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DOSBox Optionals

github.com

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  • Windows
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What DOSBox Optionals is

DOSBox Optionals is a Windows-targeted emulator forked from DOSBox for MS-DOS, Windows 95, and Windows 98 software. Its video backends include Surface, OpenGL, and OpenGL3 with shader support, while extended 3Dfx support can reach resolutions up to 8K depending on DOSBox resolution. It can start on another monitor, including a third, and manage, mount, or create hard disk images up to 8 GB. Listed sound options include MAME sound, FluidSynth, Munt MT-32, Nuked OPL3, and SSI-2001 reSID emulation. It also lists MP3, FLAC, OPUS, WAVE, and OGG decoding for CDR-WIN cue sheets. The README describes IDE support and virtual-mode CD-ROM emulation for Windows 95 and 98, plus Novel NE2000 and IPX networking. Memory limits are 1 GB for Windows 98, 512 MB for Windows 95, and 256 MB for DOS. The libraries are integrated into one DOSBox.exe file, and the archive includes Lite and Heavy Debug builds. The project is free and source is available.

Who it suits

It suits Windows users looking to run MS-DOS or Windows 95/98 software, particularly those interested in configurable graphics, audio, or disk images. The listed memory limits may matter when choosing a guest system.

Good to know, and what to watch

  • Supports DOS, Windows 95, and Windows 98
  • Offers three listed video backends
  • Can manage hard disk images up to 8 GB
  • Source is available
  • Targets Windows hosts only
  • DOS memory limit is 256 MB
  • Windows 95 memory limit is 512 MB

The verdict

DOSBox Optionals combines legacy-system emulation with listed graphics, audio, networking, and disk-image features. Its Windows target and system-specific memory limits are key considerations.

What the maker publishes

3Dfx
It supports extended 3Dfx graphics, with resolution-dependent support up to 8K. source
3D graphics
It offers extended 3DFX support, with resolutions up to 8K depending on DOSBox resolution. source
Additional builds
The archive is described as including DOSBox Lite and a Heavy Debug version. source
Audio
Listed sound support includes MAME sound, FluidSynth, Munt MT-32, Nuked OPL3, and SSI-2001 reSID emulation. source
Audio decoding
It lists MP3, FLAC, OPUS, WAVE, and OGG decoding in CDR-WIN cue sheets. source
Audio decoding
It lists MP3, FLAC, OPUS, WAVE and OGG decoding in CDR-WIN cue sheets. source
Build environment
The README says the project was compiled with MingW32 on Windows 7 SP1 and uses SDL 2.0.20. source
Controller support
It supports joysticks with up to 10 buttons, depending on configuration and the DOS or Windows 95/98 driver. source
Disk images
It can manage, mount, and create hard disk images up to 8 GB. source
Disk images
It can manage, mount and create hard disk images up to 8 GB. source
Download
The releases page lists three assets for the r4476 release. source
Graphics
The listed video backends are Surface, OpenGL, and OpenGL3 with shader support. source
Maintainer profile
The GitHub profile describes MartyShepard as working on retro gaming, emulators, games, modding, and tools. source
Memory limits
The README lists memory limits of 1 GB for Windows 98, 512 MB for Windows 95, and 256 MB for DOS. source
Memory limits
The README lists memory limits of 1 GB for Windows 98, 512 MB for Windows 95 and 256 MB for DOS. source
Multi-monitor
It can start on another monitor, including a third monitor. source
Multi-monitor
It supports multiple monitors and can start on a selected monitor such as the third monitor. source
Networking
The listed features include Novel NE2000 support and IPX mode. source
Networking
The README lists Novel NE2000 and IPX mode support. source
Packaging
The README says libraries are integrated and the program is a single DOSBox.exe file. source
Product
DOSBox Optionals is an MS-DOS, Windows 95 and Windows 98 emulator forked from DOSBox and targeting Windows. source
Purpose
DOSBox Optionals is a DOS, Windows 95, and Windows 98 emulator forked from DOSBox and targeting Windows. source
Release
The releases page lists DOSBox SVN r4476 (Optionals v25), built October 10, 2025. source
Single-file build
The project says its libraries are integrated into a single DOSBox.exe file. source

Checked against the maker's pages on 4 Oct 2026.