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. I can recommend that you switch to a resolution of
640x480 @ 256 colors before starting DOS games - just like in the good ol' days.
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: