v86

What v86 actually is

Fabian Hemmer's x86 emulator runs real operating system images in JavaScript, and the demo page offers a menu of them stretching from Windows 1.01 to Windows 98 to several small Linux builds. Disks are pre-loaded, so there is nothing to configure.

Why it is worth your time

This is not a mock-up: you can open the real Windows 98 Control Panel and break the real registry from inside a browser tab.

Common questions

Is v86 free?

Yes. v86 is free and does not ask you to register or hand over an email address before you can use it.

How long does v86 take?

One quick round, then you can leave. We file it under "A minute" — boot Windows 95, Linux or FreeDOS inside a browser tab.

Does v86 work on a phone?

v86 really wants a mouse and a wide window. It will load on a phone, but the experience is built for desktop.

What kind of site is v86?

We list it under Pixel Nostalgia — old software, running again, in a tab. This is not a mock-up: you can open the real Windows 98 Control Panel and break the real registry from inside a browser tab.