windows95 logo

windows95 Felix Rieseberg

Use this command to install windows95:
winget install --id=FelixRieseberg.Windows95 -e

Windows 95 emulator written in javascript and electron

Windows 95 is a Windows 95 emulator built using JavaScript and Electron. Designed to replicate the classic operating system experience, it allows users to explore and interact with a virtualized version of Windows 95 on modern devices.

Key Features:

  • Runs seamlessly on macOS, Linux, and Windows.
  • Supports keyboard shortcuts for a more authentic experience.
  • Includes themed interfaces that capture the nostalgic feel of Windows 95.
  • Optimized performance for smooth operation on modern hardware.
  • Built with Electron, ensuring compatibility across platforms.

Audience & Benefit:
Ideal for retro computing enthusiasts and developers who want to revisit or test applications in a Windows 95 environment without relying on old hardware or virtual machines. The emulator provides an accessible way to experience the classic operating system in a modern package.

Available via winget for easy installation, this tool offers a unique blend of nostalgia and functionality for those interested in exploring Windows 95 in a contemporary context.

README

windows95

This is Windows 95, running in an Electron app. Yes, it's the full thing. I'm sorry.

Downloads

  <img src="./.github/images/windows.png" width="24" />
  Windows


  32-bit
  <a href="https://github.com/felixrieseberg/windows95/releases/download/v4.0.0/windows95-4.0.0-setup-ia32.exe">
    💿 Installer
  </a> |
  <a href="https://github.com/felixrieseberg/windows95/releases/download/v4.0.0/windows95-win32-ia32-4.0.0.zip">
    📦 Standalone Zip
  </a>
  
  64-bit
  <a href="https://github.com/felixrieseberg/windows95/releases/download/v4.0.0/windows95-4.0.0-setup-x64.exe">
    💿 Installer
  </a> |
  <a href="https://github.com/felixrieseberg/windows95/releases/download/v4.0.0/windows95-win32-x64-4.0.0.zip">
    📦 Standalone Zip
  </a>
  ARM64
  <a href="https://github.com/felixrieseberg/windows95/releases/download/v4.0.0/windows95-4.0.0-setup-arm64.exe">
    💿 Installer
  </a> |
  <a href="https://github.com/felixrieseberg/windows95/releases/download/v4.0.0/windows95-win32-arm64-4.0.0.zip">
    📦 Standalone Zip
  </a>
  
    ❓ Don't know what kind of chip you have? It's probably `x64`. To confirm, on your computer, hit Start, enter "processor" for info.
  




  <img src="./.github/images/macos.png" width="24" />
  macOS


  Apple Silicon Processor
  <a href="https://github.com/felixrieseberg/windows95/releases/download/v4.0.0/windows95-darwin-arm64-4.0.0.zip">
    📦 Standalone Zip
  </a>
  Intel Processor
  <a href="https://github.com/felixrieseberg/windows95/releases/download/v4.0.0/windows95-darwin-x64-4.0.0.zip">
    📦 Standalone Zip
  </a>
  
    ❓ Don't know what kind of chip you have? If you bought your computer after 2020, select "Apple Silicon". Learn more at <a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211814">apple.com</a>.
  




  <img src="./.github/images/linux.png" width="24" />
  Linux


  64-bit
  <a href="https://github.com/felixrieseberg/windows95/releases/download/v4.0.0/windows95-4.0.0-1.x86_64.rpm">
    💿 rpm
  </a> |
  <a href="https://github.com/felixrieseberg/windows95/releases/download/v4.0.0/windows95_4.0.0_amd64.deb">
    💿 deb
  </a>









  <img src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/43ab7126-765e-444b-ad14-27b1beadbc7c" width="100%" />


  <img src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/7ac5dc36-cbd4-4455-a616-0e5cca314b34" width="100%" />

Does it work?

Yes! Quite well, actually - on macOS, Windows, and Linux. Bear in mind that this is written entirely in JavaScript, so please adjust your expectations.

Should this have been a native app?

Absolutely.

Does it run Doom (or my other favorite game)?

You'll likely be better off with an actual virtualization app, but the short answer is yes. In fact, a few games are already preinstalled - and more can be found on the Internet, for instance at archive.org. Thanks to @DisplacedGamers I can recommend that you switch to a resolution of 640x480 @ 256 colors before starting DOS games - just like in the good ol' days.

Credits

99% of the work was done over at v86 by Copy aka Fabian Hemmer and his contributors.

Contributing

Before you can run this from source, you'll need the disk image. It's not part of the repository, but you can grab it using the Show Disk Image button from the packaged release, which does include the disk image. You can find that button in the Modify C: Drive section.

Unpack the images folder into the src folder, creating this layout:

- /images/windows95.img
- /images/default-state.bin
- /assets/...
- /bios/...
- /docs/...

Once you've done so, run npm install and npm start to run your local build.

If you want to tinker with the image or make a new one, check out the QEMU docs.

Other Questions

License

This project is provided for educational purposes only. It is not affiliated with and has not been approved by Microsoft.

Versions
4.0.0
3.1.1
3.0.0
2.3.0
2.2.2
2.2.1
2.2.0
2.1.1
2.1.0
Website