, install the autostart recovery timer:
+
+```bash
+voxvera autostart
+```
+
+This installs a `systemd --user` timer that reruns `voxvera start-all` every few minutes. The retry loop is the supported way to recover hidden-service hosting after suspend, reboot, or temporary network loss.
+
 ## Language Support
 
 VoxVera is fully localized. You can change your language preference permanently using either the interactive selector or a direct shortcut:
diff --git a/docs/tr/docker.md b/docs/tr/docker.md
index 318d35d..d7d7373 100644
--- a/docs/tr/docker.md
+++ b/docs/tr/docker.md
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 # Docker Usage
 
+Experimental: the container path is not yet a production-grade hidden-service deployment target. Linux with `systemd --user` remains the supported persistent-host environment.
+
 A prebuilt image containing Tor, OnionShare and the `voxvera` CLI is published to
 `ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera`.
 
@@ -7,10 +9,11 @@ A prebuilt image containing Tor, OnionShare and the `voxvera` CLI is published t
 # pull the image
 docker pull ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera:latest
 
-# run voxvera quickstart with flyers stored in ./flyers
+# run the experimental container with flyers stored in ./flyers
 mkdir -p flyers
 docker run -it --rm -v "$(pwd)/flyers:/flyers" ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera
 ```
 
-The container uses `/flyers` as the working directory and runs `voxvera quickstart`
-by default. All generated flyer files will appear in the mounted `flyers` folder.
+The container stores runtime state under `/flyers`, seeds a default `config.json` if needed, and retries `voxvera start-all` periodically after the initial `quickstart`.
+
+Use this path for testing only until the container runtime and background recovery behavior are validated end-to-end.
diff --git a/docs/tr/troubleshooting.md b/docs/tr/troubleshooting.md
index e75be08..c582141 100644
--- a/docs/tr/troubleshooting.md
+++ b/docs/tr/troubleshooting.md
@@ -6,6 +6,10 @@ This page collects common issues encountered when hosting or accessing flyers.
 - Ensure Tor is allowed through your firewall. On systems using `ufw` you may need to run `sudo ufw allow tor`.
 - Some networks block Tor entirely. If you cannot reach onion services, try connecting over a different network or use a Tor bridge.
 
+## Supported deployment target
+- The supported persistent-host setup is Linux with `systemd --user`.
+- Windows, macOS, Docker, Flatpak, AppImage, Homebrew, and Chocolatey are currently experimental and may not recover hosting automatically after reboot or network interruptions.
+
 ## Tor port detection
 
 `voxvera serve` auto-detects Tor by probing common ports (9050/9150 for SOCKS, 9051/9151 for control). If detection fails -- for example when Tor runs on non-standard ports -- you can override with environment variables:
@@ -39,6 +43,17 @@ keypair (and URL) will be generated on the next `voxvera serve`. The
 `voxvera import` command preserves this file automatically, but manual
 deletion of the `host/` directory will destroy it.
 
+## Hosting does not return after reboot or network loss
+On Linux, install or verify the recovery timer:
+
+```bash
+voxvera autostart
+systemctl --user status voxvera-start.timer
+systemctl --user status voxvera-start.service
+```
+
+The supported recovery path is the recurring `systemd --user` timer, which reruns `voxvera start-all` every few minutes.
+
 ## QR codes not generated
 If `voxvera build` reports "No URLs configured yet", this is expected before the first `voxvera serve`. QR codes for tear-off links are generated automatically once the .onion address is known. QR codes for the content link are generated if you provided a URL during `voxvera init`.
 
diff --git a/docs/zh/docker.md b/docs/zh/docker.md
index 318d35d..d7d7373 100644
--- a/docs/zh/docker.md
+++ b/docs/zh/docker.md
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 # Docker Usage
 
+Experimental: the container path is not yet a production-grade hidden-service deployment target. Linux with `systemd --user` remains the supported persistent-host environment.
+
 A prebuilt image containing Tor, OnionShare and the `voxvera` CLI is published to
 `ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera`.
 
@@ -7,10 +9,11 @@ A prebuilt image containing Tor, OnionShare and the `voxvera` CLI is published t
 # pull the image
 docker pull ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera:latest
 
-# run voxvera quickstart with flyers stored in ./flyers
+# run the experimental container with flyers stored in ./flyers
 mkdir -p flyers
 docker run -it --rm -v "$(pwd)/flyers:/flyers" ghcr.io/voxvera/voxvera
 ```
 
-The container uses `/flyers` as the working directory and runs `voxvera quickstart`
-by default. All generated flyer files will appear in the mounted `flyers` folder.
+The container stores runtime state under `/flyers`, seeds a default `config.json` if needed, and retries `voxvera start-all` periodically after the initial `quickstart`.
+
+Use this path for testing only until the container runtime and background recovery behavior are validated end-to-end.
diff --git a/docs/zh/troubleshooting.md b/docs/zh/troubleshooting.md
index e75be08..c582141 100644
--- a/docs/zh/troubleshooting.md
+++ b/docs/zh/troubleshooting.md
@@ -6,6 +6,10 @@ This page collects common issues encountered when hosting or accessing flyers.
 - Ensure Tor is allowed through your firewall. On systems using `ufw` you may need to run `sudo ufw allow tor`.
 - Some networks block Tor entirely. If you cannot reach onion services, try connecting over a different network or use a Tor bridge.
 
+## Supported deployment target
+- The supported persistent-host setup is Linux with `systemd --user`.
+- Windows, macOS, Docker, Flatpak, AppImage, Homebrew, and Chocolatey are currently experimental and may not recover hosting automatically after reboot or network interruptions.
+
 ## Tor port detection
 
 `voxvera serve` auto-detects Tor by probing common ports (9050/9150 for SOCKS, 9051/9151 for control). If detection fails -- for example when Tor runs on non-standard ports -- you can override with environment variables:
@@ -39,6 +43,17 @@ keypair (and URL) will be generated on the next `voxvera serve`. The
 `voxvera import` command preserves this file automatically, but manual
 deletion of the `host/` directory will destroy it.
 
+## Hosting does not return after reboot or network loss
+On Linux, install or verify the recovery timer:
+
+```bash
+voxvera autostart
+systemctl --user status voxvera-start.timer
+systemctl --user status voxvera-start.service
+```
+
+The supported recovery path is the recurring `systemd --user` timer, which reruns `voxvera start-all` every few minutes.
+
 ## QR codes not generated
 If `voxvera build` reports "No URLs configured yet", this is expected before the first `voxvera serve`. QR codes for tear-off links are generated automatically once the .onion address is known. QR codes for the content link are generated if you provided a URL during `voxvera init`.
 
diff --git a/gui/README.md b/gui/README.md
index 6591eb3..be42932 100644
--- a/gui/README.md
+++ b/gui/README.md
@@ -4,6 +4,9 @@ This directory contains a minimal Electron wrapper around the `voxvera` CLI.
 It exposes a simple "Quickstart" button so non-technical users can generate
 flyers without touching the command line.
 
+Status: experimental. The GUI is not the supported path for reliable background hidden-service hosting or automatic recovery after reboot/network loss.
+The GUI now reads `voxvera platform-status --json`, `voxvera doctor --json`, and `voxvera autostart status --json` so its runtime messaging reflects the same platform contract as the CLI instead of inventing a separate compatibility story.
+
 ## Development
 
 ```
diff --git a/gui/electron/index.html b/gui/electron/index.html
index c226e0f..f4fd356 100644
--- a/gui/electron/index.html
+++ b/gui/electron/index.html
@@ -4,6 +4,36 @@
   <meta charset="UTF-8">
   <title>VoxVera GUI</title>
   <style>
+    body {
+      font-family: sans-serif;
+      margin: 1rem;
+    }
+    #status {
+      border: 1px solid #ccc;
+      padding: 0.75rem;
+      margin-bottom: 1rem;
+      background: #fafafa;
+    }
+    .status-badge {
+      display: inline-block;
+      padding: 0.15rem 0.4rem;
+      border-radius: 999px;
+      font-size: 0.85rem;
+      font-weight: bold;
+      text-transform: uppercase;
+    }
+    .status-supported {
+      background: #dff3e4;
+      color: #14532d;
+    }
+    .status-experimental {
+      background: #fff4d6;
+      color: #854d0e;
+    }
+    .status-error {
+      background: #fee2e2;
+      color: #991b1b;
+    }
     #log {
       border: 1px solid #ccc;
       padding: 5px;
@@ -16,6 +46,13 @@
 </head>
 <body>
   <h1>VoxVera</h1>
+  <div id="status">
+    <strong>Runtime status</strong>
+    <div id="platform-tier"></div>
+    <div id="platform-model"></div>
+    <div id="autostart-state"></div>
+    <div id="doctor-summary"></div>
+  </div>
   <form id="config-form">
     <div><label>Name <input type="text" id="name"></label></div>
     <div><label>Subdomain <input type="text" id="folder_name"></label></div>
@@ -32,12 +69,49 @@
   <p id="onion-address"></p>
   <pre id="log"></pre>
   <script>
+    function setStatusBadge(targetId, label, tier) {
+      const el = document.getElementById(targetId);
+      const className = tier === 'supported' ? 'status-supported'
+        : tier === 'experimental' ? 'status-experimental'
+        : 'status-error';
+      el.innerHTML = `<span class="status-badge ${className}">${label}</span>`;
+    }
+
+    function summarizeDoctorChecks(checks) {
+      if (!Array.isArray(checks) || checks.length === 0) return 'No diagnostics available.';
+      const failed = checks.filter(check => !check.ok);
+      if (failed.length === 0) return 'All doctor checks passed.';
+      return `Doctor reports ${failed.length} failing check(s): ${failed.map(check => check.name).join(', ')}`;
+    }
+
+    async function loadRuntimeStatus() {
+      const runtime = await window.voxvera.loadRuntimeStatus();
+      if (!runtime.ok) {
+        setStatusBadge('platform-tier', 'error', 'error');
+        document.getElementById('platform-model').textContent = runtime.error;
+        document.getElementById('autostart-state').textContent = '';
+        document.getElementById('doctor-summary').textContent = '';
+        return;
+      }
+
+      const { platformStatus, autostart, doctor } = runtime;
+      setStatusBadge('platform-tier', platformStatus.tier, platformStatus.tier);
+      document.getElementById('platform-model').textContent = platformStatus.hosting_model || '';
+      if (autostart && !autostart.error) {
+        document.getElementById('autostart-state').textContent = `Autostart: ${autostart.message}`;
+      } else if (autostart && autostart.error) {
+        document.getElementById('autostart-state').textContent = `Autostart status unavailable: ${autostart.error}`;
+      }
+      document.getElementById('doctor-summary').textContent = summarizeDoctorChecks(doctor.checks);
+    }
+
     async function load() {
       const cfg = await window.voxvera.loadConfig();
       for (const [k, v] of Object.entries(cfg)) {
         const el = document.getElementById(k);
         if (el) el.value = v;
       }
+      await loadRuntimeStatus();
     }
     document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', load);
 
@@ -49,6 +123,7 @@
         if (el) cfg[id] = el.value;
       });
       await window.voxvera.quickstart(cfg);
+      await loadRuntimeStatus();
     });
 
     window.voxvera.onOnionUrl(url => {
diff --git a/gui/electron/main.js b/gui/electron/main.js
index dfd9a79..480eaf6 100644
--- a/gui/electron/main.js
+++ b/gui/electron/main.js
@@ -3,13 +3,10 @@ const { spawn } = require('child_process');
 const path = require('path');
 const which = require('which');
 const fs = require('fs');
-const { launchTor } = require('./tor.js');
 const { extractOnionUrl } = require('./runtime-utils');
 
 let mainWindow;
 let onionProc;
-// 🔧 merged conflicting changes from codex/start-onionshare-and-generate-static-site vs main
-let restarting = false;
 
 function createWindow() {
   mainWindow = new BrowserWindow({
@@ -22,74 +19,42 @@ function createWindow() {
   mainWindow.loadFile('index.html');
 }
 
-// 🔧 merged conflicting changes from codex/start-onionshare-and-generate-static-site vs main
-function startOnionShare() {
-  const configPath = getConfigPath();
+function getVoxveraPath() {
   const voxveraPath = which.sync('voxvera', { nothrow: true });
   if (!voxveraPath) {
-    dialog.showErrorBox(
-      'voxvera not found',
-      'Install the voxvera CLI and ensure it is in your PATH.'
-    );
-    return;
+    throw new Error('Install the voxvera CLI and ensure it is in your PATH.');
   }
-  const build = spawn(voxveraPath, ['--config', configPath, 'build']);
-  build.on('error', err => {
-    dialog.showErrorBox('voxvera build error', err.message);
-  });
-  build.on('close', code => {
-    if (code !== 0) {
-      dialog.showErrorBox('voxvera build error', `build exited with code ${code}.`);
-      return;
-    }
-    runServe();
-  });
+  return voxveraPath;
 }
 
-async function runServe (retry = false) {
-  let torProc, socksPort, controlPort;
-  try {
-    ({ torProc, socksPort, controlPort } = await launchTor());
-  } catch (err) {
-    dialog.showErrorBox('Tor error', err.message);
-    return;
-  }
-
-  const env = { ...process.env,
-                TOR_SOCKS_PORT:   socksPort.toString(),
-                TOR_CONTROL_PORT: controlPort.toString() };
-
-  const configPath = getConfigPath();
-  const voxveraPath = which.sync('voxvera', { nothrow: true });
-  onionProc = spawn(voxveraPath, ['--config', configPath, 'serve'], { env });
-
-  let gotURL = false;
-  const softTimeout = setTimeout(() => {
-    if (!gotURL) {
-      mainWindow.webContents.send('log',
-        { text: 'Tor timed out, retrying…', isError: true });
-      onionProc.kill(); torProc.kill();
-      runServe(true);
-    }
-  }, 90_000);
-
-  onionProc.stdout.on('data', buf => {
-    const line = buf.toString();
-    const onionUrl = extractOnionUrl(line);
-    if (onionUrl) {
-      gotURL = true;
-      clearTimeout(softTimeout);
-      mainWindow.webContents.send('onion-url', onionUrl);
-    }
-    mainWindow.webContents.send('log', { text: line });
+function runJsonCommand(args) {
+  return new Promise((resolve, reject) => {
+    let stdout = '';
+    let stderr = '';
+    const proc = spawn(getVoxveraPath(), args);
+    proc.stdout.on('data', data => {
+      stdout += data.toString();
+    });
+    proc.stderr.on('data', data => {
+      stderr += data.toString();
+    });
+    proc.on('close', code => {
+      if (code !== 0) {
+        reject(new Error(stderr || `voxvera exited with code ${code}`));
+        return;
+      }
+      try {
+        resolve(JSON.parse(stdout));
+      } catch (err) {
+        reject(new Error(`Could not parse VoxVera JSON output: ${err.message}`));
+      }
+    });
+    proc.on('error', reject);
   });
-
-  onionProc.on('exit', () => torProc.kill());
 }
 
 app.whenReady().then(() => {
   createWindow();
-  startOnionShare();
 });
 
 function getConfigPath() {
@@ -118,17 +83,40 @@ ipcMain.handle('load-config', async () => {
   return config;
 });
 
+ipcMain.handle('load-runtime-status', async () => {
+  try {
+    const platformStatus = await runJsonCommand(['platform-status', '--json']);
+    const doctor = await runJsonCommand(['doctor', '--json']);
+    let autostart = null;
+    try {
+      autostart = await runJsonCommand(['autostart', 'status', '--json']);
+    } catch (err) {
+      autostart = { error: err.message };
+    }
+    return {
+      ok: true,
+      platformStatus,
+      doctor,
+      autostart
+    };
+  } catch (err) {
+    return {
+      ok: false,
+      error: err.message
+    };
+  }
+});
+
 ipcMain.handle('run-quickstart', async (_, config) => {
   const configPath = getConfigPath();
   if (config && typeof config === 'object') {
     fs.writeFileSync(configPath, JSON.stringify(config, null, 2));
   }
-  const voxveraPath = which.sync('voxvera', { nothrow: true });
-  if (!voxveraPath) {
-    dialog.showErrorBox(
-      'voxvera not found',
-      'Install the voxvera CLI and ensure it is in your PATH.'
-    );
+  let voxveraPath;
+  try {
+    voxveraPath = getVoxveraPath();
+  } catch (err) {
+    dialog.showErrorBox('voxvera not found', err.message);
     return -1;
   }
   return new Promise((resolve) => {
diff --git a/gui/electron/preload.js b/gui/electron/preload.js
index fefb889..816f13e 100644
--- a/gui/electron/preload.js
+++ b/gui/electron/preload.js
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ const { contextBridge, ipcRenderer } = require('electron');
 
 contextBridge.exposeInMainWorld('voxvera', {
   loadConfig: () => ipcRenderer.invoke('load-config'),
+  loadRuntimeStatus: () => ipcRenderer.invoke('load-runtime-status'),
   quickstart: (config) => ipcRenderer.invoke('run-quickstart', config),
   onOnionUrl: (cb) => ipcRenderer.on('onion-url', (_, url) => cb(url)),
   onLog: (cb) => ipcRenderer.on('log', (_, data) => cb(data.text, data.isError))
diff --git a/install.ps1 b/install.ps1
index 2f6cbc2..d1aee67 100755
--- a/install.ps1
+++ b/install.ps1
@@ -1,6 +1,8 @@
 $ErrorActionPreference = 'Stop'
 
-$packages = @('tor', 'onionshare', 'jq', 'qrencode', 'imagemagick')
+Write-Warning 'The Windows installer path is experimental. It is not yet validated for reliable background Tor hidden-service hosting or automatic recovery after connectivity changes.'
+
+$packages = @('tor', 'onionshare')
 
 function Install-Choco {
     param([string]$Name)
@@ -76,6 +78,41 @@ function Check-LocalBin {
     }
 }
 
+function Show-VoxVeraStatus {
+    if (-not (Get-Command voxvera -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue)) {
+        return
+    }
+
+    try {
+        $platform = voxvera platform-status --json | ConvertFrom-Json
+        Write-Host ("Platform tier: {0} ({1})" -f $platform.tier, $platform.label)
+        if ($platform.hosting_model) {
+            Write-Host ("Hosting model: {0}" -f $platform.hosting_model)
+        }
+    } catch {
+        Write-Warning "Could not read platform status from voxvera."
+    }
+
+    try {
+        $doctor = voxvera doctor --json | ConvertFrom-Json
+        $failed = @($doctor.checks | Where-Object { -not $_.ok } | ForEach-Object { $_.name })
+        if ($failed.Count -gt 0) {
+            Write-Host ("Doctor checks needing attention: {0}" -f ($failed -join ', '))
+        } else {
+            Write-Host 'Doctor checks: all passed'
+        }
+    } catch {
+        Write-Warning "Could not read doctor output from voxvera."
+    }
+
+    try {
+        $autostart = voxvera autostart status --json | ConvertFrom-Json
+        Write-Host ("Autostart: {0}" -f $autostart.message)
+    } catch {
+        Write-Warning "Could not read autostart status from voxvera."
+    }
+}
+
 if (Get-Command pipx -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue) {
     try {
         pipx install voxvera --force
@@ -84,7 +121,7 @@ if (Get-Command pipx -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue) {
         $home = [Environment]::GetFolderPath('UserProfile')
         $dest = Join-Path $home '.local\bin'
         New-Item -ItemType Directory -Path $dest -Force | Out-Null
-        $url = 'https://github.com/PR0M3TH3AN/VoxVera/releases/latest/download/voxvera.exe'
+        $url = 'https://github.com/PR0M3TH3AN/VoxVera/releases/latest/download/voxvera-windows.exe'
         $status = Download-Binary $url "$dest/voxvera.exe"
         if ($status -eq 200) {
             Check-LocalBin
@@ -100,7 +137,7 @@ if (Get-Command pipx -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue) {
     $home = [Environment]::GetFolderPath('UserProfile')
     $dest = Join-Path $home '.local\bin'
     New-Item -ItemType Directory -Path $dest -Force | Out-Null
-    $url = 'https://github.com/PR0M3TH3AN/VoxVera/releases/latest/download/voxvera.exe'
+    $url = 'https://github.com/PR0M3TH3AN/VoxVera/releases/latest/download/voxvera-windows.exe'
     $status = Download-Binary $url "$dest/voxvera.exe"
     if ($status -eq 200) {
         Check-LocalBin
@@ -114,3 +151,4 @@ if (Get-Command pipx -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue) {
 }
 
 Write-Host 'VoxVera installed successfully.'
+Show-VoxVeraStatus
diff --git a/install.sh b/install.sh
index 1766fa2..5b99662 100755
--- a/install.sh
+++ b/install.sh
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ set -euo pipefail
 REPO="PR0M3TH3AN/VoxVera"
 REPO_URL="https://github.com/${REPO}"
 BRANCH="main"
+OS_NAME="$(uname -s | tr '[:upper:]' '[:lower:]')"
 
 # --- Network resilience settings ---
 # Kill git operations that stall below 1 KB/s for 30 seconds
@@ -49,6 +50,45 @@ msg() { echo -e "\e[32m$*\e[0m"; }
 warn() { echo -e "\e[33m$*\e[0m" >&2; }
 die() { echo -e "\e[31m$*\e[0m" >&2; exit 1; }
 
+report_cli_status() {
+  command_exists voxvera || return 0
+
+  local platform_json doctor_json autostart_json
+  platform_json="$(voxvera platform-status --json 2>/dev/null || true)"
+  doctor_json="$(voxvera doctor --json 2>/dev/null || true)"
+  autostart_json="$(voxvera autostart status --json 2>/dev/null || true)"
+
+  if [ -n "$platform_json" ]; then
+    PLATFORM_JSON="$platform_json" python3 - <<'PY'
+import json, os
+data = json.loads(os.environ["PLATFORM_JSON"])
+print(f"Platform tier: {data.get('tier', 'unknown')} ({data.get('label', 'unknown')})")
+if data.get("hosting_model"):
+    print(f"Hosting model: {data['hosting_model']}")
+PY
+  fi
+
+  if [ -n "$doctor_json" ]; then
+    DOCTOR_JSON="$doctor_json" python3 - <<'PY'
+import json, os
+data = json.loads(os.environ["DOCTOR_JSON"])
+failed = [check["name"] for check in data.get("checks", []) if not check.get("ok")]
+if failed:
+    print("Doctor checks needing attention: " + ", ".join(failed))
+else:
+    print("Doctor checks: all passed")
+PY
+  fi
+
+  if [ -n "$autostart_json" ]; then
+    AUTOSTART_JSON="$autostart_json" python3 - <<'PY'
+import json, os
+data = json.loads(os.environ["AUTOSTART_JSON"])
+print("Autostart: " + data.get("message", "unknown"))
+PY
+  fi
+}
+
 install_pkg() {
   case "$PM" in
     apt)    $SUDO apt-get install -y "$@" ;;
@@ -108,6 +148,9 @@ get_latest_tag() {
 
 # Ensure core dependencies are present
 msg "Checking and updating system dependencies..."
+if [[ "$OS_NAME" != linux* ]]; then
+  warn "This installer is optimized for Linux. Non-Linux paths are experimental and are not validated for reliable background hidden-service hosting."
+fi
 if [ "$PM" = "apt" ]; then
   $SUDO apt-get update
   SYSTEM_PKGS=(tor curl wget git python3-pip python3-venv)
@@ -386,9 +429,20 @@ for strategy in install_tarball install_shallow install_pipx install_pip_git ins
     if command_exists voxvera; then
       msg "Rebuilding existing sites with updated template..."
       voxvera rebuild-all 2>/dev/null || true
+      if [[ "$OS_NAME" == linux* ]]; then
+        msg "Installing Linux autostart recovery timer..."
+        voxvera autostart 2>/dev/null || warn "Could not install the VoxVera autostart timer automatically. Run 'voxvera autostart' manually."
+      else
+        warn "Autostart was not configured automatically because this platform is experimental."
+      fi
+      msg "Inspecting installed runtime posture..."
+      report_cli_status
     fi
 
     msg "\nVoxVera installed/updated successfully. Run 'voxvera check' to verify."
+    if [[ "$OS_NAME" == linux* ]]; then
+      msg "Linux systemd user autostart should now retry hidden-service startup every few minutes."
+    fi
     # Detect if the parent shell will still have a stale hash
     msg "If 'voxvera' is not found, run:  hash -r  (or open a new terminal)"
     exit 0
diff --git a/packaging/build_appimage.sh b/packaging/build_appimage.sh
index e514be8..97f957b 100755
--- a/packaging/build_appimage.sh
+++ b/packaging/build_appimage.sh
@@ -1,6 +1,8 @@
 #!/usr/bin/env bash
 set -e
 
+echo "Warning: AppImage packaging is experimental and is not yet validated for reliable background hidden-service hosting."
+
 # Ensure we are in project root
 cd "$(dirname "$0")/.."
 
diff --git a/packaging/build_deb.sh b/packaging/build_deb.sh
index bd674ad..c3b8460 100644
--- a/packaging/build_deb.sh
+++ b/packaging/build_deb.sh
@@ -1,6 +1,8 @@
 #!/usr/bin/env bash
 set -e
 
+echo "Warning: Debian packaging is currently experimental until runtime dependencies and hidden-service recovery are validated end-to-end."
+
 # Ensure we are in project root
 cd "$(dirname "$0")/.."
 
diff --git a/packaging/build_dmg.sh b/packaging/build_dmg.sh
index 0de7afe..3ee6296 100644
--- a/packaging/build_dmg.sh
+++ b/packaging/build_dmg.sh
@@ -1,6 +1,8 @@
 #!/usr/bin/env bash
 set -e
 
+echo "Warning: DMG packaging is experimental and is not yet validated for reliable background hidden-service hosting."
+
 # Ensure we are in project root
 cd "$(dirname "$0")/.."
 
diff --git a/packaging/chocolatey/tools/chocolateyInstall.ps1 b/packaging/chocolatey/tools/chocolateyInstall.ps1
index 901b67b..63b719a 100644
--- a/packaging/chocolatey/tools/chocolateyInstall.ps1
+++ b/packaging/chocolatey/tools/chocolateyInstall.ps1
@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+# Experimental package surface: not yet validated for reliable background hidden-service hosting.
 $toolsDir   = Split-Path -Parent $MyInvocation.MyCommand.Definition
 $url        = 'https://github.com/PR0M3TH3AN/VoxVera/releases/latest/download/voxvera-windows.exe'
 
diff --git a/packaging/flatpak/org.voxvera.VoxVera.yml b/packaging/flatpak/org.voxvera.VoxVera.yml
index 3654fb6..8fd35c1 100644
--- a/packaging/flatpak/org.voxvera.VoxVera.yml
+++ b/packaging/flatpak/org.voxvera.VoxVera.yml
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 app-id: org.voxvera.VoxVera
+# Experimental package surface: not yet validated for reliable background hidden-service hosting.
 runtime: org.freedesktop.Platform
 runtime-version: '23.08'
 sdk: org.freedesktop.Sdk
diff --git a/packaging/homebrew/voxvera.rb b/packaging/homebrew/voxvera.rb
index 91d3173..397e956 100644
--- a/packaging/homebrew/voxvera.rb
+++ b/packaging/homebrew/voxvera.rb
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 class Voxvera < Formula
-  desc "Generate QR-coded flyers"
+  desc "Experimental VoxVera formula"
   homepage "https://github.com/PR0M3TH3AN/VoxVera"
   url "https://github.com/PR0M3TH3AN/VoxVera/releases/latest/download/voxvera"
   version "0.1.0"
diff --git a/scripts/check.sh b/scripts/check.sh
index 46d3281..6b0b3cd 100755
--- a/scripts/check.sh
+++ b/scripts/check.sh
@@ -18,6 +18,11 @@ echo "==> electron smoke tests"
 echo "==> dependency check"
 python3 -m voxvera.cli --lang en check
 
+if [[ "$(uname -s)" == "Linux" ]]; then
+  echo "==> platform smoke"
+  bash scripts/platform-smoke.sh linux-cli
+fi
+
 echo "==> build docs"
 python3 -m voxvera.cli build-docs
 
diff --git a/scripts/platform-smoke.sh b/scripts/platform-smoke.sh
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..09c590a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scripts/platform-smoke.sh
@@ -0,0 +1,142 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env bash
+set -euo pipefail
+
+cd "$(dirname "$0")/.."
+
+TARGET="${1:-linux-cli}"
+TMP_DIR="${VOXVERA_SMOKE_TMPDIR:-$(mktemp -d /tmp/voxvera-platform-smoke-XXXXXX)}"
+mkdir -p "$TMP_DIR"
+
+cleanup() {
+  if [[ -z "${VOXVERA_SMOKE_TMPDIR:-}" ]]; then
+    rm -rf "$TMP_DIR"
+  fi
+}
+trap cleanup EXIT
+
+command -v voxvera >/dev/null 2>&1 || {
+  echo "voxvera is not on PATH" >&2
+  exit 1
+}
+
+case "$TARGET" in
+  linux-cli)
+    EXPECTED_PLATFORM_ID="linux_cli_systemd"
+    EXPECTED_TIER="supported"
+    REQUIRE_ONIONSHARE="${VOXVERA_REQUIRE_ONIONSHARE:-1}"
+    ;;
+  macos-cli)
+    EXPECTED_PLATFORM_ID="macos_cli"
+    EXPECTED_TIER="experimental"
+    REQUIRE_ONIONSHARE="${VOXVERA_REQUIRE_ONIONSHARE:-0}"
+    ;;
+  windows-cli)
+    EXPECTED_PLATFORM_ID="windows_cli"
+    EXPECTED_TIER="experimental"
+    REQUIRE_ONIONSHARE="${VOXVERA_REQUIRE_ONIONSHARE:-0}"
+    ;;
+  docker-cli)
+    EXPECTED_PLATFORM_ID="linux_cli_systemd"
+    EXPECTED_TIER="${VOXVERA_EXPECTED_TIER_OVERRIDE:-supported}"
+    REQUIRE_ONIONSHARE="${VOXVERA_REQUIRE_ONIONSHARE:-0}"
+    ;;
+  list)
+    printf '%s\n' linux-cli macos-cli windows-cli docker-cli
+    exit 0
+    ;;
+  *)
+    echo "Unsupported smoke target: $TARGET" >&2
+    exit 1
+    ;;
+esac
+
+PLATFORM_JSON="$TMP_DIR/platform-status.json"
+DOCTOR_JSON="$TMP_DIR/doctor.json"
+AUTOSTART_JSON="$TMP_DIR/autostart-status.json"
+
+voxvera platform-status --json >"$PLATFORM_JSON"
+voxvera doctor --json >"$DOCTOR_JSON"
+voxvera autostart status --json >"$AUTOSTART_JSON"
+
+PLATFORM_JSON="$PLATFORM_JSON" \
+DOCTOR_JSON="$DOCTOR_JSON" \
+AUTOSTART_JSON="$AUTOSTART_JSON" \
+EXPECTED_PLATFORM_ID="$EXPECTED_PLATFORM_ID" \
+EXPECTED_TIER="$EXPECTED_TIER" \
+VOXVERA_REQUIRE_TOR="${VOXVERA_REQUIRE_TOR:-0}" \
+VOXVERA_REQUIRE_AUTOSTART_ARTIFACTS="${VOXVERA_REQUIRE_AUTOSTART_ARTIFACTS:-0}" \
+VOXVERA_REQUIRE_ONIONSHARE="$REQUIRE_ONIONSHARE" \
+python3 - <<'PY'
+import json
+import os
+import sys
+from pathlib import Path
+
+platform_status = json.loads(Path(os.environ["PLATFORM_JSON"]).read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
+doctor = json.loads(Path(os.environ["DOCTOR_JSON"]).read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
+autostart = json.loads(Path(os.environ["AUTOSTART_JSON"]).read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
+
+expected_platform_id = os.environ["EXPECTED_PLATFORM_ID"]
+expected_tier = os.environ["EXPECTED_TIER"]
+require_tor = os.environ.get("VOXVERA_REQUIRE_TOR") == "1"
+require_autostart_artifacts = os.environ.get("VOXVERA_REQUIRE_AUTOSTART_ARTIFACTS") == "1"
+require_onionshare = os.environ.get("VOXVERA_REQUIRE_ONIONSHARE") == "1"
+
+errors = []
+
+if platform_status.get("platform_id") != expected_platform_id:
+    errors.append(
+        f"platform-status platform_id mismatch: {platform_status.get('platform_id')} != {expected_platform_id}"
+    )
+if platform_status.get("tier") != expected_tier:
+    errors.append(f"platform-status tier mismatch: {platform_status.get('tier')} != {expected_tier}")
+if doctor.get("platform_id") != expected_platform_id:
+    errors.append(f"doctor platform_id mismatch: {doctor.get('platform_id')} != {expected_platform_id}")
+if autostart.get("platform_id") != expected_platform_id:
+    errors.append(f"autostart platform_id mismatch: {autostart.get('platform_id')} != {expected_platform_id}")
+
+check_map = {check["name"]: check for check in doctor.get("checks", [])}
+for required_check in ("platform", "voxvera_cli"):
+    if required_check not in check_map:
+        errors.append(f"doctor missing required check: {required_check}")
+    elif not check_map[required_check].get("ok"):
+        errors.append(f"doctor check failed: {required_check} ({check_map[required_check].get('detail')})")
+
+if require_onionshare:
+    required_check = "onionshare_cli"
+    if required_check not in check_map:
+        errors.append(f"doctor missing required check: {required_check}")
+    elif not check_map[required_check].get("ok"):
+        errors.append(f"doctor check failed: {required_check} ({check_map[required_check].get('detail')})")
+
+if require_tor:
+    for required_check in ("tor_binary", "tor_socks_reachable"):
+        if required_check not in check_map:
+            errors.append(f"doctor missing Tor check: {required_check}")
+        elif not check_map[required_check].get("ok"):
+            errors.append(f"doctor Tor check failed: {required_check} ({check_map[required_check].get('detail')})")
+
+if require_autostart_artifacts:
+    if not autostart.get("artifacts"):
+        errors.append("autostart status returned no artifacts")
+    missing_artifacts = [artifact for artifact in autostart.get("artifacts", []) if not Path(artifact).exists()]
+    if missing_artifacts:
+        errors.append("autostart artifacts missing: " + ", ".join(missing_artifacts))
+
+if errors:
+    print("Platform smoke validation failed:", file=sys.stderr)
+    for error in errors:
+        print(f"- {error}", file=sys.stderr)
+    sys.exit(1)
+
+print(f"Platform smoke OK: {platform_status['label']} [{platform_status['tier']}]")
+print(f"Hosting model: {platform_status.get('hosting_model', '')}")
+failing_checks = [check["name"] for check in doctor.get("checks", []) if not check.get("ok")]
+if failing_checks:
+    print("Doctor warnings: " + ", ".join(failing_checks))
+else:
+    print("Doctor warnings: none")
+print("Autostart message: " + autostart.get("message", ""))
+PY
+
+echo "Artifacts written to $TMP_DIR"
diff --git a/support-matrix.json b/support-matrix.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1903e1f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/support-matrix.json
@@ -0,0 +1,156 @@
+{
+  "generated_at": "2026-03-19",
+  "default_supported_target": "linux_cli_systemd",
+  "support_tiers": {
+    "supported": "Validated for persistent hidden-service hosting with documented recovery behavior.",
+    "beta": "Feature-complete enough for broader testing, but not yet validated for production-grade recovery claims.",
+    "experimental": "May install or run, but is not yet validated for reliable background hidden-service hosting.",
+    "unsupported": "Not currently a target for reliable hosting."
+  },
+  "platforms": [
+    {
+      "id": "linux_cli_systemd",
+      "label": "Linux CLI with systemd --user",
+      "tier": "supported",
+      "hosting_model": "System Tor or Tor Browser plus onionshare-cli, with VoxVera-managed recurring systemd user timer recovery.",
+      "distribution_surfaces": [
+        "install.sh",
+        "voxvera-install.sh",
+        "pip/pipx",
+        "linux binary"
+      ],
+      "required_capabilities": [
+        "manual_build_and_serve",
+        "persistent_onion_identity",
+        "background_recovery_after_boot",
+        "background_recovery_after_offline_periods",
+        "inspectable_logs"
+      ],
+      "current_notes": [
+        "Canonical deployment target.",
+        "Systemd user timer retries start-all every few minutes."
+      ],
+      "next_gaps": [
+        "Real-machine reboot and network-loss validation evidence should be captured in CI/docs."
+      ]
+    },
+    {
+      "id": "docker_cli",
+      "label": "Docker CLI container",
+      "tier": "experimental",
+      "hosting_model": "Containerized VoxVera runtime with state under /flyers and periodic start-all retries.",
+      "distribution_surfaces": [
+        "Dockerfile",
+        "ghcr image"
+      ],
+      "required_capabilities": [
+        "persistent_onion_identity",
+        "restart_policy_integration",
+        "validated_state_volume_layout"
+      ],
+      "current_notes": [
+        "State now routes through VOXVERA_DIR=/flyers.",
+        "Not yet validated as a production-grade hidden-service host."
+      ],
+      "next_gaps": [
+        "Decide whether the canonical model is single-container or compose-based.",
+        "Validate restart behavior with real container restart policies."
+      ]
+    },
+    {
+      "id": "macos_cli",
+      "label": "macOS CLI",
+      "tier": "experimental",
+      "hosting_model": "CLI runtime with launchd autostart path and external Tor/OnionShare dependencies.",
+      "distribution_surfaces": [
+        "install.sh",
+        "pip/pipx",
+        "macOS binary",
+        "DMG"
+      ],
+      "required_capabilities": [
+        "manual_build_and_serve",
+        "launchd_recovery",
+        "persistent_onion_identity"
+      ],
+      "current_notes": [
+        "Installer and autostart warnings are explicit.",
+        "No validated background recovery claim."
+      ],
+      "next_gaps": [
+        "Define the canonical Tor/OnionShare discovery model.",
+        "Validate launchd behavior after login, reboot, and offline periods."
+      ]
+    },
+    {
+      "id": "windows_cli",
+      "label": "Windows CLI",
+      "tier": "experimental",
+      "hosting_model": "CLI runtime with Task Scheduler autostart path and external Tor/OnionShare dependencies.",
+      "distribution_surfaces": [
+        "install.ps1",
+        "windows binary",
+        "Chocolatey"
+      ],
+      "required_capabilities": [
+        "manual_build_and_serve",
+        "task_scheduler_recovery",
+        "persistent_onion_identity",
+        "consistent_binary_naming"
+      ],
+      "current_notes": [
+        "Installer warnings are explicit.",
+        "Packaging surfaces are not yet trustworthy for hosting claims."
+      ],
+      "next_gaps": [
+        "Unify binary naming and installer expectations.",
+        "Define canonical Tor and OnionShare discovery on Windows.",
+        "Validate restart behavior after reboot and reconnect."
+      ]
+    },
+    {
+      "id": "electron_gui",
+      "label": "Electron GUI",
+      "tier": "experimental",
+      "hosting_model": "GUI frontend over the CLI runtime.",
+      "distribution_surfaces": [
+        "gui/electron"
+      ],
+      "required_capabilities": [
+        "shared_runtime_contract_with_cli",
+        "status_visibility",
+        "non-destructive_window_close_behavior"
+      ],
+      "current_notes": [
+        "GUI is documented as experimental."
+      ],
+      "next_gaps": [
+        "Remove duplicate runtime logic where possible.",
+        "Ensure GUI is a controller over supported runtime surfaces, not a separate hosting model."
+      ]
+    },
+    {
+      "id": "flatpak_appimage_homebrew_chocolatey",
+      "label": "Package-only surfaces",
+      "tier": "experimental",
+      "hosting_model": "Artifact distribution only until runtime parity exists.",
+      "distribution_surfaces": [
+        "Flatpak",
+        "AppImage",
+        "Homebrew",
+        "Chocolatey",
+        "Debian package"
+      ],
+      "required_capabilities": [
+        "runtime_dependency_model",
+        "support-tier-specific_release_checks"
+      ],
+      "current_notes": [
+        "All are now explicitly marked experimental."
+      ],
+      "next_gaps": [
+        "Do not promote any package surface until the underlying platform runtime is validated."
+      ]
+    }
+  ]
+}
diff --git a/tests/test_cli.py b/tests/test_cli.py
index 1bf8c08..6e6101f 100644
--- a/tests/test_cli.py
+++ b/tests/test_cli.py
@@ -5,9 +5,15 @@ import json
 import zipfile
 import time
 import socket
+import platform
 from pathlib import Path
 import pytest
 from voxvera import cli
+from voxvera.platforms import get_platform_adapter
+from voxvera.platforms import base as platform_base
+from voxvera.platforms import linux as platform_linux
+from voxvera.platforms import macos as platform_macos
+from voxvera.platforms import windows as platform_windows
 
 sys.path.insert(0, os.path.abspath(os.path.join(os.path.dirname(__file__), "..")))
 
@@ -25,6 +31,7 @@ def _setup_tmp(monkeypatch, tmp_path):
     shutil.copytree(repo_root / "voxvera" / "src", res_root / "src")
     shutil.copytree(repo_root / "voxvera" / "locales", res_root / "locales")
     shutil.copytree(repo_root / "voxvera" / "templates", res_root / "templates")
+    shutil.copy(repo_root / "support-matrix.json", test_data_dir / "support-matrix.json")
     
     monkeypatch.setattr(cli, "ROOT", res_root)
     monkeypatch.setattr(cli, "DATA_DIR", test_data_dir)
@@ -44,6 +51,24 @@ def test_help(capsys):
     assert "usage:" in captured.out
 
 
+def test_get_platform_adapter_linux(monkeypatch):
+    monkeypatch.setattr(platform, "system", lambda: "Linux")
+    adapter = get_platform_adapter(cli_module=cli)
+    assert adapter.platform_id == "linux_cli_systemd"
+
+
+def test_get_platform_adapter_macos(monkeypatch):
+    monkeypatch.setattr(platform, "system", lambda: "Darwin")
+    adapter = get_platform_adapter(cli_module=cli)
+    assert adapter.platform_id == "macos_cli"
+
+
+def test_get_platform_adapter_windows(monkeypatch):
+    monkeypatch.setattr(platform, "system", lambda: "Windows")
+    adapter = get_platform_adapter(cli_module=cli)
+    assert adapter.platform_id == "windows_cli"
+
+
 def test_init_template(tmp_path, monkeypatch):
     _setup_tmp(monkeypatch, tmp_path)
     test_data_dir = tmp_path / "data"
@@ -56,6 +81,50 @@ def test_init_template(tmp_path, monkeypatch):
     assert (dest / "index.html").exists()
 
 
+def test_create_from_template_persists_current_language(tmp_path, monkeypatch):
+    _setup_tmp(monkeypatch, tmp_path)
+    cli.load_locale("es")
+
+    class _Prompt:
+        def execute(self):
+            return cli.list_presets()[0]
+
+    monkeypatch.setattr(cli.inquirer, "select", lambda **kwargs: _Prompt())
+    monkeypatch.setattr(cli, "interactive_update", lambda path: None)
+    monkeypatch.setattr(cli, "resolve_new_site_folder", lambda path: cli.load_config(path)["folder_name"])
+    monkeypatch.setattr(cli, "build_assets", lambda path: None)
+    monkeypatch.setattr(cli, "serve", lambda path: None)
+
+    cli.create_from_template(None)
+
+    config = cli.load_config(tmp_path / "data" / "config.json")
+    assert config["lang"] == "es"
+
+
+def test_resolve_new_site_folder_versions_existing_folder(tmp_path, monkeypatch):
+    _setup_tmp(monkeypatch, tmp_path)
+    test_data_dir = tmp_path / "data"
+    host_dir = test_data_dir / "host"
+    existing_dir = host_dir / "jesus"
+    existing_dir.mkdir(parents=True)
+    (existing_dir / "config.json").write_text(json.dumps({"folder_name": "jesus"}), encoding="utf-8")
+
+    config_path = test_data_dir / "config.json"
+    config_path.write_text(json.dumps({"folder_name": "jesus"}), encoding="utf-8")
+
+    class _Prompt:
+        def execute(self):
+            return "version"
+
+    monkeypatch.setattr(cli.inquirer, "select", lambda **kwargs: _Prompt())
+
+    resolved = cli.resolve_new_site_folder(str(config_path))
+    updated = cli.load_config(config_path)
+
+    assert resolved == "jesus_01"
+    assert updated["folder_name"] == "jesus_01"
+
+
 def test_build(tmp_path, monkeypatch):
     _setup_tmp(monkeypatch, tmp_path)
     cli.main(["build"])
@@ -76,6 +145,26 @@ def test_build_with_download(tmp_path, monkeypatch):
     assert dest.is_file()
 
 
+def test_build_generates_tear_off_qr_from_url_when_onion_missing(tmp_path, monkeypatch):
+    _setup_tmp(monkeypatch, tmp_path)
+    test_data_dir = tmp_path / "data"
+    config_path = test_data_dir / "config.json"
+    config = cli.load_config(config_path)
+    config["url"] = "https://example.com/learn-more"
+    config["tear_off_link"] = ""
+    cli.save_config(config, config_path)
+
+    cli.build_assets(str(config_path))
+
+    dest = test_data_dir / "host" / config["folder_name"]
+    html = (dest / "index.html").read_text(encoding="utf-8")
+
+    assert (dest / "qrcode-content.png").exists()
+    assert (dest / "qrcode-tear-offs.png").exists()
+    assert 'class="container no-tear-offs"' not in html
+    assert "https://example.com/learn-more" in html
+
+
 def test_import(tmp_path, monkeypatch):
     repo = _setup_tmp(monkeypatch, tmp_path)
     test_data_dir = tmp_path / "data"
@@ -174,6 +263,155 @@ def test_check_missing(capsys, monkeypatch):
     assert "missing" in captured.out
 
 
+def test_doctor_command_outputs_platform_report(tmp_path, monkeypatch, capsys):
+    _setup_tmp(monkeypatch, tmp_path)
+    monkeypatch.setattr(platform, "system", lambda: "Linux")
+    monkeypatch.setattr(shutil, "which", lambda cmd: f"/usr/bin/{cmd}" if cmd in {"voxvera", "tor", "onionshare-cli", "systemctl"} else None)
+
+    class FakeSocket:
+        def settimeout(self, value):
+            return None
+
+        def connect_ex(self, addr):
+            return 0
+
+        def close(self):
+            return None
+
+    def fake_check_output(args, stderr=None):
+        if "is-enabled" in args:
+            return b"enabled"
+        if "is-active" in args:
+            return b"active"
+        raise AssertionError(args)
+
+    monkeypatch.setattr(platform_linux.socket, "socket", lambda *args, **kwargs: FakeSocket())
+    monkeypatch.setattr(platform_base.subprocess, "check_output", fake_check_output)
+    cli.main(["doctor"])
+    captured = capsys.readouterr()
+    assert "VoxVera Doctor" in captured.out
+    assert "linux_cli_systemd" in captured.out
+
+
+def test_doctor_json_output(tmp_path, monkeypatch, capsys):
+    _setup_tmp(monkeypatch, tmp_path)
+    monkeypatch.setattr(platform, "system", lambda: "Linux")
+    monkeypatch.setattr(shutil, "which", lambda cmd: f"/usr/bin/{cmd}" if cmd in {"voxvera", "tor", "onionshare-cli"} else None)
+
+    class FakeSocket:
+        def settimeout(self, value):
+            return None
+
+        def connect_ex(self, addr):
+            return 0
+
+        def close(self):
+            return None
+
+    monkeypatch.setattr(platform_linux.socket, "socket", lambda *args, **kwargs: FakeSocket())
+    monkeypatch.setattr(platform_base.subprocess, "check_output", lambda *args, **kwargs: b"disabled")
+
+    cli.main(["doctor", "--json"])
+    captured = capsys.readouterr()
+    report = json.loads(captured.out)
+    assert report["platform_id"] == "linux_cli_systemd"
+    assert "checks" in report
+
+
+def test_platform_status_json_output(tmp_path, monkeypatch, capsys):
+    _setup_tmp(monkeypatch, tmp_path)
+    monkeypatch.setattr(platform, "system", lambda: "Linux")
+
+    cli.main(["platform-status", "--json"])
+    captured = capsys.readouterr()
+    report = json.loads(captured.out)
+    assert report["platform_id"] == "linux_cli_systemd"
+    assert report["hosting_model"]
+    assert "checks" not in report
+
+
+def test_autostart_status_command_outputs_timer_state(tmp_path, monkeypatch, capsys):
+    _setup_tmp(monkeypatch, tmp_path)
+    fake_home = tmp_path / "home"
+    monkeypatch.setattr(platform, "system", lambda: "Linux")
+    monkeypatch.setattr(platform_base.Path, "home", lambda: fake_home)
+    systemd_dir = fake_home / ".config" / "systemd" / "user"
+    systemd_dir.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
+    (systemd_dir / "voxvera-start.service").write_text("service", encoding="utf-8")
+    (systemd_dir / "voxvera-start.timer").write_text("timer", encoding="utf-8")
+
+    def fake_check_output(args, stderr=None):
+        if "is-enabled" in args:
+            return b"enabled"
+        if "is-active" in args:
+            return b"active"
+        raise AssertionError(args)
+
+    monkeypatch.setattr(shutil, "which", lambda cmd: f"/usr/bin/{cmd}" if cmd == "systemctl" else None)
+    monkeypatch.setattr(platform_base.subprocess, "check_output", fake_check_output)
+
+    cli.main(["autostart", "status"])
+    captured = capsys.readouterr()
+    assert "Autostart Status" in captured.out
+    assert "systemd_timer_enabled" in captured.out
+
+
+def test_autostart_status_json_output(tmp_path, monkeypatch, capsys):
+    _setup_tmp(monkeypatch, tmp_path)
+    fake_home = tmp_path / "home"
+    monkeypatch.setattr(platform, "system", lambda: "Linux")
+    monkeypatch.setattr(platform_base.Path, "home", lambda: fake_home)
+    systemd_dir = fake_home / ".config" / "systemd" / "user"
+    systemd_dir.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
+    (systemd_dir / "voxvera-start.service").write_text("service", encoding="utf-8")
+    (systemd_dir / "voxvera-start.timer").write_text("timer", encoding="utf-8")
+    monkeypatch.setattr(shutil, "which", lambda cmd: f"/usr/bin/{cmd}" if cmd == "systemctl" else None)
+    monkeypatch.setattr(platform_base.subprocess, "check_output", lambda *args, **kwargs: b"enabled")
+
+    cli.main(["autostart", "status", "--json"])
+    captured = capsys.readouterr()
+    status = json.loads(captured.out)
+    assert status["platform_id"] == "linux_cli_systemd"
+    assert len(status["artifacts"]) == 2
+
+
+def test_macos_autostart_status_and_render(tmp_path, monkeypatch):
+    _setup_tmp(monkeypatch, tmp_path)
+    fake_home = tmp_path / "home"
+    monkeypatch.setattr(platform, "system", lambda: "Darwin")
+    monkeypatch.setattr(platform_base.Path, "home", lambda: fake_home)
+
+    adapter = get_platform_adapter(cli_module=cli)
+    assert adapter.platform_id == "macos_cli"
+
+    plist = adapter.render_launchd_plist("/tmp/voxvera")
+    assert "org.voxvera.start-all" in plist
+    assert "<string>/tmp/voxvera</string>" in plist
+    assert "start-all" in plist
+
+    status = adapter.autostart_status()
+    assert status["platform_id"] == "macos_cli"
+    assert status["artifacts"] == [str(fake_home / "Library" / "LaunchAgents" / "org.voxvera.start-all.plist")]
+    assert any(check["name"] == "launchd_loaded" for check in status["checks"])
+
+
+def test_windows_autostart_status_and_render(monkeypatch):
+    monkeypatch.setattr(platform, "system", lambda: "Windows")
+    monkeypatch.setattr(platform_base.subprocess, "check_output", lambda *args, **kwargs: b"TaskName: VoxVera Start All")
+
+    adapter = get_platform_adapter(cli_module=cli)
+    assert adapter.platform_id == "windows_cli"
+
+    command = adapter.render_schtasks_create_command("C:\\voxvera.exe")
+    assert command[:6] == ["schtasks", "/Create", "/F", "/SC", "ONLOGON", "/TN"]
+    assert "VoxVera Start All" in command
+    assert '"C:\\voxvera.exe" start-all' in command
+
+    status = adapter.autostart_status()
+    assert status["platform_id"] == "windows_cli"
+    assert any(check["name"] == "scheduled_task_present" for check in status["checks"])
+
+
 def test_build_download_zip(tmp_path, monkeypatch):
     _setup_tmp(monkeypatch, tmp_path)
     res_root = tmp_path / "data" / "voxvera"
@@ -246,7 +484,7 @@ def test_serve_updates_url(tmp_path, monkeypatch):
 
 
 def test_quickstart_noninteractive(tmp_path, monkeypatch):
-    """Test quickstart auto-generates onion URL for tear-off links."""
+    """Test quickstart builds and serves in one command."""
     _setup_tmp(monkeypatch, tmp_path)
     res_root = tmp_path / "data" / "voxvera"
     test_data_dir = tmp_path / "data"
@@ -287,8 +525,6 @@ def test_quickstart_noninteractive(tmp_path, monkeypatch):
     monkeypatch.setattr(cli, "choose_language", lambda *a: "en")
     config_path = test_data_dir / "config.json"
     cli.main(["quickstart", "--non-interactive"])
-    # quickstart no longer calls serve, so we call it manually to test URL update
-    cli.serve(str(config_path))
 
     dir_path = test_data_dir / "host" / folder_name
     assert (dir_path / "index.html").exists()
@@ -298,6 +534,30 @@ def test_quickstart_noninteractive(tmp_path, monkeypatch):
     # tear_off_link should be set to onion address (for tear-off tabs)
     assert updated["tear_off_link"] == onion_url
     # url should be preserved (user-configured content link)
+    assert updated["url"] == config["url"]
+
+
+def test_install_systemd_autostart_writes_recovery_timer(tmp_path, monkeypatch):
+    """Test Linux autostart installs a recurring recovery service and timer."""
+    commands = []
+
+    monkeypatch.setattr(platform, "system", lambda: "Linux")
+    monkeypatch.setattr(platform_linux.Path, "home", lambda: tmp_path)
+    monkeypatch.setattr(cli, "_find_voxvera_bin", lambda: "/tmp/voxvera")
+    monkeypatch.setattr(platform_linux.subprocess, "run", lambda args, **kwargs: commands.append(args))
+    monkeypatch.setenv("USER", "tester")
+
+    cli._install_systemd_autostart()
+
+    service_dir = tmp_path / ".config" / "systemd" / "user"
+    service_text = (service_dir / "voxvera-start.service").read_text(encoding="utf-8")
+    timer_text = (service_dir / "voxvera-start.timer").read_text(encoding="utf-8")
+
+    assert "ExecStart=/tmp/voxvera start-all" in service_text
+    assert "OnUnitActiveSec=5min" in timer_text
+    assert "Persistent=true" in timer_text
+    assert any(args[:4] == ["systemctl", "--user", "enable", "--now"] and args[4] == "voxvera-start.timer" for args in commands)
+    assert any(args[:4] == ["systemctl", "--user", "start", "voxvera-start.service"] for args in commands)
 
 
 def test_get_tor_ports_with_env_vars(monkeypatch):
@@ -387,7 +647,7 @@ def test_build_injects_localized_tor_browser_download_links(tmp_path, monkeypatc
 
 
 def test_build_with_only_url(tmp_path, monkeypatch):
-    """Test that QR codes work when only url (content link) is set."""
+    """Test that the main URL also populates tear-off rendering before onion setup."""
     _setup_tmp(monkeypatch, tmp_path)
 
     # Set only url (content link)
@@ -407,9 +667,11 @@ def test_build_with_only_url(tmp_path, monkeypatch):
 
     test_data_dir = tmp_path / "data"
     dest = test_data_dir / "host" / config["folder_name"]
-    # Only content QR should exist (tear-off will be set by serve)
+    html = (dest / "index.html").read_text(encoding="utf-8")
     assert (dest / "qrcode-content.png").exists()
-    assert not (dest / "qrcode-tear-offs.png").exists()
+    assert (dest / "qrcode-tear-offs.png").exists()
+    assert 'class="container no-tear-offs"' not in html
+    assert "https://example.com/external-resource" in html
 
 
 def test_build_with_only_tear_off_link(tmp_path, monkeypatch):
diff --git a/tests/test_integrity.py b/tests/test_integrity.py
index 2ccb8af..6f8081a 100644
--- a/tests/test_integrity.py
+++ b/tests/test_integrity.py
@@ -8,6 +8,43 @@ from voxvera import cli
 # Helper to find project root
 REPO_ROOT = Path(__file__).resolve().parent.parent
 
+
+def test_support_matrix_exists_and_matches_docs():
+    support_matrix_path = REPO_ROOT / "support-matrix.json"
+    support_doc_path = REPO_ROOT / "docs" / "platform-support-matrix.md"
+
+    assert support_matrix_path.exists()
+    assert support_doc_path.exists()
+
+    support_data = json.loads(support_matrix_path.read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
+    assert support_data["default_supported_target"] == "linux_cli_systemd"
+    assert any(platform["tier"] == "supported" for platform in support_data["platforms"])
+    assert any(platform["id"] == "windows_cli" for platform in support_data["platforms"])
+
+    support_doc = support_doc_path.read_text(encoding="utf-8")
+    assert "Linux CLI with `systemd --user`" in support_doc
+    assert "Experimental" in support_doc
+
+
+def test_platform_smoke_is_wired_into_validation_surfaces():
+    smoke_script = REPO_ROOT / "scripts" / "platform-smoke.sh"
+    ci_workflow = (REPO_ROOT / ".github" / "workflows" / "ci.yml").read_text(encoding="utf-8")
+    e2e_script = (REPO_ROOT / "ci" / "test-e2e.sh").read_text(encoding="utf-8")
+    binaries_workflow = (REPO_ROOT / ".github" / "workflows" / "binaries.yml").read_text(encoding="utf-8")
+    smoke_text = smoke_script.read_text(encoding="utf-8")
+
+    assert smoke_script.exists()
+    assert "scripts/platform-smoke.sh linux-cli" in ci_workflow
+    assert "scripts/platform-smoke.sh linux-cli" in e2e_script
+    assert "platform-status --json" in ci_workflow
+    assert "doctor --json" in ci_workflow
+    assert "autostart status --json" in ci_workflow
+    assert "platform-status --json" in binaries_workflow
+    assert "doctor --json" in binaries_workflow
+    assert "autostart status --json" in binaries_workflow
+    for target in ("linux-cli", "macos-cli", "windows-cli", "docker-cli"):
+        assert target in smoke_text
+
 def test_locale_completeness():
     """Verify that all non-English locales have the same keys as English."""
     locales_dir = REPO_ROOT / "voxvera" / "locales"
diff --git a/voxvera-install.sh b/voxvera-install.sh
index 9911443..1238d9f 100644
--- a/voxvera-install.sh
+++ b/voxvera-install.sh
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@
 # Installs Tor + OnionShare and VoxVera itself.
 # --------------------------------------------------------------------
 set -euo pipefail
+OS_NAME="$(uname -s | tr '[:upper:]' '[:lower:]')"
 
 ## -------- helper functions -----------------------------------------
 command_exists() { command -v "$1" &>/dev/null; }
@@ -12,6 +13,45 @@ msg()   { printf "\e[32m%s\e[0m\n" "$*"; }
 warn()  { printf "\e[33m%s\e[0m\n" "$*" >&2; }
 die()   { printf "\e[31mERROR: %s\e[0m\n" "$*" >&2; exit 1; }
 
+report_cli_status() {
+  command_exists voxvera || return 0
+
+  local platform_json doctor_json autostart_json
+  platform_json="$(voxvera platform-status --json 2>/dev/null || true)"
+  doctor_json="$(voxvera doctor --json 2>/dev/null || true)"
+  autostart_json="$(voxvera autostart status --json 2>/dev/null || true)"
+
+  if [ -n "$platform_json" ]; then
+    PLATFORM_JSON="$platform_json" python3 - <<'PY'
+import json, os
+data = json.loads(os.environ["PLATFORM_JSON"])
+print(f"Platform tier: {data.get('tier', 'unknown')} ({data.get('label', 'unknown')})")
+if data.get("hosting_model"):
+    print(f"Hosting model: {data['hosting_model']}")
+PY
+  fi
+
+  if [ -n "$doctor_json" ]; then
+    DOCTOR_JSON="$doctor_json" python3 - <<'PY'
+import json, os
+data = json.loads(os.environ["DOCTOR_JSON"])
+failed = [check["name"] for check in data.get("checks", []) if not check.get("ok")]
+if failed:
+    print("Doctor checks needing attention: " + ", ".join(failed))
+else:
+    print("Doctor checks: all passed")
+PY
+  fi
+
+  if [ -n "$autostart_json" ]; then
+    AUTOSTART_JSON="$autostart_json" python3 - <<'PY'
+import json, os
+data = json.loads(os.environ["AUTOSTART_JSON"])
+print("Autostart: " + data.get("message", "unknown"))
+PY
+  fi
+}
+
 # Detect sudo/root
 if command_exists sudo; then
   SUDO="sudo"
@@ -31,6 +71,9 @@ else die "Unsupported distro – can't find apt/yum/dnf/pacman/apk."
 fi
 
 msg ">> Detected package manager: $PM"
+if [[ "$OS_NAME" != linux* ]]; then
+  warn "This installer is experimental outside Linux and is not validated for reliable background hidden-service hosting."
+fi
 
 ## -------- install system packages ----------------------------------
 msg ">> Installing system dependencies..."
@@ -142,6 +185,16 @@ if command_exists systemctl; then
   $SUDO systemctl restart tor || true
 fi
 
+if command_exists voxvera && [[ "$OS_NAME" == linux* ]]; then
+  msg ">> Installing Linux autostart recovery timer..."
+  voxvera autostart 2>/dev/null || warn "Could not install the VoxVera autostart timer automatically. Run 'voxvera autostart' manually."
+fi
+
+if command_exists voxvera; then
+  msg ">> Inspecting installed runtime posture..."
+  report_cli_status
+fi
+
 msg "------------------------------------------------------------------"
 msg "   VoxVera install finished!"
 msg "   Tor rc file : $TOR_DIR/torrc"
@@ -149,5 +202,8 @@ msg ""
 msg "   IMPORTANT: Please restart your terminal or run 'source ~/.bashrc'"
 msg "   (or your shell config) to use 'voxvera'."
 msg ""
+msg "   Linux is the supported persistent-host target."
+msg "   Other package/install paths remain experimental."
+msg ""
 msg "   Run 'voxvera check' to verify your setup after refreshing."
 msg "------------------------------------------------------------------"
diff --git a/voxvera/build.py b/voxvera/build.py
index 2bdb5ef..5430fc1 100644
--- a/voxvera/build.py
+++ b/voxvera/build.py
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ def generate_qr(config_path: Path, output_dir: Path) -> None:
         config = json.load(f)
 
     url = config.get("url", "")
-    tear = config.get("tear_off_link", "")
+    tear = config.get("tear_off_link", "") or url
 
     # Skip QR generation if no URLs configured yet (will be generated after serve)
     if not url and not tear:
diff --git a/voxvera/cli.py b/voxvera/cli.py
index b479196..756cb53 100644
--- a/voxvera/cli.py
+++ b/voxvera/cli.py
@@ -27,6 +27,7 @@ if getattr(sys, 'frozen', False):
 from InquirerPy import prompt, inquirer
 from rich.console import Console
 from voxvera import __version__
+from voxvera.platforms import get_platform_adapter
 
 GITHUB_RECOMMENDED_BINARY_LIMIT = 95 * 1024 * 1024
 LEGACY_CONFIG_KEYS = {
@@ -61,6 +62,7 @@ DATA_DIR = Path(os.environ.get("VOXVERA_DIR", Path.home()))
 
 # Global locale state
 CURRENT_LOCALE = {}
+CURRENT_LANG_CODE = "en"
 
 
 def tor_browser_download_url(lang_code: str) -> str:
@@ -80,10 +82,17 @@ def normalize_config(data: dict) -> dict:
     return normalized
 
 
+def get_effective_tear_off_link(data: dict) -> str:
+    """Use the explicit tear-off link when present, otherwise fall back to the main URL."""
+    return (data.get("tear_off_link") or "").strip() or (data.get("url") or "").strip()
+
+
 def build_render_context(data: dict) -> dict:
     """Add derived template values without mutating persisted config shape."""
     render_data = dict(data)
-    render_data["tear_off_state_class"] = "" if render_data.get("tear_off_link", "").strip() else "no-tear-offs"
+    effective_tear_off_link = get_effective_tear_off_link(render_data)
+    render_data["tear_off_link"] = effective_tear_off_link
+    render_data["tear_off_state_class"] = "" if effective_tear_off_link else "no-tear-offs"
     return render_data
 
 
@@ -137,7 +146,7 @@ def _locale_res(*parts) -> Traversable:
 
 def load_locale(lang_code: str = "en"):
     """Load the specified locale JSON file."""
-    global CURRENT_LOCALE
+    global CURRENT_LOCALE, CURRENT_LANG_CODE
     try:
         res = _locale_res(f"{lang_code}.json")
         if getattr(sys, 'frozen', False):
@@ -147,6 +156,7 @@ def load_locale(lang_code: str = "en"):
                 lang_code = "en"
                 locale_file = _locale_res("en.json")
             CURRENT_LOCALE = json.loads(locale_file.read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
+            CURRENT_LANG_CODE = lang_code
         else:
             with resources.as_file(res) as locale_file:
                 if not locale_file.exists():
@@ -155,10 +165,12 @@ def load_locale(lang_code: str = "en"):
                         CURRENT_LOCALE = json.loads(fallback_file.read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
                 else:
                     CURRENT_LOCALE = json.loads(locale_file.read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
+                CURRENT_LANG_CODE = lang_code
     except Exception as e:
         print(f"Error loading locale {lang_code}: {e}")
         # Final safety fallback to empty dict to avoid KeyErrors
         CURRENT_LOCALE = {"cli": {}, "web": {}, "meta": {}}
+        CURRENT_LANG_CODE = "en"
 
 
 def t(path: str, **kwargs) -> str:
@@ -172,6 +184,14 @@ def t(path: str, **kwargs) -> str:
     return val.format(**kwargs)
 
 
+def t_fallback(path: str, default: str, **kwargs) -> str:
+    """Retrieve a localized string, but fall back to a provided default."""
+    value = t(path, **kwargs)
+    if value == path:
+        return default.format(**kwargs)
+    return value
+
+
 def require_cmd(cmd: str):
     if cmd == "onionshare-cli":
         try:
@@ -233,6 +253,77 @@ def check_deps():
         console.print(f"[red]{t('cli.all_deps_installed')}[/red]")
 
 
+def print_doctor_report():
+    print_report("doctor")
+
+
+def print_platform_status():
+    print_report("platform-status")
+
+
+def print_report(report_type: str, json_output: bool = False):
+    adapter = get_platform_adapter(cli_module=sys.modules[__name__])
+    report = adapter.doctor_report() if report_type == "doctor" else adapter.platform_status()
+    if json_output:
+        print(json.dumps(report, indent=2))
+        return
+
+    console = Console()
+    if report_type == "doctor":
+        console.rule(f"VoxVera Doctor: {report['label']}")
+        console.print(f"Tier: {report['tier']}")
+        if report["hosting_model"]:
+            console.print(f"Hosting model: {report['hosting_model']}")
+        for check in report["checks"]:
+            style = "green" if check["ok"] else "red"
+            state = "OK" if check["ok"] else "FAIL"
+            console.print(f"[{style}]{state}[/{style}] {check['name']}: {check['detail']}")
+        return
+
+    console.rule(f"Platform Status: {report['label']}")
+    console.print(f"Tier: {report['tier']}")
+    if report["tier_description"]:
+        console.print(report["tier_description"])
+    if report["hosting_model"]:
+        console.print(f"Hosting model: {report['hosting_model']}")
+    if report["distribution_surfaces"]:
+        console.print("Distribution surfaces:")
+        for surface in report["distribution_surfaces"]:
+            console.print(f"  - {surface}")
+    if report["required_capabilities"]:
+        console.print("Required capabilities:")
+        for capability in report["required_capabilities"]:
+            console.print(f"  - {capability}")
+    if report["current_notes"]:
+        console.print("Current notes:")
+        for note in report["current_notes"]:
+            console.print(f"  - {note}")
+    if report["next_gaps"]:
+        console.print("Next gaps:")
+        for gap in report["next_gaps"]:
+            console.print(f"  - {gap}")
+
+
+def print_autostart_status(json_output: bool = False):
+    adapter = get_platform_adapter(cli_module=sys.modules[__name__])
+    status = adapter.autostart_status()
+    if json_output:
+        print(json.dumps(status, indent=2))
+        return
+    console = Console()
+    console.rule(f"Autostart Status: {status['label']}")
+    console.print(f"Tier: {status['tier']}")
+    console.print(status["message"])
+    if status["artifacts"]:
+        console.print("Artifacts:")
+        for artifact in status["artifacts"]:
+            console.print(f"  - {artifact}")
+    for check in status["checks"]:
+        style = "green" if check["ok"] else "red"
+        state = "OK" if check["ok"] else "FAIL"
+        console.print(f"[{style}]{state}[/{style}] {check['name']}: {check['detail']}")
+
+
 def load_config(path: str) -> dict:
     with open(path, "r") as fh:
         return normalize_config(json.load(fh))
@@ -357,11 +448,80 @@ def _len_validator(limit: int):
 def _folder_name_validator(val: str):
     if len(val) > 63:
         return "Folder name must be at most 63 characters"
-    if not re.fullmatch(r"[a-z0-9-]+", val):
-        return "Use only lowercase letters, numbers and '-'"
+    if not re.fullmatch(r"[a-z0-9_-]+", val):
+        return "Use only lowercase letters, numbers, '-' and '_'"
     return True
 
 
+def _next_versioned_folder_name(folder_name: str) -> str:
+    """Return the next available versioned folder name like jesus_01."""
+    host_dir = DATA_DIR / "host"
+    for index in range(1, 100):
+        candidate = f"{folder_name}_{index:02d}"
+        if not (host_dir / candidate).exists():
+            return candidate
+    raise RuntimeError(f"Could not allocate a versioned folder name for '{folder_name}'")
+
+
+def resolve_new_site_folder(config_path: str, preserve_session_on_overwrite: bool = True) -> str | None:
+    """Resolve collisions for a newly created site before the first build."""
+    data = load_config(config_path)
+    folder_name = data["folder_name"]
+    dest_dir = DATA_DIR / "host" / folder_name
+    if not dest_dir.exists():
+        return folder_name
+
+    suggested_name = _next_versioned_folder_name(folder_name)
+    action = inquirer.select(
+        message=t_fallback(
+            "cli.site_exists_action",
+            "Site '{name}' already exists. What do you want to do?",
+            name=folder_name,
+        ),
+        choices=[
+            {
+                "name": t_fallback("cli.site_exists_overwrite", "Overwrite existing site"),
+                "value": "overwrite",
+            },
+            {
+                "name": t_fallback(
+                    "cli.site_exists_version",
+                    "Create new version ({suggested})",
+                    suggested=suggested_name,
+                ),
+                "value": "version",
+            },
+            {
+                "name": t_fallback("cli.site_exists_cancel", "Cancel"),
+                "value": "cancel",
+            },
+        ],
+        default="version",
+    ).execute()
+
+    if action in (None, "cancel"):
+        print(t_fallback("cli.site_exists_cancelled", "Site creation cancelled."))
+        return None
+
+    if action == "overwrite":
+        if preserve_session_on_overwrite:
+            _clear_host_dir(dest_dir)
+        else:
+            shutil.rmtree(dest_dir, ignore_errors=True)
+        return folder_name
+
+    data["folder_name"] = suggested_name
+    save_config(data, config_path)
+    print(
+        t_fallback(
+            "cli.site_exists_versioned",
+            "Using versioned folder name: {name}",
+            name=suggested_name,
+        )
+    )
+    return suggested_name
+
+
 def interactive_update(config_path: str):
     data = load_config(config_path)
     console = Console()
@@ -1362,6 +1522,7 @@ def create_from_template(console):
     # Load the preset JSON
     preset_data = json.loads(Path(selected["file"]).read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
     template_id = selected["id"]
+    preset_data["lang"] = CURRENT_LANG_CODE or preset_data.get("lang", "en")
 
     # Override content fields with locale translations if available
     for field in ["name", "title", "subtitle", "headline", "content", "url_message"]:
@@ -1375,6 +1536,8 @@ def create_from_template(console):
 
     # Let user customize, build, and serve
     interactive_update(str(config_path))
+    if resolve_new_site_folder(str(config_path)) is None:
+        return
     build_assets(str(config_path))
     serve(str(config_path))
 
@@ -1530,17 +1693,11 @@ def stop_all_servers():
 
 def install_autostart():
     """Install a platform-appropriate mechanism to start sites on boot."""
-    import platform
-    system = platform.system()
-
-    if system == "Linux":
-        _install_systemd_autostart()
-    elif system == "Darwin":
-        _install_launchd_autostart()
-    elif system == "Windows":
-        _install_windows_autostart()
-    else:
-        print(f"Autostart not supported on {system}. "
+    adapter = get_platform_adapter(cli_module=sys.modules[__name__])
+    try:
+        adapter.install_autostart()
+    except NotImplementedError:
+        print(f"Autostart not supported on {adapter.label}. "
               "Run 'voxvera start-all' manually or add it to your init system.")
 
 
@@ -1554,90 +1711,21 @@ def _find_voxvera_bin() -> str:
 
 
 def _install_systemd_autostart():
-    """Install a systemd user service for Linux."""
-    service_dir = Path.home() / ".config" / "systemd" / "user"
-    service_dir.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
-    service_file = service_dir / "voxvera.service"
-    voxvera_bin = _find_voxvera_bin()
-
-    unit = f"""\
-[Unit]
-Description=VoxVera Onion Sites
-After=network-online.target tor.service
-Wants=network-online.target
-
-[Service]
-Type=oneshot
-RemainAfterExit=yes
-ExecStart={voxvera_bin} start-all
-ExecStop={voxvera_bin} stop-all
-
-[Install]
-WantedBy=default.target
-"""
-    service_file.write_text(unit)
-    os.system("systemctl --user daemon-reload")
-    os.system("systemctl --user enable voxvera.service")
-    os.system("systemctl --user start voxvera.service")
-    # loginctl enable-linger ensures user services start at boot even without login
-    os.system(f"loginctl enable-linger {os.environ.get('USER', '')}")
-    print(f"Systemd user service installed: {service_file}")
-    print("Sites will start automatically on boot.")
-    print("  Manage with: systemctl --user [start|stop|status|disable] voxvera")
+    """Backward-compatible wrapper for Linux autostart installation."""
+    adapter = get_platform_adapter(cli_module=sys.modules[__name__])
+    adapter.install_autostart()
 
 
 def _install_launchd_autostart():
-    """Install a launchd plist for macOS."""
-    agents_dir = Path.home() / "Library" / "LaunchAgents"
-    agents_dir.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
-    plist_file = agents_dir / "org.voxvera.start-all.plist"
-    voxvera_bin = _find_voxvera_bin()
-
-    plist = f"""\
-<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
-<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN"
-  "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">
-<plist version="1.0">
-<dict>
-    <key>Label</key>
-    <string>org.voxvera.start-all</string>
-    <key>ProgramArguments</key>
-    <array>
-        <string>{voxvera_bin}</string>
-        <string>start-all</string>
-    </array>
-    <key>RunAtLoad</key>
-    <true/>
-    <key>StandardOutPath</key>
-    <string>{Path.home()}/host/voxvera-autostart.log</string>
-    <key>StandardErrorPath</key>
-    <string>{Path.home()}/host/voxvera-autostart.log</string>
-</dict>
-</plist>
-"""
-    plist_file.write_text(plist)
-    os.system(f"launchctl load -w {plist_file}")
-    print(f"LaunchAgent installed: {plist_file}")
-    print("Sites will start automatically on login.")
-    print(f"  Disable with: launchctl unload {plist_file}")
+    """Backward-compatible wrapper for macOS autostart installation."""
+    adapter = get_platform_adapter(cli_module=sys.modules[__name__])
+    adapter.install_autostart()
 
 
 def _install_windows_autostart():
-    """Add a startup shortcut or scheduled task on Windows."""
-    voxvera_bin = _find_voxvera_bin()
-    # Use Task Scheduler for a reliable boot-time trigger
-    task_name = "VoxVera Start All"
-    cmd = (
-        f'schtasks /Create /F /SC ONLOGON /TN "{task_name}" '
-        f'/TR "\"{voxvera_bin}\" start-all" /RL HIGHEST'
-    )
-    ret = os.system(cmd)
-    if ret == 0:
-        print(f"Windows scheduled task '{task_name}' created.")
-        print("Sites will start automatically on login.")
-        print(f'  Remove with: schtasks /Delete /TN "{task_name}" /F')
-    else:
-        print("Failed to create scheduled task. Try running as Administrator.")
+    """Backward-compatible wrapper for Windows autostart installation."""
+    adapter = get_platform_adapter(cli_module=sys.modules[__name__])
+    adapter.install_autostart()
 
 
 def manage_servers():
@@ -1696,6 +1784,8 @@ def manage_servers():
 
             try:
                 interactive_update(str(config_path))
+                if resolve_new_site_folder(str(config_path)) is None:
+                    continue
                 build_assets(str(config_path))
                 serve(str(config_path))
             except (KeyboardInterrupt, Exception) as e:
@@ -1888,13 +1978,19 @@ def main(argv=None):
         help="Skip interactive prompts and use existing config",
     )
     sub.add_parser("check", help="Check for required external dependencies")
+    p_doctor = sub.add_parser("doctor", help="Run platform-aware runtime diagnostics")
+    p_doctor.add_argument("--json", action="store_true", help="Emit machine-readable JSON")
+    p_platform_status = sub.add_parser("platform-status", help="Show detected platform support tier and runtime posture")
+    p_platform_status.add_argument("--json", action="store_true", help="Emit machine-readable JSON")
     sub.add_parser("vendorize", help="Download all dependencies into voxvera/vendor/ for portability")
     sub.add_parser("build-docs", help="Generate localized documentation from templates")
     sub.add_parser("build-site", help="Refresh the main site/ directory assets and bundle")
     sub.add_parser("manage", help="Manage VoxVera servers interactively")
     sub.add_parser("start-all", help="Start all configured sites (non-interactive)")
     sub.add_parser("stop-all", help="Stop all running sites (non-interactive)")
-    sub.add_parser("autostart", help="Install/remove a systemd user service to start sites on boot")
+    p_autostart = sub.add_parser("autostart", help="Install or inspect platform autostart support")
+    p_autostart.add_argument("action", nargs="?", choices=["install", "status"], default="install")
+    p_autostart.add_argument("--json", action="store_true", help="Emit machine-readable JSON for status")
     sub.add_parser("rebuild-all", help="Rebuild all existing sites from the current template (preserves keys and config)")
     sub.add_parser("_internal_onionshare", help=argparse.SUPPRESS)
 
@@ -1975,7 +2071,10 @@ def main(argv=None):
     elif args.command == "stop-all":
         stop_all_servers()
     elif args.command == "autostart":
-        install_autostart()
+        if args.action == "status":
+            print_autostart_status(json_output=args.json)
+        else:
+            install_autostart()
     elif args.command == "quickstart":
         if not args.non_interactive:
             if not sys.stdin.isatty():
@@ -1987,8 +2086,13 @@ def main(argv=None):
                 sys.exit(1)
             interactive_update(config_path)
         build_assets(config_path)
+        serve(config_path)
     elif args.command == "check":
         check_deps()
+    elif args.command == "doctor":
+        print_report("doctor", json_output=args.json)
+    elif args.command == "platform-status":
+        print_report("platform-status", json_output=args.json)
     elif args.command == "vendorize":
         vendorize()
     elif args.command == "build-docs":
diff --git a/voxvera/platforms/__init__.py b/voxvera/platforms/__init__.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bfa0d9c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/voxvera/platforms/__init__.py
@@ -0,0 +1,17 @@
+import platform
+
+from .base import PlatformAdapter
+from .linux import LinuxPlatformAdapter
+from .macos import MacOSPlatformAdapter
+from .windows import WindowsPlatformAdapter
+
+
+def get_platform_adapter(cli_module=None) -> PlatformAdapter:
+    system = platform.system()
+    if system == "Linux":
+        return LinuxPlatformAdapter(cli_module=cli_module)
+    if system == "Darwin":
+        return MacOSPlatformAdapter(cli_module=cli_module)
+    if system == "Windows":
+        return WindowsPlatformAdapter(cli_module=cli_module)
+    return PlatformAdapter(cli_module=cli_module)
diff --git a/voxvera/platforms/base.py b/voxvera/platforms/base.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..acd9b70
--- /dev/null
+++ b/voxvera/platforms/base.py
@@ -0,0 +1,137 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import json
+import platform
+import shutil
+import subprocess
+from pathlib import Path
+
+
+class PlatformAdapter:
+    platform_id = "generic"
+    tier = "experimental"
+    label = "Generic platform"
+
+    def __init__(self, cli_module=None):
+        self.cli = cli_module
+
+    @property
+    def home_dir(self) -> Path:
+        return Path.home()
+
+    @property
+    def data_dir(self) -> Path:
+        if self.cli is not None:
+            return Path(self.cli.DATA_DIR)
+        return self.home_dir
+
+    @property
+    def repo_root(self) -> Path:
+        if self.cli is not None and hasattr(self.cli, "ROOT"):
+            return Path(self.cli.ROOT).parent
+        return Path(__file__).resolve().parents[2]
+
+    @property
+    def support_matrix_path(self) -> Path:
+        return self.repo_root / "support-matrix.json"
+
+    def _run_capture(self, args: list[str]) -> tuple[bool, str]:
+        try:
+            output = subprocess.check_output(args, stderr=subprocess.STDOUT).decode().strip()
+            return True, output
+        except Exception as exc:
+            return False, str(exc)
+
+    def load_support_matrix(self) -> dict:
+        if not self.support_matrix_path.exists():
+            return {"platforms": [], "support_tiers": {}}
+        return json.loads(self.support_matrix_path.read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
+
+    def support_entry(self) -> dict:
+        matrix = self.load_support_matrix()
+        for entry in matrix.get("platforms", []):
+            if entry.get("id") == self.platform_id:
+                return entry
+        return {
+            "id": self.platform_id,
+            "label": self.label,
+            "tier": self.tier,
+            "hosting_model": "",
+            "distribution_surfaces": [],
+            "required_capabilities": [],
+            "current_notes": [],
+            "next_gaps": [],
+        }
+
+    def autostart_status(self) -> dict:
+        return {
+            "platform_id": self.platform_id,
+            "label": self.label,
+            "tier": self.tier,
+            "supported": False,
+            "message": "Autostart status is not implemented for this platform.",
+            "artifacts": [],
+            "checks": [],
+        }
+
+    def install_autostart(self) -> None:
+        raise NotImplementedError("Autostart is not implemented for this platform.")
+
+    def platform_status(self) -> dict:
+        entry = self.support_entry()
+        matrix = self.load_support_matrix()
+        return {
+            "platform_id": self.platform_id,
+            "label": entry.get("label", self.label),
+            "tier": entry.get("tier", self.tier),
+            "tier_description": matrix.get("support_tiers", {}).get(entry.get("tier", self.tier), ""),
+            "hosting_model": entry.get("hosting_model", ""),
+            "distribution_surfaces": entry.get("distribution_surfaces", []),
+            "required_capabilities": entry.get("required_capabilities", []),
+            "current_notes": entry.get("current_notes", []),
+            "next_gaps": entry.get("next_gaps", []),
+        }
+
+    def doctor_report(self) -> dict:
+        checks = []
+        voxvera_path = shutil.which("voxvera")
+        onionshare_path = shutil.which("onionshare-cli") or shutil.which("onionshare")
+        platform_status = self.platform_status()
+
+        checks.append(
+            {
+                "name": "platform",
+                "ok": True,
+                "detail": f"{platform.system()} ({self.platform_id}, tier={platform_status['tier']})",
+            }
+        )
+        checks.append(
+            {
+                "name": "voxvera_cli",
+                "ok": bool(voxvera_path),
+                "detail": voxvera_path or "voxvera not found on PATH",
+            }
+        )
+        checks.append(
+            {
+                "name": "onionshare_cli",
+                "ok": bool(onionshare_path),
+                "detail": onionshare_path or "onionshare-cli/onionshare not found on PATH",
+            }
+        )
+
+        return {
+            "platform_id": self.platform_id,
+            "label": platform_status["label"],
+            "tier": platform_status["tier"],
+            "tier_description": platform_status["tier_description"],
+            "hosting_model": platform_status["hosting_model"],
+            "distribution_surfaces": platform_status["distribution_surfaces"],
+            "required_capabilities": platform_status["required_capabilities"],
+            "current_notes": platform_status["current_notes"],
+            "next_gaps": platform_status["next_gaps"],
+            "checks": checks,
+        }
+
+    def autostart_artifacts(self) -> list[str]:
+        return []
diff --git a/voxvera/platforms/linux.py b/voxvera/platforms/linux.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4754f93
--- /dev/null
+++ b/voxvera/platforms/linux.py
@@ -0,0 +1,194 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import os
+import shutil
+import socket
+import subprocess
+from pathlib import Path
+
+from .base import PlatformAdapter
+
+
+class LinuxPlatformAdapter(PlatformAdapter):
+    platform_id = "linux_cli_systemd"
+    tier = "supported"
+    label = "Linux CLI with systemd --user"
+
+    @property
+    def user_systemd_dir(self) -> Path:
+        return self.home_dir / ".config" / "systemd" / "user"
+
+    @property
+    def service_path(self) -> Path:
+        return self.user_systemd_dir / "voxvera-start.service"
+
+    @property
+    def timer_path(self) -> Path:
+        return self.user_systemd_dir / "voxvera-start.timer"
+
+    def autostart_artifacts(self) -> list[str]:
+        return [str(self.service_path), str(self.timer_path)]
+
+    def render_systemd_service(self, voxvera_bin: str) -> str:
+        return f"""\
+[Unit]
+Description=VoxVera hidden-service recovery runner
+After=network-online.target tor.service
+Wants=network-online.target
+
+[Service]
+Type=oneshot
+ExecStart={voxvera_bin} start-all
+"""
+
+    def render_systemd_timer(self) -> str:
+        return """\
+[Unit]
+Description=Retry VoxVera hidden-service startup
+
+[Install]
+WantedBy=timers.target
+
+[Timer]
+OnBootSec=2min
+OnStartupSec=2min
+OnUnitActiveSec=5min
+Unit=voxvera-start.service
+Persistent=true
+"""
+
+    def autostart_status(self) -> dict:
+        checks = []
+        artifacts = self.autostart_artifacts()
+        for path in [self.service_path, self.timer_path]:
+            checks.append(
+                {
+                    "name": path.name,
+                    "ok": path.exists(),
+                    "detail": str(path) if path.exists() else f"missing: {path}",
+                }
+            )
+
+        if shutil.which("systemctl"):
+            ok, output = self._run_capture(["systemctl", "--user", "is-enabled", "voxvera-start.timer"])
+            checks.append(
+                {
+                    "name": "systemd_timer_enabled",
+                    "ok": ok and output == "enabled",
+                    "detail": output,
+                }
+            )
+            ok, output = self._run_capture(["systemctl", "--user", "is-active", "voxvera-start.timer"])
+            checks.append(
+                {
+                    "name": "systemd_timer_active",
+                    "ok": ok and output == "active",
+                    "detail": output,
+                }
+            )
+        else:
+            checks.append(
+                {
+                    "name": "systemctl",
+                    "ok": False,
+                    "detail": "systemctl not found",
+                }
+            )
+
+        supported = all(check["ok"] for check in checks if check["name"] in {"voxvera-start.service", "voxvera-start.timer"})
+        return {
+            "platform_id": self.platform_id,
+            "label": self.label,
+            "tier": self.tier,
+            "supported": supported,
+            "message": "Linux recovery timer is the supported persistent-host path.",
+            "artifacts": artifacts,
+            "checks": checks,
+        }
+
+    def install_autostart(self) -> None:
+        if self.cli is None:
+            raise RuntimeError("CLI module is required to install Linux autostart.")
+        self.user_systemd_dir.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
+        voxvera_bin = self.cli._find_voxvera_bin()
+
+        self.service_path.write_text(self.render_systemd_service(voxvera_bin), encoding="utf-8")
+        self.timer_path.write_text(self.render_systemd_timer(), encoding="utf-8")
+
+        legacy_service = self.user_systemd_dir / "voxvera.service"
+        if legacy_service.exists():
+            legacy_service.unlink()
+
+        commands = [
+            ["systemctl", "--user", "daemon-reload"],
+            ["systemctl", "--user", "disable", "--now", "voxvera.service"],
+            ["systemctl", "--user", "enable", "--now", "voxvera-start.timer"],
+            ["systemctl", "--user", "start", "voxvera-start.service"],
+            ["loginctl", "enable-linger", os.environ.get("USER", "")],
+        ]
+        for command in commands:
+            try:
+                subprocess.run(command, check=False, stdout=subprocess.DEVNULL, stderr=subprocess.DEVNULL)
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+
+        print(f"Systemd user service installed: {self.service_path}")
+        print(f"Systemd user timer installed: {self.timer_path}")
+        print("Sites will be retried automatically after boot and every few minutes.")
+        print("  Manage with: systemctl --user [start|stop|status] voxvera-start.service")
+        print("  Timer status: systemctl --user status voxvera-start.timer")
+
+    def doctor_report(self) -> dict:
+        report = super().doctor_report()
+        checks = report["checks"]
+
+        tor_found = bool(shutil.which("tor"))
+        checks.append(
+            {
+                "name": "tor_binary",
+                "ok": tor_found,
+                "detail": shutil.which("tor") or "tor not found on PATH",
+            }
+        )
+
+        socks_port = os.getenv("TOR_SOCKS_PORT")
+        if not socks_port:
+            for candidate in ("9050", "9150"):
+                try:
+                    sock = socket.socket(socket.AF_INET, socket.SOCK_STREAM)
+                    sock.settimeout(0.25)
+                    result = sock.connect_ex(("127.0.0.1", int(candidate)))
+                    sock.close()
+                    if result == 0:
+                        socks_port = candidate
+                        break
+                except Exception:
+                    pass
+        checks.append(
+            {
+                "name": "tor_socks_reachable",
+                "ok": bool(socks_port),
+                "detail": f"reachable on {socks_port}" if socks_port else "no Tor SOCKS port detected",
+            }
+        )
+
+        status = self.autostart_status()
+        timer_check = next((check for check in status["checks"] if check["name"] == "systemd_timer_enabled"), None)
+        if timer_check is not None:
+            checks.append(
+                {
+                    "name": "autostart_timer_enabled",
+                    "ok": timer_check["ok"],
+                    "detail": timer_check["detail"],
+                }
+            )
+
+        host_root = self.data_dir / "host"
+        checks.append(
+            {
+                "name": "host_root",
+                "ok": host_root.exists(),
+                "detail": str(host_root) if host_root.exists() else f"missing: {host_root}",
+            }
+        )
+        return report
diff --git a/voxvera/platforms/macos.py b/voxvera/platforms/macos.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..843c197
--- /dev/null
+++ b/voxvera/platforms/macos.py
@@ -0,0 +1,90 @@
+from pathlib import Path
+
+from .base import PlatformAdapter
+
+
+class MacOSPlatformAdapter(PlatformAdapter):
+    platform_id = "macos_cli"
+    tier = "experimental"
+    label = "macOS CLI"
+
+    @property
+    def launch_agents_dir(self) -> Path:
+        return self.home_dir / "Library" / "LaunchAgents"
+
+    @property
+    def plist_path(self) -> Path:
+        return self.launch_agents_dir / "org.voxvera.start-all.plist"
+
+    def autostart_artifacts(self) -> list[str]:
+        return [str(self.plist_path)]
+
+    def render_launchd_plist(self, voxvera_bin: str) -> str:
+        home = self.home_dir
+        return f"""\
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
+<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN"
+  "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">
+<plist version="1.0">
+<dict>
+    <key>Label</key>
+    <string>org.voxvera.start-all</string>
+    <key>ProgramArguments</key>
+    <array>
+        <string>{voxvera_bin}</string>
+        <string>start-all</string>
+    </array>
+    <key>RunAtLoad</key>
+    <true/>
+    <key>StandardOutPath</key>
+    <string>{home}/host/voxvera-autostart.log</string>
+    <key>StandardErrorPath</key>
+    <string>{home}/host/voxvera-autostart.log</string>
+</dict>
+</plist>
+"""
+
+    def autostart_status(self) -> dict:
+        checks = [
+            {
+                "name": self.plist_path.name,
+                "ok": self.plist_path.exists(),
+                "detail": str(self.plist_path) if self.plist_path.exists() else f"missing: {self.plist_path}",
+            }
+        ]
+        if self._run_capture(["launchctl", "list", "org.voxvera.start-all"])[0]:
+            checks.append(
+                {
+                    "name": "launchd_loaded",
+                    "ok": True,
+                    "detail": "org.voxvera.start-all is loaded",
+                }
+            )
+        else:
+            checks.append(
+                {
+                    "name": "launchd_loaded",
+                    "ok": False,
+                    "detail": "org.voxvera.start-all is not loaded",
+                }
+            )
+        return {
+            "platform_id": self.platform_id,
+            "label": self.label,
+            "tier": self.tier,
+            "supported": False,
+            "message": "macOS launchd autostart is experimental and not validated for reliable hidden-service recovery.",
+            "artifacts": self.autostart_artifacts(),
+            "checks": checks,
+        }
+
+    def install_autostart(self) -> None:
+        if self.cli is None:
+            raise RuntimeError("CLI module is required to install macOS autostart.")
+        self.launch_agents_dir.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
+        voxvera_bin = self.cli._find_voxvera_bin()
+        self.plist_path.write_text(self.render_launchd_plist(voxvera_bin), encoding="utf-8")
+        self._run_capture(["launchctl", "load", "-w", str(self.plist_path)])
+        print(f"LaunchAgent installed: {self.plist_path}")
+        print("Sites will start automatically on login.")
+        print(f"  Disable with: launchctl unload {self.plist_path}")
diff --git a/voxvera/platforms/windows.py b/voxvera/platforms/windows.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..96985a5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/voxvera/platforms/windows.py
@@ -0,0 +1,54 @@
+from .base import PlatformAdapter
+
+
+class WindowsPlatformAdapter(PlatformAdapter):
+    platform_id = "windows_cli"
+    tier = "experimental"
+    label = "Windows CLI"
+    task_name = "VoxVera Start All"
+
+    def render_schtasks_create_command(self, voxvera_bin: str) -> list[str]:
+        return [
+            "schtasks",
+            "/Create",
+            "/F",
+            "/SC",
+            "ONLOGON",
+            "/TN",
+            self.task_name,
+            "/TR",
+            f'"{voxvera_bin}" start-all',
+            "/RL",
+            "HIGHEST",
+        ]
+
+    def autostart_status(self) -> dict:
+        ok, output = self._run_capture(["schtasks", "/Query", "/TN", self.task_name])
+        checks = [
+            {
+                "name": "scheduled_task_present",
+                "ok": ok,
+                "detail": output if ok else f"missing or unreadable: {self.task_name}",
+            }
+        ]
+        return {
+            "platform_id": self.platform_id,
+            "label": self.label,
+            "tier": self.tier,
+            "supported": False,
+            "message": "Windows Task Scheduler autostart is experimental and not validated for reliable hidden-service recovery.",
+            "artifacts": [],
+            "checks": checks,
+        }
+
+    def install_autostart(self) -> None:
+        if self.cli is None:
+            raise RuntimeError("CLI module is required to install Windows autostart.")
+        voxvera_bin = self.cli._find_voxvera_bin()
+        ok, _output = self._run_capture(self.render_schtasks_create_command(voxvera_bin))
+        if ok:
+            print(f"Windows scheduled task '{self.task_name}' created.")
+            print("Sites will start automatically on login.")
+            print(f'  Remove with: schtasks /Delete /TN "{self.task_name}" /F')
+            return
+        print("Failed to create scheduled task. Try running as Administrator.")