Missing Windows XP? You Can Now Run It Directly in Your Browser Without Installing Anything
⬤ A developer has recreated the legendary Windows XP system from 2001 as a web app that runs entirely in the browser.
⬤ The system requires no installation and works smoothly across different devices.
⬤ Windows XP was one of the most successful and longest-supported Windows releases, lasting 17 years.
Microsoft first launched Windows XP in 2001, and the system received updates and support for more than 17 years, making it one of the longest-living operating systems ever. The platform remains a nostalgic favorite among many users, so much so that one developer decided to recreate the entire XP experience using only web technologies.
The project, which runs entirely inside a browser, emulates a fictional version of Windows XP. It includes a file system, built-in programs, file open and save dialogs, and even simple external applications for interaction and fun. According to the developer, the main goal of the project is to bring back memories. Users can run the simulation directly in their browser with no installation or server connection required.
The developer behind the project, available at Win32.run, shared his progress recently. He explained that he started building the simulation several years ago out of nostalgia for the operating system he used as a child. It was built using the Svelte framework along with tools like SvelteKit and Tailwind CSS.
The Windows XP simulation runs entirely on the client side, meaning it can be installed and executed anywhere without the need for a server. All files are processed locally inside the browser, and the app does not allow uploading actual files. A live online version is available for anyone who wants to spend a few minutes exploring the classic Luna interface and its familiar rounded windows.
This project highlights how far computing power has come in recent years. The operating system that once dominated the tech world two decades ago can now run as a simple web app that even low-end devices can handle with ease.
Attempts to recreate older versions of Windows as web apps are not new. Previous projects have included a Windows 95 simulation built with Electron, as well as more complex emulations that replicate full operating system functionality. While this Windows XP recreation is not a major technical breakthrough, it is much simpler and more accessible than full-system emulators.
If your nostalgia for Windows XP includes actually using its programs, your best option might be to install it on a virtual machine, such as VMWare Workstation. The system’s requirements are extremely low by today’s standards, and it can run smoothly with many of its classic apps and games even on modest hardware.
