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Windows 2000/XP/Vista emulators

425 bytes added, 31 March
Summary
Playing games released for these platforms on a modern system can be quite easy as programs can be run on latest Windows without sacrifices due to backwards compability.<ref>https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/make-older-apps-or-programs-compatible-with-windows-783d6dd7-b439-bdb0-0490-54eea0f45938</ref> However this '''may''' change in the near future due to dropping 16 and 32-bit support from processors.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2FpXimj1oA René Rebe: Intel finally to remove 16-bit REAL MODE and some 32b RINGS]</ref><ref>[[Wikipedia:X86#From_16-bit_and_32-bit_to_64-bit_architecture|In 2023, Intel proposed a major change to the architecture referred to as x86-S (with S standing for "simplification"), which aims to remove support for legacy execution modes and instructions]]</ref>
If you are trying to get Windows 2000, XP or Vista software working on a modern system, you should only be using this page as a last resort and would be better suited to read the [https://www.pcgamingwiki.com PC Gaming WikiPCGamingWiki], which likely already has information on the game you want. If you don't have the operating system you want, you can download it from [https://winworldpc.com/library/operating-systems WinWorldPC], and if you don't have the game you want or it's not available on the platforms like [https://store.steampowered.com/ Steam] or [https://www.gog.com/ GOG]; you can try downloading it from [https://www.myabandonware.com/ My Abandonware].
==[[Wrappers]]==
:VMWare Tools supports Windows 95 through Windows 10 but [https://kb.vmware.com/s/article/81466 VMware Tools 10.0.12 will be the last version to support <abbr title="Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003">legacy Guest Operating Systems</abbr>] although you can still [https://kb.vmware.com/s/article/1014294 use latest VMware version with VMware Tools 10.0.12], VMware will automatically installs it to guest operating system for you.
:VirtualBox; supports integrations but does not include 3D acceleration for legacy operating systems anymore (with recent versions) due to VBoxVGA deprecate<ref>[https://forums.virtualbox.org/viewtopic.php?t=96010 changes in VirtualBox's 3D acceleration system]</ref>, so you must use [https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Download_Old_Builds VirtualBox 6.0.24 version or earlier] to use 3D acceleration in a Windows 2000, XP or Vista guest operating system.
Although newer [[Hypervisors#Hypervisor_issues|VMware releases has major issues]] with legacy guest operating system nowadays;
! scope="col"|Compatibility
! scope="col"|<abbr title="Free/Libre and Open-Source Software">FLOSS</abbr>
! scope="col"|Active<abbr title="Virtual GPU Adapter">*</abbr>
! scope="col"|[[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
|-
! colspan="67"|PC / x86|-|[https://www.parallels.com/ Parallels Desktop]|align=left|{{Icon|macOS}}|Parallels Video Adapter<ref>[https://youtu.be/iWRuSO39LdU?t=2135 lactobacillusprime's video about "Parallels Desktop"]</ref>|?|{{✗}}|{{?}}|{{~}}
|-
|[[VMware Workstation]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|SVGA3D
|[https://communities.vmware.com/t5/VMware-Fusion-Documents/3D-Applications-Compatibility-List/ta-p/2785485 Mid?]
|{{✗}}
|{{✓}}
|-
|[https://www.parallels.com/ Parallels Desktop]
|align=left|{{Icon|macOS}}
|Parallels Video Adapter<ref>[https://youtu.be/iWRuSO39LdU?t=2135 lactobacillusprime's video about "Parallels Desktop"]</ref>
|?
|{{✗}}
|{{~}}
|-
|[[VirtualBox]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD|Solaris}}
|VBoxVGA
|[https://forums.virtualbox.org/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2525 Low-Mid?]
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|{{~}}
|}
;Comparison
*3D acceleration in hypervisors is capable of running fairly demanding video games or other 3D applications with a few drawbacks such as limited DirectX API versions. Every hypervisor has a different approach to handling 3D graphics resulting VirtualBox [[Hypervisors#Graphics|supports for OpenGL are slightly better than Direct3D]] (since it doesn't have to be reverse engineered), on the other hand VMware has better support for D3D9. Keep in mind that most Windows games (including ports) use Direct3D. Having said that you *You can use [[Wrappers#90.27s_APIs|wrappers]] like "WineD3D for Windows" or "DxWnd" for translate D3D calls to OpenGL on the legacy operating system for increasing your chance if games uncompatible with virtual GPU adapter. Also you can use [[Wrappers|d3d8to9]] since VMware's Direct3D 8 acceleration has graphical and/or performance issues. "*Also you can use [https://github.com/JHRobotics/softgpu?tab=readme-ov-file#feature-support softgpu] drivers for Win9x operating systems, but [https://github.com/JHRobotics/softgpu/issues/12 softgpu]" drivers do not support it isn't compatible with Windows XP at the moment]. *DxWnd 2.05.70, WineD3D 1.7.52 or 1.9.7-staging(partially) versions are the latest compatible versions with Windows XP (if [https://github.com/Skulltrail192/One-Core-API-Binaries OneCoreAPI] is '''not''' installed to OS), for getting these old "WineD3D for Windows" builds use [https://www.vogonsdrivers.com/wrappers/files/DirectX/OpenGL/WineD3D/2000+/ this link]<br '''Note:''' Using [https://kb.vmware.com/s/article/2057914 VMware-KVM]([https://blogs.vmware.com/workstation/2014/03/whats-cool-vmware-kvm-utility.html 2]) or [https://kb.vmware.com/s/article/1018809 RDP] instead of VMware built-in display is recommended for smoother experience, this shouldn't be confused with [https://>linux-kvm.org/page/Main_Page KVM] (Kernel-based Virtual Machine).
====[[Hypervisors#Type_1_hypervisors|<abbr title="Because of KVM or WHPX">Type 1 Hypervisors</abbr>]]====
! scope="col"|Compatibility
! scope="col"|<abbr title="Free/Libre and Open-Source Software">FLOSS</abbr>
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
|-
! colspan="67"|PC / x86
|-
|[[QEMU]]+'''KVM'''
|GPU-Passthrough
|
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|?
|
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|-
|?
|
|{{✓}}
|{{~}}
|-
|[https://docs.mesa3d.org/drivers/virgl.html VirGL]
|N/A
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|-
|N/A
|
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|}
;Comparison
*GPU-Passthrough: You need XP compatible GPU Drivers Before diving in, using WHPX for this, latest supported GPU and GPU drivers from AMD; its 200 series and from nVidia; its 900 series. For more information about this you can [https://techpowerup.com/forums/threads/newest-graphics-card-that-supports-windows-xp.256433/ use this link].:hardware acceleration on Windows host [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roDayhayu08 T43ni7mssww&lc=Ugw2qKkJVn3eSW7ZJ0p4AaABAg.9g4VM28d9_o9kUveV6vMMD will be slower performance wise compared to using QEMU+with Linux host and KVM ]. You will have to stay with GPU passthrough guide for Windows XP VMs]QEMU TCG entirely until you manually switched to 'ACPI PC' kernel. The starting 'ACPI Uniprocessor' kernel does not boot on QEMU WHPX.
*;QEMUwith GPU-3dfx's advantage is "MESAGL/3Dfx Glide pass-through". The project took on the troubles to support the legacy of vendor-specific OpenGL extensions that matter Passthrough:You need XP compatible GPU Drivers for PC games. Past this, latest supported GPU and existing solutions (VirtualBox VBoxVGA's ChromiumGL, VMware SVGA3D GPU drivers from AMD; its 200 series and QEMU Virgil 3D) are all based on API "re-rendering" rather then "direct forwarding"from nVidia; its 900 series.<ref>For more information about this you can [https://githubtechpowerup.com/joncampbell123forums/dosboxthreads/newest-x/issues/3405#issuecommentgraphics-card-that-1328235348 javispedro's comment about Virtual GPU adapters]<br/>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsszZ260o2g KJ Liew's "QEMU Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (2003) supports-windows- Tribute to NVIDIA OpenGL" video description]</ref>:[https://wwwxp.youtube.com256433/watch?v=T43ni7mssww KJ Liew's QEMU-3dfx ($) Windows XP SP3 Retro Gaming VM From Scratch to 3D Acceleration in 15 minsuse this link]:. See [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBGewPC41Zo roDayhayu08 this video] for QEMU-3dfx with +KVM - Ryzen 5 7535U and Radeon 680M]:[https://www.youtubeGPU passthrough guide using Windows XP VMs.com/watch?v=aeQifShRBTk QEMU-3dfx with WHPX - Ryzen 5 7535U and Radeon 680M]
*;QEMU with WHPX-3dfx: Using this combination qemu-3dfx builds advantage is "MESAGL/3Dfx Glide pass-through". The project took on the troubles to support the legacy of vendor-specific OpenGL extensions that matter for PC games. Past and existing solutions (VirtualBox VBoxVGA's ChromiumGL, VMware SVGA3D and QEMU Virgil 3D) are all based on Windows host API "re-rendering" rather then "direct forwarding".<ref>[https://github.com/joncampbell123/dosbox-x/issues/3405#issuecomment-1328235348 javispedro's comment about Virtual GPU adapters]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T43ni7mssww&lc=Ugw2qKkJVn3eSW7ZJ0p4AaABAgTsszZ260o2g KJ Liew's "QEMU Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (2003) -- Tribute to NVIDIA OpenGL" video description]</ref>See [https://github.9g4VM28d9_o9kUveV6vMMD will be much slower performance wise compared to Linux host and com/kjliew/qemu-3dfx/wiki/QEMU-3D-APIs-Pass-Through QEMU + KVM3dfx wiki: 3D APIs Pass-Through]and [https://www. You will have to stay with QEMU TCG entirely until you manually switched to 'ACPI PC' kernelyoutube. The starting com/@qemu-3dfx/videos KJ Liew'ACPI Uniprocessor' kernel does not boot on QEMU WHPXs YouTube channel] for more information about qemu-3dfx.
*;QEMU VirGL currently :VirGL virtual adapter only for supports Linux guests at the moment [https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/QEMU#virtio (Specifically needs 4.4+ Linux kernel with mesa 11.2+ compiled with the "gallium-drivers=virgl" command option]. Plans are to target "GL2.1 + GLSL 1.20" as the possible lowest GL interface to support. The guest would then expose the same level of GL. This project will [https://docs.mesa3d.org/drivers/virgl.html#future-scope eventually support Direct3D and Windows guest] but there is none at the moment. Currently the renderer is GLSL 1.30 based, and requires some extensions from later GL levels. Current developer only really tested on the open source nouveau driver exposing GL3.0/GL3.1 core profile, and the binary nvidia driver exposing GL 4.3. Future plans to add a capabilities system will be required to work make things work across more systems. The capabilities system will expose different guest GL levels dependant on the host GL level, this could allow for a GLES2 specific interface etc. The current guest driver exposes GL2.1 and GLSL 1.20. Also there is a [https://github.com/virtio-win/kvm-guest-drivers-windows/pull/943 pull request: Windows Virtio GPU 3D acceleration for QEMU]. For more information about VirGL3D [https://virgil3d.github.io/questions.html use this link].
*;Hyper-V with GPU-Passthrough:[https://github.com/jamesstringerparsec/Easy-GPU-PV#prerequisites Hyper-V + GPU-Passthrough currently exclusive to Windows 10/11 host and guest systems at the moment].
;====Summary====You don't have any other option other than except "QEMU-3dfx with WHPX" OR "Type 2 hypervisors" for current Windows hosts at the moment.
==[[POS_(Pong_Consoles)_CPUs_and_Other_Chips#x86_CPUs|Software emulators]]==
[[File:86Box and Windows XP.png|thumb|298px|86Box and Windows XP]]
:''[https://www.vogons.org/viewtopic.php?p=1140324 Vogons.org thread: Using PCem with a XP guest]''These are emulators in the truest sense, in that they don't do any kind of "cheating /hacking" the way a hypervisor would. But keep in mind that, unlike [[Wikipedia:X86_virtualization#Hardware-assisted_virtualization|hardware-assisted]] [[#Hypervisors|hypervisors]]; emulating something like Voodoo3 with Pentium II level of hardware with these software emulators requires latest and greatest top-notch [https://www.cpubenchmark.net/singleThread.html single thread performance of CPUCPUs]. [[PCem]] and , [[86Box]] and UniPCemu are full retro x86 computer emulators, spanning from the original IBM 5150 to Pentium II powered PCs. Setting it up is much like building an actual retro computer, but in software, so expect it to be as difficult as setting up an actual retro PC. This means you're going to have to install Windows 2000/XP (Vista is supported by them but unrecommended) along with all necessary drivers for the hardware you chose. This is also Having said that, see these emulators as a great option useful alternative way to emulate these operating systems especially if you want the most accurate and compatible option for 3Dfx Voodoo emulation and [https://www.vogons.org/viewtopic.php?t=534 Windows 2000/XP glide games].
'''For more information;'''
{{Main|POS_(Pong_Consoles)_CPUs_and_Other_Chips#x86_CPUs}}
  [https://github.com/joncampbell123/dosbox-x/issues/1089 What about implementing KVM] and these virtual adapters [https://github.com/joncampbell123/dosbox-x/issues/3405 (VMware SVGA/SVGA II and VBoxVGA emulation)] or [https://github.com/JHRobotics/softgpu/issues/22 "softgpu" drivers] for [[POS_(Pong_Consoles)_CPUs_and_Other_Chips#x86_CPUs{{Main|emulators]]. ([https://github.com/joncampbell123/dosbox-x/issues/3538 NT-Based OSes unsupported by DOSBox forks at the moment]). [https://www.vogons.org/viewtopic.php?p=1140324 Vogons.org thread: "Using PCem with a XP guest"]PC_Emulator_Comparisons}}
<references />
* [https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Virtualization PCGamingWiki: Virtualization]
* [https://www.vogons.org/ VOGONS]
* [https://github.com/exoscoriae/eXoWin3x/issues/680 eXoWinXP]
[[Category:Operating systems]]
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