How to Play Classic PC Games on Windows 11

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In brief:

PCWorld illustrates how Windows 11 users can enjoy vintage PC games from the 80s and 90s by utilizing DOSBox, a free emulator that replicates MS-DOS environments.
DOSBox enables the play of classic titles like Shadowlands, The Dig, and Maniac Mansion by emulating key hardware components such as x86 processors and sound cards.
The process involves setting up dedicated folders, executing mount commands to access drives, and installing games from original floppy disks, CDs, or disk image files downloaded from the internet for nostalgic gameplay.

Who doesn’t hold memories of iconic PC games like Maniac Mansion, the King’s Quest series, or the quirky adventures of Leisure Suit Larry? Even software like Microsoft Works and Lotus Smart Suite evoke nostalgia.

These programs originated in the 80s and 90s and ran on MS-DOS (whose predecessor, 86-DOS, is now open-source, thanks to Microsoft) or early Windows versions like 3.1, distributed via floppy disks and CDs.

This guide aims to revive those gems, enabling them to run on modern Windows 11 PCs.

We outline two common scenarios:

Using original installation media for MS-DOS or Windows 3.1.
When installation media is no longer available, yet the desire remains to access previous games and applications.

Prerequisite: DOSBox as an MS-DOS emulator

To run legacy applications and games within Windows 11, an emulator such as DOSBox is essential.

This command-line tool, mainly designed for games, offers a simulated MS-DOS environment by emulating an IBM PC-compatible system with an adjustable x86 processor speed. It also supports running 16-bit programs, and even installing Windows 3.1 for compatible software use.

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Beyond software, DOSBox provides the necessary hardware support: it manages input devices such as keyboards, mice, joysticks, and gamepads, which are crucial for gaming experiences.

It also supports virtual drives like CD-ROMs and sound cards for audio, functioning independently of the PC’s actual hardware.

While operating DOSBox requires basic command-line knowledge, the emulator includes help functions and tutorials, and detailed instructions are available online.

Supported games are listed at dosbox.com/comp_list.php.

Configuring DOSBox and mounting drives

For clarity, install DOSBox in a new directory named “Oldies” on your C:\ drive, and create another folder named “DOSSoft” within it for your games and applications.

Keep in mind that DOSBox abbreviates folder names longer than eight characters, so choose short, simple names for your directories.

For example, to run the 1992 game Shadowlands from its original 3.5-inch floppy, start by mounting the floppy as a drive in DOSBox.

Use the command:

mount A A:\ -t floppy

This associates the USB floppy drive with the DOSBox drive letter A. It may take a few seconds for the system to recognize the connection. Remember, every time you close DOSBox, you need to remount your drives, and remounted directories do not update automatically—re-mount or unmount and remount as necessary.

Note: Using 5.25-inch floppy disks can be tricky due to the rarity of compatible external drives and internal controller limitations. If needed, download disk images from the internet instead, respecting software licensing laws.

Playing games from 3.5-inch disks with MS-DOS

To play Shadowlands (1992) from its original 3.5-inch floppy, after mounting your floppy drive, mount your game directory as:

mount C C:\Oldies\DOSSoft

Then, switch to the floppy drive with:

A:

Install the game with:

install A: C:

A new folder labeled “SHADOW” will be created. Confirm installation by the on-screen message “Install Complete.” Then, change to the game directory:

C:

and type:

dir

to list the folder contents and launch the game with:

shadow

This will start the game, allowing you to select resolution (VGA 640×480 or EGA 640×350, with VGA being preferable) and enjoy sound output for an immersive experience.

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Pro tip: if your game files are stored in subfolders, use the cd command to navigate there manually. You can go up a directory level with: cd ...

Once Shadowlands is running, set your display resolution preferences, then enjoy the game with sound. DOSBox supports mouse input, but note that during gameplay, both mouse and keyboard inputs are directed to the game; to regain control over your PC, exit or pause the game with Ctrl-Alt-Del.

To install directly from CD, mount the CD-ROM with:

mount E E:\ -t cdrrom

Navigate to drive E:, locate the setup file, and run it. Similarly, to start an installed game from the CD, execute its start file instead.

Installing Windows 3.1 from disks or disk images

To install Windows 3.1 via DOSBox, mount the floppy disks as described, then list their contents with dir and run the setup command from the first disk. Follow the prompts, swapping disks as instructed.

Installation files will be saved in a “WINDOWS” folder within your installation directory. To run Windows 3.1, mount this folder as drive F:

mount F C:\Oldies\DOSSoft\Windows

Change to drive F: with:

F:

and launch Windows with:

win

Once installed, simply unmount and close DOSBox; to use Windows again, remount the folder and start it in the same manner. Be aware that older floppy disks may be unreadable now; in such cases, you can download disk images from legitimate sources. For example, for Windows 3.1, resources like winworldpc.com provide disk images that can be mounted in DOSBox.

Running apps within Windows 3.1

To add new applications, place their files in a dedicated folder within your mounted drive, such as “Aldus” for Aldus Photostyler, and copy diskettes contents there.

Start Windows 3.1 in DOSBox, open the File Manager, and navigate to the relevant folder to launch the applications.

For software like Microsoft Works (1988), download ZIP files from trusted sources, unpack them into a dedicated folder (e.g., “Works”), mount the directory, and run setup from within Windows 3.1.

Creating Disk Images

If you possess original floppy disks and want to safeguard their contents, consider creating image files using freeware like Floppy Image. This program can generate IMZ, IMG, or EXE files, ensuring your software is preserved against media deterioration.

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In the software, click “Browse” under “Read Floppy,” specify the filename, storage location, and format, then click “Save” to generate the disk image, preserving the content securely for future use.

With these steps, you can relive the classics from past computing eras on your modern Windows 11 system, leveraging DOSBox for a seamless experience with old programs and games.