Type of site | Browser-based "web OS" / web desktop (parody) |
|---|---|
| URL | https://windows96.net/ |
| Launched | 20191 |
Windows96.net (also known as Windows 96) is a browser-based parody of a Microsoft Windows–style operating system presented as a web desktop.2 It imagines a fictional Windows release between Windows 95 and Windows 98.21
Functionality
The site includes a live chat program for users currently online.23 A package manager allows one-click installation of programs, including the shareware version of Doom and a Half-Life demo.21
GIGAZINE described the project as created using browser technologies such as HTML5, CSS, JavaScript and WebAssembly, and noted that some applications are unimplemented.4
Reception
PC Gamer described Windows96.net as "surprisingly fleshed out" for a browser-based parody OS.2 FAZ characterised it as a functional homage to early Windows releases and highlighted features such as a live chat and the ability to load games like Doom.3
References
References
- "Windows 95と98の間にOSがリリースされていたら？...「Windows96.net」が開発中". 電ファミニコゲーマー (in Japanese). 2021-08-03. Retrieved 2026-02-26.
- Fenlon, Wes (2021-08-02). "Windows 96 is a throwback to classic Windows that runs entirely in the browser". PC Gamer. Retrieved 2026-02-26.
- "Zurück in die Zukunft". FAZ.NET (in German). 2021-08-15. Retrieved 2026-02-26.
- "「Windows 96」が登場、往年の名OSを彷彿とさせる架空のWindowsにブラウザからアクセス可能". GIGAZINE (in Japanese). 2021-07-28. Retrieved 2026-02-26.