DOSBox-X is an open-source, cross-platform DOS emulator forked from the DOSBox project. While DOSBox focuses on DOS gaming, DOSBox-X goes much further — supporting DOS applications, Windows 3.x/9x/ME guest environments, NEC PC-98 and DOS/V emulation, and a comprehensive set of hardware emulation options. Whether you’re running vintage games, preserving legacy software, or developing new DOS programs, DOSBox-X gives you the control you need.Documentation Index
Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/joncampbell123/dosbox-x/llms.txt
Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
Introduction
Learn what DOSBox-X is, how it differs from DOSBox, and what it can emulate.
Installation
Download and install DOSBox-X on Windows, Linux, macOS, or DOS.
Quickstart
Mount a drive and run your first DOS program in minutes.
Configuration
Understand the dosbox-x.conf file and how to tune every setting.
What DOSBox-X Can Do
DOSBox-X accurately emulates a wide range of PC hardware from the 1980s and 1990s, making it suitable for:- DOS games and applications — Run classic MS-DOS software with accurate CGA, EGA, VGA, SVGA, and Tandy video emulation
- Windows 3.x and 9x — Boot and run Windows 3.1, 95, 98, and ME as guest operating systems with IDE and accelerated video support
- NEC PC-98 and DOS/V — Emulate Japanese PC-98 hardware and DOS/V environments with CJK character support
- DOS development — Develop new DOS software with accurate hardware timing for testing on real hardware
Machine Types
Choose from CGA, EGA, VGA, SVGA, Tandy, PCjr, Hercules, PC-98, and more.
Drives & Storage
Mount host folders, FAT disk images, ISO files, and CD-ROM images.
Networking
Enable NE2000 Ethernet with IPX or Slirp for DOS networking.
Save States
Save and restore emulator state with up to 100 slots.
Get Started in 3 Steps
Install DOSBox-X
Download the installer or package for your platform from the DOSBox-X homepage or follow the installation guide.
Create a configuration file
DOSBox-X reads
dosbox-x.conf from its working directory. Start with the configuration overview to set your machine type, memory, and display preferences.Mount a drive and run software
Use the
MOUNT command to make a host folder accessible as a DOS drive, then run your program. See the quickstart guide for a complete walkthrough.Explore the Reference
Command-Line Options
All flags accepted by the dosbox-x executable at launch.
DOS Commands
Built-in shell commands available inside the DOSBox-X DOS environment.
DOS Programs
Special programs like MOUNT, IMGMOUNT, BOOT, IMGMAKE, and CONFIG.
Config Reference
Full reference for every dosbox-x.conf section and option.