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FreeDOS

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description FreeDOS Overview

FreeDOS is a free and open-source DOS-compatible operating system designed for use on PCs, offering a straightforward environment suitable for legacy applications and embedded systems without requiring licensing fees.

help FreeDOS FAQ

Which DOS programs can FreeDOS run?

FreeDOS is designed to be compatible with PC DOS and targets familiar MS-DOS 6.22 features. It is therefore aimed at legacy DOS applications and games, not modern Windows desktop software. ([FreeDOS specification](https://help.freedos.org/docs/about/fdspec.html))

What hardware does FreeDOS 1.4 require?

The official download page lists an Intel CPU, BIOS or UEFI in Legacy mode, 640 KB of memory, and at least 20 MB of disk space for installation. Modern UEFI-only computers may need a virtual machine or compatible legacy boot setting. ([FreeDOS downloads](https://www.freedos.org/download/))

Can I try FreeDOS without installing it on my main computer?

Yes, the project provides LiveCD and USB images, including FullUSB and LiteUSB editions. It also recommends emulators and virtual machines such as VirtualBox, QEMU, Bochs, PCem, 86Box, and Dosemu2. ([FreeDOS downloads](https://www.freedos.org/download/))

When did FreeDOS start, and what is the current stable release?

Jim Hall started the FreeDOS project in 1994, and the official FreeDOS 1.4 release announcement is dated April 5, 2025. The download page also lists monthly T-series test builds separately from the stable 1.4 distribution. ([FreeDOS history](https://www.freedos.org/about/), [FreeDOS 1.4 announcement](https://www.freedos.org/download/announce.html?pubDate=20250408))

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