Running Windows 95 in Electron: Because Why Not?
Remember the days of dial-up internet, pixelated solitaire, and the pure joy of hearing "You've Got Mail"? What if you could relive those nostalgic computing moments without digging out old hardware or dealing with virtual machine configurations? That's exactly what developer Felix Rieseberg built - and it's more than just a novelty.
Windows 95 running smoothly in an Electron app might sound like tech wizardry, but it's real, it works surprisingly well, and it's completely free. This isn't just another emulator - it's a fully self-contained application that brings the entire Windows 95 experience to your modern desktop with a double-click.
What It Does
This project packages the entire Windows 95 operating system into an Electron application. Think of it as a complete, functional Windows 95 installation that runs as a standalone app on Windows, macOS, or Linux. All the classic components are there - the Start menu, File Explorer, MS Paint, and even Solitaire are ready to use.
Under the hood, it uses an x86 emulator to run the actual Windows 95 system, while Electron provides the native application wrapper. The result is surprisingly performant - Windows 95 boots in seconds rather than minutes, and runs smoothly even on modest hardware.
Why It's Cool
Beyond the obvious nostalgia factor, there are some genuinely clever aspects to this project. The entire Windows 95 system is contained within a single executable - no separate virtual machine software required. It's portable, meaning you can run it from a USB drive or drop it between computers without installation.
For developers, it's fascinating to see how Electron can be used for more than just modern web apps. The project demonstrates creative use of WebAssembly and emulation technology, showing how legacy systems can be preserved and made accessible. It's also open source, so you can dig into the code to see how the magic happens.
Want to show younger developers what computing was like in the 90s? Curious about retro gaming without hunting for old hardware? This might be your easiest path to experiencing computing history.
How to Try It
Getting your dose of 90s computing is straightforward:
- Head to the releases page on GitHub
- Download the version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux)
- Run the application - no installation needed
The first launch will take a moment as it sets up Windows 95, but subsequent starts are nearly instant. You'll be greeted by the familiar boot screen and desktop in seconds. All the classic applications are there and ready to use.
Final Thoughts
While you probably shouldn't use this for your daily development work (imagine coding without tabs or modern tooling), it's a brilliant demonstration of what's possible with modern web technologies. It shows how Electron can be pushed beyond its typical use cases and serves as a fun, accessible way to preserve computing history.
For developers, it's a great reminder that sometimes the most interesting projects are the ones we build just because we can. Whether you're feeling nostalgic, want to show the kids what computing used to be like, or just appreciate clever technical solutions, this Windows 95 Electron app is worth checking out.
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