How to Run Old DOS Games and Apps Using DOSBox-X

If you’re nostalgic for the golden age of DOS games or need to run legacy software from the ’80s and ’90s, DOSBox-X is your best bet. Unlike the original DOSBox, DOSBox-X aims for full DOS compatibility—not just games, but real-mode applications, installers, even Windows 3.x and early Windows 9x environments.

Here’s how to get up and running, step-by-step.

What Is DOSBox-X?

DOSBox-X is a cross-platform emulator that replicates an MS-DOS environment. It extends the original DOSBox with enhanced hardware emulation, better configuration options, and support for software beyond games—like word processors, database programs, and classic utilities.

If you’ve tried running old DOS software on modern systems and hit a brick wall, this is the tool that breaks through.

Step 1: Download and Install DOSBox-X

1. Go to the official site: https://dosbox-x.com
2. Download the correct version for your OS (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
3. Unzip the archive (if needed) and place the folder somewhere easy to access.

No installation wizard is required. Just run the executable (e.g., dosbox-x.exe on Windows).

Step 2: Prepare Your DOS Game or App

You’ll need the original files for the DOS software you want to run. This means:

• A folder with the extracted game or application files
• Or a disk image file (.img, .iso, .vhd, etc.)

For example, create a folder like C:\DOS\PRINCE for Prince of Persia.

Step 3: Mount Your Folder or Image

Once DOSBox-X is running, you need to “mount” the folder as a virtual drive. Here’s how:

For a folder:

MOUNT C C:\DOS\PRINCE
C:

For a disk image:

IMGMOUNT A disk.img -t floppy
A:

After mounting, switch to that drive and run the executable:

PRINCE.EXE

Boom—you’re in.

Step 4: Tweak Configs (Optional but Recommended)

DOSBox-X offers a graphical menu (Main > Configuration Tool) and a config file (dosbox-x.conf) for detailed tweaks:

• Adjust CPU cycles to match game speed.
• Set machine type to match what your app expects (e.g., vga, ega, hercules).
• Enable sound support for SB16, AdLib, etc.
• Mount auto-exec commands to auto-run apps at startup.

This is especially useful if you’re building a library of old apps.

Step 5: Save Config for Future Use

Once you’ve got everything running smoothly:

1. Go to Main > Save Configuration File
2. Save your settings to dosbox-x.conf
3. Next time you start DOSBox-X, it’ll load your custom setup automatically.

Bonus: Run Windows 3.1 or 95

DOSBox-X can run full Windows 3.1 or even Windows 95 inside the emulator. This opens the door to running old productivity software, multimedia tools, and early Windows games that modern systems can’t handle.

It takes a bit more setup—like installing from floppy or CD images—but it works. DOSBox-X’s documentation has a detailed guide on setting this up.

Final Tips

• Use keyboard shortcuts like Alt+Enter to toggle fullscreen.
• Enable mouse integration for smoother control.
• Check the DOSBox-X wiki for advanced use cases.

Bottom Line: DOSBox-X isn’t just a game emulator—it’s a full-featured DOS environment that breathes life into forgotten software. Whether you’re revisiting childhood classics or recovering legacy documents, it’s a powerhouse tool every retro enthusiast should have.

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!