💻Developer Runs 35-Year-Old Word on Modern Windows
Word for Windows 1.1a is alive in the 21st century
TL;DR
A developer successfully ran Microsoft Word 1.1a on Windows 10 and 11 by rebuilding its sources with modern tools. This feat showcases the enduring impact of early software innovations.
Developer runs Microsoft Word for Windows 1.1a, a relic from 1989, on today's Windows OSes thanks to rebuilt source code and modern replacements. Retro enthusiasts and tech historians can now experience the dawn of WYSIWYG word processing in its original form. To replicate this feat, you'll need PowerShell, Visual Studio 2022 with C++, a Windows SDK, and CMake 3.25 or newer. This project highlights how early software innovations laid the groundwork for modern computing.
Key Points
Microsoft Word for Windows 1.1a was originally released in 1989, marking the start of GUI-based word processors.
Developer rebuilt original sources and used modern tools like Visual Studio 2022 to compile Word as a 64-bit executable.
Running this on Windows requires PowerShell, C++, and specific SDKs installed through Visual Studio.
Free security patches for Windows 10 will be available until October 2026, ensuring compatibility with old software.
This project showcases the enduring impact of early innovations in word processing technology.
Why It Matters
If you're into retro computing or want to understand the evolution of GUI-based applications, this is a must-try. It highlights how modern tools can breathe life into decades-old code, proving that software's legacy lives on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this matter?
If you're into retro computing or want to understand the evolution of GUI-based applications, this is a must-try. It highlights how modern tools can breathe life into decades-old code, proving that software's legacy lives on.
What happened?
A developer successfully ran Microsoft Word 1.1a on Windows 10 and 11 by rebuilding its sources with modern tools. This feat showcases the enduring impact of early software innovations.
Comments
Be the first to comment
Enjoyed this article?
Get it daily. 7am. Free. Reads in 5 minutes.
Join 2,948 builders reading daily.