If you’re looking to scratch that nostalgia itch, stick with Windows 10 and use compatibility mode, a virtual machine or a solution like DOSBOX to get your retro gaming fix. While Windows 10 isn’t really designed to play older Windows 95 games, it remains possible with a few workarounds. Some (but not all) games from this era require DOS to work-you’ll need to research the game you’re looking to play to check if this is the case. DOSBOX is free and available for download on multiple platforms, including Windows 10.ĭOSBOX, as the name suggests, will only work with DOS-based games. If you have the original files for a DOS-based game to hand, then you can give DOSBOX a try yourself without buying the game a second time.

For some older DOS-based games, GOG includes DOSBOX, a DOS emulator that runs older games on Windows 10, alongside the game files.

GOG is a gaming marketplace that allows you to buy older games without resorting to piracy, where suspicious files from dodgy-looking websites can often bring nasty surprises.