Windows 10 can’t run most old DOS games directly. 64-bit versions of Windows don’t include the 16-bit subsystem DOS programs need, and even when a game starts, it usually runs far too fast or has no sound. The standard fix is DOSBox, a free emulator that recreates an old DOS PC inside a window. This guide shows the quickest ways to play, how to set up DOSBox yourself, and how to fix speed, sound, and mouse problems.
The Easiest Option: Buy a Pre-Packaged Version
Many classic DOS games are sold legally on GOG and Steam already bundled with DOSBox and set up to run. You install them like any modern game and click Play. If the game you want is available there, this is the simplest route. Some publishers also release older games as free downloads on their own websites.
Downloads from “abandonware” sites are often still under copyright, even if the game isn’t sold anymore, so they aren’t automatically legal.
Method 1: Set Up DOSBox Yourself
Step 1: Download and Install DOSBox
Download the Windows installer from the official DOSBox website and run it. Actively maintained versions such as DOSBox Staging and DOSBox-X are also popular and add extra features, but the steps below work the same way in the original DOSBox.
Step 2: Create a Folder for Your Games
Make a folder with a short name and no spaces, such as C:\DOSGAMES. Copy each game into its own subfolder, such as C:\DOSGAMES\KEEN. If the game came as a ZIP file, extract it first.
Step 3: Mount the Folder in DOSBox
Open DOSBox. At the Z:\> prompt, type mount c c:\dosgames and press Enter. This makes your games folder appear as drive C: inside DOSBox. Then type c: and press Enter to switch to it.
Step 4: Run the Game
Type cd keen to enter the game’s folder, then type dir to list the files. Look for a file ending in .exe, .com, or .bat, and type its name to start the game, such as keen1.
Step 5: Automate Mounting
Open the DOSBox configuration file from the Start menu shortcut DOSBox Options. Scroll to the bottom section labeled [autoexec] and add your commands, one per line, such as mount c c:\dosgames and c:. Save the file, and DOSBox will run them every time it starts.
Running Games That Came on CDs or Floppies
For a game on a CD, mount the CD drive or an ISO image as D:. For an ISO, use imgmount d c:\dosgames\game.iso -t iso. Many games also need an install step first. Run INSTALL.EXE or SETUP.EXE inside DOSBox and install to the mounted C: drive.
Useful DOSBox Keyboard Shortcuts
- Alt + Enter: Switch between full screen and a window.
- Ctrl + F12: Speed up the emulated CPU if the game runs slowly.
- Ctrl + F11: Slow down the emulated CPU if the game runs too fast.
- Ctrl + F10: Lock or release the mouse.
- Ctrl + F9: Close DOSBox.
Method 2: Play in a Web Browser
Some sites, such as the Internet Archive’s software library, run DOS games in your browser using an emulator, so there’s nothing to install. Check the rights for each game before playing.
Tips for Playing DOS Games on Windows 10
- Keep each game in its own folder so saves and settings don’t mix.
- Run SETUP.EXE first to choose the sound card. Sound Blaster 16 at the default settings works in most games.
- Back up save files in the game folder before trying new settings.
- Use a USB gamepad with DOSBox’s joystick settings for games that support joysticks.
Troubleshooting
“This App Can’t Run on Your PC” or Nothing Happens
You tried to run the DOS program directly in Windows. Start it from inside DOSBox instead.
The Game Runs Too Fast or Too Slow
Press Ctrl + F11 or Ctrl + F12 to change the speed, or set cycles= to a fixed number, such as 3000, in the [cpu] section of the configuration file.
There’s No Sound
Run the game’s SETUP program and choose Sound Blaster with address 220, IRQ 7, and DMA 1, which match DOSBox’s defaults.
The Mouse Is Stuck in the Window
Press Ctrl + F10 to release it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play any DOS game with DOSBox?
Most of them. DOSBox runs the large majority of DOS games, though a few need tweaks or a fork such as DOSBox-X.
Is DOSBox free?
Yes. DOSBox and its main forks are free and open source.
Do I need to be tech-savvy to use DOSBox?
Not really. You only need a few commands: mount, the drive letter, cd, and the game’s file name. Front-end apps can hide even those.
What are the system requirements?
Very low. Any PC that runs Windows 10 can run DOSBox for nearly all DOS games.
Can DOSBox run on other systems?
Yes. It’s available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Related: how to get Fallout 3 to work on Windows 10.
Related: how to play The Sims 1 on Windows 10.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.