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winevdm

github.com/otya128/winevdm Virtualization Open-source projectOpen source

winevdm runs 16-bit Windows applications on 64-bit systems, including older Windows software.

Visit winevdm 13 alternatives
github.com/otya128/winevdm
winevdm homepage screenshot

About winevdm

winevdm is an open-source project that runs 16-bit Windows applications (Windows 1.x, 2.x, 3.0, 3.1 and similar) on 64-bit Windows. It is an altered version of winevdm ported to 64-bit Windows, built around a CPU emulator, Win16-to-Win32 conversion code, DOS emulation for Win16, and 16-bit to native handle conversion. Once installed, Win16 binaries can be launched directly; a program can also be run by dragging and dropping a Win16 executable onto otvdm.exe or by executing otvdmw.exe. Configuration is handled through otvdm.ini, and the project can be built with Visual Studio 2017 or with cmake.

Key features

  • Runs 16-bit Windows programs such as Windows 1.x, 2.x, 3.0 and 3.1 titles
  • Installs via install shortcut or right-clicking install.inf
  • Launches Win16 binaries directly once installed
  • Drag-and-drop execution through otvdm.exe or otvdmw.exe
  • Includes a CPU emulator and Win16-to-Win32 conversion code
  • Can also run DOS executables, with DOS version set via VDMDOSVER
Best for: Users on 64-bit Windows who need to run older 16-bit Windows software, including legacy installers and applications.
Good for
  • Open source under the GPL-2.0 license
  • Installs Win16 support so 16-bit binaries can be executed directly
  • Redirects WINDOWS directory writes for programs that save settings to %WINDIR%
Watch out for
  • DOS emulation is described as incomplete, with DOSBox or MS-DOS Player recommended instead
  • If Windows Update initializes the registry, the install procedure must be run again
  • May require the 32-bit Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2017 if VCRUNTIME140.dll is missing

winevdm at a glance

Type
Open-source project
Pricing
Not confirmed. Check the site
Platforms
Windows
Open source
Yes · Source code
Language
English
Last checked
Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
Listed
Oct 5, 2026
open source

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winevdm FAQ

How do I install winevdm?
Download or compile it, then run the install shortcut or right-click install.inf and select Install. It can be uninstalled by running uninstall.reg.
How do I run a 16-bit program with it?
After installation you can execute Win16 binaries directly, or drag and drop a Win16 executable file onto otvdm.exe or run otvdmw.exe.
Can winevdm run DOS programs?
It can also run DOS executables in a DOS emulator-like way, and the DOS version can be set with the VDMDOSVER environment variable. DOS emulation is incomplete and DOSBox or MS-DOS Player are recommended instead.
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Listing maintained by Chris McClure and the WebIndexly editors · Updated Oct 11, 2026 · How we rank