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DOSBox provides a DOS environment to run old DOS applications on modern operating systems. Here's how to use DOSBox to run vintage games and applications.
Guide to Using DOSBox to Run Games on Windows 7, 8, 10
Get DOSBox from the DOSBox website. You can visit the site to download the app and start using it, or simply download and install it from here: Download DOSBox
DOSBox is available not only for Windows but also for Mac OS X, Linux, and various UNIX-based operating systems. If you're using Ubuntu, you can find DOSBox in the Ubuntu Software Center.
Additionally, you'll need the game or application you want to run. If the game is available as shareware, you can search for it online. Most DOS games are compatible with DOSBox, but for added assurance, you can visit the DOSBox homepage and check the comprehensive list of compatible programs.
How to Use DOSBox to Run Old DOS Games and Applications
Inputting data for games and applications
After installation, you can activate DOSBox from the desktop or Start Menu. Two windows will appear - a status window and a DOSBox window, you can ignore the status window.
Additionally, you can run a program by dragging and dropping its executable EXE file onto the DOSBox application icon.
Before using DOSBox to run old DOS games and applications, you'll need to mount (attach) the directory of the game. The DOSBox environment is separate from the file system on your computer. In other words, the C: drive in DOSBox is completely separate from the C: drive on your computer.
Here's an example of the mounting command syntax:
mount c c:\games\
This command attaches the directory C:\Games on your computer as the C: drive in DOSBox.
Note: in the command above, replace c:\ games with the location of the game folder on your computer.
Add -t cdrom if you're attaching a CD-ROM drive. For example, the command below attaches the CD-ROM drive (drive D:) on your computer and mounts it to drive C: in DOSBox:
mount c D:\ -t cdrom
Navigation and Running Applications
Once you've mounted the game files, you can type C: and press Enter to switch to the C: drive in DOSBox.
Use the dir command to list files and directories in the current directory, and the cd command followed by the folder name to navigate to different corresponding folders. Use cd.. to go back to the parent directory.
Enter the name of the EXE file in the current directory to execute that program. You may need to run the install command before playing the game or running the application.
Installing the game is similar to how you would on a regular DOS system.
Once installed, locate and run the executable file by entering the exact name of that EXE file.
Now you're ready to play the game. Each time you restart DOSBox, you'll need to re-mount the directory following the steps above.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Essentially, you already know how to run old games and applications with DOSBox, but this program also has quite a few shortcuts to make your work even easier. Here are some of the basic shortcuts:
Alt-Enter toggles between full-screen and windowed mode.
If the game speed is too fast, you can decrease it by using the Ctrl + F11 key combination. Or if you want to increase the game speed, you can use the Ctrl + F12 key combination. The CPU emulation speed of DOSBox displayed in the title bar will change each time you use these keys.
Type the command intro special to view the full list of DOSBox shortcuts.
DOSBox can also run DOS programs that are not games, including the Windows 3.1 operating system, but it's mainly used for gaming purposes.
One of the best examples is installing the 10-finger typing tool on Windows 7 like Mario. Refer to how to install Mario on Windows 7 here to better understand using DOSBox.
Here's how to use DOSBox to run old DOS games and applications. However, if you want to play games and applications designed for Android phones, you'll need to use BlueStacks, one of the most powerful emulator programs available today. We hope this article provides you with more ways to enjoy old games and applications on your Windows computer. Wishing you success.
