Open Source Windows Emulators
Sort By:
Emulators for Windows
View 1301 business solutionsBrowse free open source Emulators and projects for Windows below. Use the toggles on the left to filter open source Emulators by OS, license, language, programming language, and project status.
-
Ship Agents FasterGemini Enterprise Agent Platform lets you rapidly build, scale, govern and optimize production-ready agents grounded in your organization's data. The platform enables developers to build custom or pre-built agents for virtually any use case. New customers get $300 in free credits.
-
Save Up to 91% on Cloud Compute With Spot VMsRun batch jobs at 60-91% off with Spot VMs. Long-running workloads get automatic discounts with sustained use.
-
1
NetherSX2 Classic
Continuation of NetherSX2 based on AetherSX2 3668
NetherSX2-classic is a companion and variant of NetherSX2 that targets a specific older base version of the AetherSX2 emulator (based on the 3668 branch), applying similar custom patches to provide a stable and performant PS2 emulation environment on Android devices. The project stitches in anti-tampering modifications, RetroAchievements notification fixes, and controller and GameDB updates while maintaining the legacy behavior of the classic build for compatibility with titles that might perform better on the older codebase. Because this classic branch starts from a slightly different upstream version than NetherSX2-patch, users often choose it for performance reasons on lower-power devices or for games with known regressions in newer builds. As with the patch variant, the repository includes configuration changes, fixes for widescreen and deinterlacing behavior, and updated game and controller support developed by the community. -
2
Citra Emulator
A Nintendo 3DS Emulator
Citra is an experimental open-source Nintendo 3DS emulator/debugger written in C++. It is written with portability in mind, with builds actively maintained for Windows, Linux and macOS. Citra emulates a subset of 3DS hardware and therefore is useful for running/debugging homebrew applications, and it is also able to run many commercial games! Some of these do not run at a playable state, but we are working every day to advance the project forward. (Playable here means compatibility of at least "Okay" on our game compatibility list.) Citra is licensed under the GPLv2 (or any later version). Refer to the license.txt file included. Please read the FAQ before getting started with the project. If you want to contribute please take a look at the Contributor's Guide and Developer Information. You should also contact any of the developers in the forum in order to know about the current state of the emulator because the TODO list isn't maintained anymore. -
3
PrimeOS, the ideal Android based OS for mobile games on PC/Laptop.
-
4
Winlator
Android application for running Windows applications with Wine
A software that enables users to run Windows applications on Android devices, providing an emulation layer that supports various Windows applications and games. -
MongoDB Atlas runs apps anywhereMongoDB Atlas gives you the freedom to build and run modern applications anywhere—across AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. With global availability in over 115 regions, Atlas lets you deploy close to your users, meet compliance needs, and scale with confidence across any geography.
-
5
Retrobios
Complete BIOS and firmware packs for RetroArch, Batocera, Recalbox
Retrobios is a low-level systems programming project focused on recreating or emulating BIOS-like functionality for legacy or experimental computing environments. It is designed to provide a minimal firmware layer that initializes hardware and prepares systems to boot, often used for educational purposes or retrocomputing experiments. The project likely explores how early computing systems managed hardware abstraction, memory initialization, and device communication before modern operating systems take control. It emphasizes simplicity and transparency, allowing developers to study and modify core boot processes at a granular level. The architecture is typically close to bare metal, requiring knowledge of assembly language and hardware interfaces. It may also serve as a foundation for building custom operating systems or experimenting with low-level system design. Overall, retrobios functions as a learning and experimentation platform for understanding foundational computing concepts. -
6
Null-modem emulator
The virtual serial port driver for Windows.
The Null-modem emulator (com0com) is a kernel-mode virtual serial port driver for Windows. You can create an unlimited number of virtual COM port pairs and use any pair to connect one COM port based application to another. The HUB for communications (hub4com) allows to receive data and signals from one COM or TCP port, modify and send it to a number of other COM or TCP ports and vice versa. -
7
GoldHEN - PS4 Homebrew Enabler
PS4 Homebrew Enabler
GoldHEN is a homebrew enabler and payload designed for PlayStation 4 systems that enables the execution of unsigned code, modifications, and custom applications by leveraging kernel-level access. It functions as an enhancement layer built on top of exploited firmware environments, allowing users to unlock additional capabilities beyond what is normally permitted by the console. The project provides a wide range of system-level features, including debugging tools, cheat engines, and plugin support, making it popular within the console modification community. It integrates closely with the PS4 operating system to provide seamless functionality while maintaining system stability. GoldHEN also supports features such as FTP access and file system browsing, enabling users to manage internal data and install custom content. Its modular design allows developers to extend its capabilities through plugins and updates. -
8
GNS3
An advanced network simulator to design and configure virtual networks
Build, Design and Test your network in a risk-free virtual environment and access the largest networking community to help. Whether you are studying for your first networking exam or building out a state-wide telecommunications network, GNS3 offers an easy way to design and build networks of any size without the need for hardware. -
9
RetroBIOS
Complete BIOS & firmware packs for RetroArch, Batocera, Recalbox, etc.
RetroBIOS is an open-source project that provides complete BIOS and firmware packs for a wide range of emulators and retro gaming platforms. It includes thousands of verified system files required to run consoles and arcade systems accurately across tools like RetroArch, Batocera, RetroPie, and EmuDeck. Each BIOS file is validated against emulator source code to ensure correctness, compatibility, and proper functionality. The project simplifies setup by offering automated install scripts that detect your platform and download only the required missing files. It also includes detailed documentation, cross-platform mappings, and verification tools to help users manage and audit their BIOS collections. Overall, RetroBIOS serves as a reliable, structured solution for retro gaming enthusiasts who want accurate and hassle-free emulator setups. -
$300 Free Credits to Build on Google CloudPut your $300 in credit toward real workloads, then keep building with free monthly usage for 20+ products. No commitment and no charge until you upgrade.
-
10
VICE
Versatile Commodore Emulator
VICE is an emulator collection which emulates the C64, the C64-DTV, the C128, the VIC20, practically all PET models, the PLUS4 and the CBM-II (aka C610). It runs on Unix, MS-DOS, Win32, OS/2, Acorn RISC OS, BeOS, QNX 6.x, Amiga, GP2X or Mac OS X machines. -
11
A portable and cycle-accurate NES/Famicom emulator written in C++
-
12
NetherSX2
Continuation of NetherSX2 based on AetherSX2 4248
NetherSX2-patch is a community-driven continuation and enhancement of the NetherSX2 Android PlayStation 2 emulator, itself a modded fork of the open-source AetherSX2 project originally based on PCSX2. It focuses on providing a more complete and feature-rich experience by applying patches to the upstream emulator build and removing ad-related bloat, fixing notification issues, and exposing many internal settings so users have finer control over performance and compatibility on mobile devices. The project maintains an up-to-date GameDB (game compatibility database), improves controller support, and includes widescreen and no-interlace patches that make many games look and run better on modern screens. Developers also include additional fixes specific to AetherSX2 and NetherSX2 builds, along with tools to resign APKs to avoid Play Protect warnings, which makes installation smoother on Android hardware. -
13
DeSmuME
DeSmuME is a Nintendo DS emulator
DeSmuME is the most seasoned open source Nintendo DS emulator. It sports tools designed for hackers, speedrunners, youtubers, and casual gamers. Homebrew programs are supported and can even be debugged through GDB. The Windows and OSX versions are both relatively feature rich, and there is a small universe of forks and mods that add even more features for casual gaming. DeSmuME is the origin of RetroArch and OpenEmu Nintendo DS support and is used by several mobile Nintendo DS emulators, with the notable exception of DraStic. DeSmuME's source code is now hosted at https://github.com/TASVideos/desmume/ win32 autobuilds @ https://ci.appveyor.com/project/zeromus/desmume/build/artifacts -
14
WSABuilds
Run Windows Subsystem For Android on your Windows 10 and Windows 11
WSABuilds is an open-source project that provides customized builds of the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA), enabling users to run Android applications on Windows with additional features and modifications not included in official releases. The project offers prebuilt packages that integrate enhancements such as Google Play Services support, root access, and improved compatibility with a wider range of Android applications. It simplifies the installation process by packaging these modifications into ready-to-use builds, reducing the complexity typically associated with manual configuration. WSABuilds also includes options for different system architectures and configurations, allowing users to choose builds that best match their hardware and use cases. The project emphasizes flexibility, enabling advanced users to customize their Android environment within Windows. -
15
PCSX2
The Playstation 2 emulator
PCSX2 is a free and open-source PlayStation 2 (PS2) emulator. Its purpose is to emulate the PS2's hardware, using a combination of MIPS CPU Interpreters, Recompilers and a Virtual Machine that manages hardware states and PS2 system memory. This allows you to play PS2 games on your PC, with many additional features and benefits. The PCSX2 project has been running for more than ten years. Past versions could only run a few public domain game demos, but newer versions can run most games at full speed, including popular titles such as Final Fantasy X and Devil May Cry 3. Visit the PCSX2 compatibility list to check the latest compatibility status of games (with more than 2500 titles tested), or ask for help in the official forums. The latest officially released stable version is version 1.6.0. Installers and binaries for both Windows and Linux are available from our website. -
16
Xenia Canary
Xbox 360 Emulator Research Project
Xenia Canary is an experimental fork of the Xenia Xbox 360 emulator that moves faster than the mainline project to trial bleeding-edge improvements. It focuses on game compatibility and performance by iterating quickly on GPU and CPU emulation paths, shader translation, and timing correctness. Canary builds are where risky optimizations, new backends, and rewrites land first so they can be tested by a wider community before stabilizing. The project emphasizes pragmatism: make more titles boot and run with fewer glitches, even if it means carrying experiments that later get refined or rolled back. It also prioritizes developer ergonomics with logging options, debug overlays, and issue templates that help narrow down regressions. While aimed at enthusiasts and testers, it remains a valuable way for end users to play otherwise inaccessible 360 titles on PC when the mainline is lagging behind those fixes. -
17
RPCS3
PlayStation 3 emulator and debugger
RPCS3 is an open-source PlayStation 3 emulator and debugger, allowing users to run PS3 games and software on Windows, Linux, and macOS platforms. It aims to preserve the legacy of the PlayStation 3 by enabling gameplay and software testing beyond the original hardware's lifespan. The project has made significant progress in compatibility and performance, supporting a wide range of PS3 titles. -
18
Eden Emulator
Free and opensource (FOSS) Switch 1 emulator
Eden Emulator is an experimental open-source emulator designed to replicate Nintendo Switch hardware with a focus on stability and performance improvements. It builds on modern emulation techniques to deliver smoother gameplay and better compatibility with newer titles. The project emphasizes frequent updates that reduce graphical glitches, improve rendering pipelines, and enhance overall system stability. Eden supports multiple platforms, including desktop and mobile environments, expanding accessibility for users. It also introduces features such as overlay systems and improved user interaction layers that mimic real hardware behavior. The development approach prioritizes incremental improvements, ensuring consistent progress in performance and compatibility. Overall, Eden serves as a next-generation emulator aiming to balance accuracy with usability. -
19
Locale Emulator
Yet another system region and language simulator
Locale Emulator is a tool similar to AppLocale and NTLEA, providing a simulation function that can make an application recognize your OS as in a language other than the real one. It is quite useful when you are trying to play country-specific games. Locale Emulator is compatible with the following systems, both 32 and 64-bit, Windows 7 with Service Pack 1, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10. Locale Emulator supports 32-bit executables running on both 32-bit or 64-bit systems. For example, if you are using 64-bit WinRAR, you will not see the context menu on a RAR file unless you swapped 64-bit WinRAR with the 32-bit version. Clone the repo using Git, install Microsoft Visual Studio 2015 / 2017, open LocaleEmulator.sln, perform build action, clone and build the core libraries, and copy LoaderDll.dll and LocaleEmulator.dll from Locale-Emulator-Core to Locale-Emulator build folder. -
20
VirtualBox
Virtualization software for x86_64 hardware
VirtualBox is a powerful open-source full virtualization software that allows a user to run one or more “guest” operating systems simultaneously inside “virtual machines” on a single physical “host” machine. It supports a wide variety of host platforms (Linux, Windows, macOS, Solaris, etc.) and guest OSes, enabling, for example, running Linux on a Windows PC, running Windows Server on a Linux host, or even legacy OSes in a controlled environment. This flexibility makes VirtualBox ideal for developers, testers, sysadmins, or hobbyists who need different OS environments, want to test software across systems, or need isolation for development, sandboxing, or security experiments. VirtualBox offers both a user-friendly GUI as well as a command-line interface and headless mode, making it useful for desktop usage as well as server or automated environments. -
21
Bochs is a portable x86 PC emulation software package that emulates enough of the x86 CPU, related AT hardware, and BIOS to run Windows, Linux, *BSD, Minix, and other OS's, all on your workstation.
-
22
The Free Unix Spectrum Emulator (Fuse): an emulator of the 1980s home computer and various clones for Unix, macOS and Windows.
-
23
SkyEmu
Game Boy Advance, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and DS Emulator
SkyEmu is a modern, multi-system handheld emulator that supports Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, and experimental Nintendo DS emulation, with a strong focus on balancing accuracy, performance, and usability. It is designed as a low-level emulator that accurately reproduces hardware behavior while still offering a smooth and accessible user experience across a wide range of platforms. The emulator is highly portable, supporting desktop operating systems, mobile devices, and even web browsers through WebAssembly builds. SkyEmu includes advanced visual enhancements such as upscaling shaders, color correction, and screen effects that mimic original hardware displays. It also features extensive debugging tools, making it useful not only for players but also for developers working on homebrew or reverse engineering. With features like save states, rewind, fast-forward, and controller support, it offers a full-featured modern emulation experience. -
24
D-Fend Reloaded
A graphical environment for DOSBox
D-Fend Reloaded is a graphical environment for DOSBox. D-Fend Reloaded is a successor of the discontinued D-Fend. Both environments look alike and D-Fend Reloaded contains all features of D-Fend. Even the D-Fend config files can be used. -
25
SmartGaGa
Lightweight Android emulator optimized for FPS games on low-end PCs
SmartGaGa is a free Android emulator optimized for playing mobile games on Windows computers with minimal system requirements. Powered by Titan Engine and Turbo GPU technology, the software delivers smooth gaming performance even on machines with 2GB RAM and dual-core processors. The emulator supports popular FPS titles including Free Fire, PUBG Mobile, Clash of Clans, and Cyber Hunter, enabling players to enjoy mobile games on larger screens with keyboard and mouse controls. SmartGaGa runs Android Nougat natively and integrates Google Play Store for easy app installation, while also supporting APK sideloading for offline installation. The software features customizable keyboard mapping, allowing users to configure controls for optimal gameplay precision. Multi-instance support enables running multiple games or accounts simultaneously on a single PC. With enhanced OpenGL and DirectX rendering, SmartGaGa provides improved frame rates and visual quality compared to mobile devices.
