Re-live the good old days by installing Windows 95 as a desktop app

Windows 95

Windows 95 is still the most beloved iteration of Microsoft's operating system, and you can now relive those halcyon days on any modern macOS, Windows or Linux computer by downloading it as an app.

Windows 95 v1.0, as it's known, was created by developer Felix Riesenberg, and is free to download from GitHub

Granting a 13-year-old operating system free rein over your computer would be a security nightmare, so the app runs safely sandboxed with no access to networks or files stored on your device.

Sadly that means you'll miss out on the classic Internet Explorer experience, but that's a small price to pay to keep your rose-tinted glasses intact.

Blue screen thinking

You can while away the hours with Freecell and Solitaire, create a pixelated masterpiece in the classic Microsoft Paint, and compose missives in Notepad - all accessible via a good, old-fashioned Start menu.

There'll be no interference from Cortana ether, though you might miss her when Clippy starts chipping in.

Cat Ellis
Homes Editor

Cat is TechRadar's Homes Editor specializing in kitchen appliances and smart home technology. She's been a tech journalist for 15 years, and is here to help you choose the right devices for your home and do more with them. When not working she's a keen home baker, and makes a pretty mean macaron.