{
  "id": 582347,
  "title": "'Not all heroes wear capes': Someone ported Word from 1990 to run in Windows 11, and it's perhaps the ultimate protest against Microsoft's bloat",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/11/not-all-heroes-wear-capes-someone-ported-word-from-1990-to-run-in",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-11T16:24:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TechRadar",
    "slug": "techradar",
    "url": "https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/not-all-heroes-wear-capes-someone-ported-word-from-1990-to-run-in-windows-11-and-its-perhaps-the-ultimate-protest-against-microsofts-bloat"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A long-lost version of Microsoft Word has been resurrected for Windows 11, providing a glimpse into the past while offering a modern twist. The original Word for Windows 1.1a has been fully ported to the latest Windows operating system, delivering a lightweight word processor that demands minimal system resources. Developer Justin Marshall, the creator of the project on GitHub, explains that this is not an emulator but a genuine native Windows x64 port, making it a true representation of the classic word processor.\n\nThe port relies on Microsoft's released source code from over a decade ago, which has been adapted to modern standards, eliminating outdated 16-bit assembly, segmented memory, and Win16 platform boundaries. The result is a streamlined word processor that requires less than 1MB of RAM in Windows 11, offering a drastic reduction in size compared to today's bloated applications.\n\nHowever, potential users must be aware that the historical source files still carry their original copyright notices, which means commercial use or sharing copies on the web is prohibited. To run the port, users must follow the instructions on GitHub, as there is no ready-made installation package. This process requires Visual Studio 2022 with Desktop development for C++, a Windows 11 (or 10) SDK, CMake 3.25 or newer, and PowerShell.\n\nDespite the technical challenges, the project has generated significant interest, with Redditors praising the novel idea and acknowledging the novelty of running such an old version of Word. While it may not be a practical solution for everyday use due to the lack of updates and potential security risks, it serves as a testament to the potential of streamlining software to its core functionalities. For those seeking a lightweight alternative to Notepad, TinyRetroPad is another option worth considering.",
  "summary": "Think Windows 11's Notepad is too bloated these days? Someone got an ancient version of Word running natively in Windows 11.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}