DOSVisor
DOSVisor is a Windows project for running some DOS programs in a virtualized 16-bit real-mode environment.
What DOSVisor is
DOSVisor is a Windows project for running some DOS programs in a virtualized 16-bit real-mode environment. It uses the Windows Hypervisor Platform API, applying hardware virtualization to the CPU while emulating the DOS layer in software. Its author presents it mainly as a demonstration of that API, rather than as a complete DOS emulator, and says the framework is designed to be extended. A custom Interrupt Vector Table uses CPUID instructions to trigger VM exits and intercept DOS interrupts. DOSVisor captures I/O requests for software emulation, but handles only a small set of common requests. Timing support includes the BIOS counter, RAM refresh toggle bit, system clock and RTC registers; the 8253 PIT timer is not fully implemented. Keyboard state is monitored and passed to DOS programs through a simple buffer and keyboard interrupts. Basic terminal commands support simple text-based games and other basic programs. BIOS data areas and the Program Segment Prefix are allocated but mostly unpopulated. The public GitHub project is free and has bin and src directories, but lists no releases or packages.
Good
- Free public project.
- Uses hardware virtualization for the CPU.
- Supports basic terminal commands.
- Framework is designed to be extended.
Watch out
- Not a complete DOS emulator.
- Only a small set of common I/O requests is supported.
- 8253 PIT timer is not fully implemented.
- BIOS data areas are mostly unpopulated.
Who it suits
DOSVisor suits people exploring the Windows Hypervisor Platform API or trying a few sample DOS programs. It is not intended as a complete DOS emulator.
Verdict
DOSVisor offers a limited environment for experimenting with the Windows Hypervisor Platform API and running some basic DOS programs. Its stated scope and incomplete timer support matter if you need broader DOS compatibility.
Plans and prices
From DOSVisor's own pricing page, checked 9 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | No pricing or usage limits stated; the repository is public |
The facts
Each one read from DOSVisor's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Commands
- Basic terminal commands are supported for simple text-based games and other basic programs.checked 9 Oct 2026
- CPU
- It uses hardware virtualization for the CPU and emulates the DOS layer in software.checked 9 Oct 2026
- CPU virtualization
- It uses hardware virtualization for the CPU and emulates the DOS layer in software.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Demonstration project
- The author describes DOSVisor primarily as a demonstration of the Windows Hypervisor Platform API, not a complete DOS emulator.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Distribution
- The public repository contains bin and src directories; its page lists no releases or packages.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Intended audience
- The project is suitable for exploring the Windows Hypervisor Platform API and running a few sample DOS programs; the author says its framework is designed to be extended.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Intended use
- The project primarily demonstrates the Windows Hypervisor Platform API and is not intended to be a complete DOS emulator.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Interrupt handling
- A custom Interrupt Vector Table points interrupts to CPUID instructions so the emulator can trigger VM exits and handle them.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Interrupts
- It uses a custom Interrupt Vector Table with CPUID instructions to trigger VM exits and intercept DOS interrupts.checked 9 Oct 2026
- I/O support
- It captures I/O requests for software emulation, but supports only a very small set of common I/O requests.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Keyboard
- It monitors keyboard state, maintains a simple key buffer and passes information to DOS programs through keyboard interrupts.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- DOSVisor is a DOS emulator that uses the Windows Hypervisor Platform API to run DOS programs in a virtualized 16-bit real-mode environment on modern Windows systems.checked 9 Oct 2026
- System fields
- BIOS data areas and the Program Segment Prefix are allocated but not populated, except for the BIOS counter value.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Terminal
- Basic terminal commands are supported for running simple text-based games and other basic programs.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Testing
- The maker reports testing DOSVisor with FlareSay.exe, a DOS game from FlareOn 2023 challenge 6.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Timer limitation
- The 8253 PIT timer is not fully implemented.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Timers
- Supported timing mechanisms include the BIOS counter, RAM refresh toggle bit, system clock and RTC registers; the 8253 PIT timer is not fully implemented.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Timer support
- Supported timing mechanisms include the BIOS counter, a RAM refresh toggle bit, clock interrupts, RTC registers, and DOS current-time calls.checked 9 Oct 2026
The company
- Maker
- The repository is published under the GitHub account x86matthew.checked 9 Oct 2026
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