Question 1

Is this Windows 98 simulator free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Windows 98 Simulator is completely free, needs no account and installs nothing. It is a recreation of the Windows 98 SE interface written in HTML, CSS and JavaScript, so it runs straight in your browser.

Question 2

Is this a real Windows 98 emulator?

Accepted Answer

No. It is a simulator, not an emulator: nothing from the original Microsoft operating system is executed. The desktop, windows, menus, sounds and bundled programs are rebuilt from scratch to look and behave like Windows 98 Second Edition, so you cannot run real .exe files on it.

Question 3

Which Windows 98 programs can I use?

Accepted Answer

Minesweeper, Solitaire, FreeCell, Hearts, Paint, Notepad, Calculator, WordPad, MS-DOS Prompt, Internet Explorer 5, Winamp, Outlook Express, Windows Media Player, My Computer, Control Panel, Desktop Themes, Sound Recorder, Registry Editor, plus the Start menu, taskbar, Recycle Bin, Clippy and the 3D Pipes screen saver.

Question 4

Are the files I create saved?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Files, folders, wallpaper, themes, game scores and desktop icon positions are stored in your own browser and survive a reload. Nothing is uploaded to a server.

Question 5

Does it work on a phone or tablet?

Accepted Answer

It loads on mobile, but Windows 98 was built around a mouse and a keyboard, so a desktop or laptop gives the intended experience. The site can also be installed as an app and works offline.

Windows 98 Simulator — a free Windows 98 desktop in your browser