{
  "id": 582872,
  "title": "A developer got Word 1.1a from 1990 to run on Windows 11 - try it yourself",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/11/a-developer-got-word-1-1a-from-1990-to-run-on-windows-11-try-it",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-11T16:55:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ZDNet",
    "slug": "zdnet",
    "url": "https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-word-1-1a-windows/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A developer named Justin Marshall managed to get an outdated version of Microsoft Word to work in the modern Windows operating system. This 35-year-old software, originally designed for the 16-bit platforms, has been rebuilt and run successfully in Windows 10 and 11.\n\nThe developer utilized the original sources and resources for Word 1.1a, while replacing the 16-bit components with modern equivalents. The result is an original Word application that functions as a 64-bit Windows executable. The experience allows users to revisit the graphical interface of the early 1990s, a time when WYSIWYG capabilities were groundbreaking and transformed the way documents were created and formatted.\n\nHowever, replicating this feat requires specific programming tools and expertise. Marshall's GitHub page offers a detailed guide on how to build the program, but it involves setting up a 64-bit version of Windows, installing PowerShell, Visual Studio 2022 with Desktop development with C++, a Windows 10 or Windows 11 SDK, and CMake 3.25 or newer. Despite the complexity, the endeavor provides an opportunity to experience the vintage software and appreciate its historical significance in the evolution of word processing.",
  "summary": "Longing for a plain, old-fashioned version of Microsoft Word without all the bells, whistles, and AI slop? One developer managed to coax Word 1.1a to run on today's Windows.",
  "key_points": [
    "Developer Justin Marshall runs Word 1.1a on Windows 11.",
    "Rebuilt 16-bit software with modern equivalents.",
    "Guide available on GitHub for replication."
  ],
  "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."
}