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A developer got Word 1.1a from 1990 to run on Windows 11 - try it yourself

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Why This Matters

A developer successfully revived an early 1990s version of Microsoft Word (1.1a) to run on modern Windows 11 systems, showcasing the enduring legacy and adaptability of classic software. This achievement highlights the potential for preserving and experiencing historical software environments, which can inform future compatibility and preservation efforts in the tech industry.

Key Takeaways

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ZDNET's key takeaways

A developer ran a 35-year-old version of Word in today's Windows.

The developer rebuilt the original sources and used modern replacements.

Anyone can replicate this, but you'll need the right programming tools.

I remember using Microsoft Word for Windows in the early 90s. Yes, it looked clunky by today's standards. But I loved the power it gave me to visually create, format, and manage all my writing. And in retrospect, that old-fashioned version of Word worked just fine without throwing AI in your face. Well, if you secretly long for those halcyon days, one developer has proven that the past is not forgotten.

Also: I read Microsoft's Windows 11 'quality' progress report - and the subtext says it all

As documented on his GitHub page, a developer named Justin Marshall managed to tweak the older code for Microsoft Word for Windows 1.1a and publish a version that runs in Windows 10 and 11 today. To make all this work, Marshall had to rebuild the original sources and resources for Word and combine them with modern replacements for the 16-bit platforms. His efforts led to an "original Word application and user experience running as a 64-bit Windows executable."

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