Microsoft open-sources original File Manager from the ‘90s so it can run on Windows 10
A true example of backward compatibility
A true example of backward compatibility
Microsoft is releasing the source code for its original Windows File Manager from nearly 28 years ago. Originally released for Windows 3.0, the File Manager was a replacement for managing files through MS-DOS, and allowed Windows users to copy, move, delete, and search for files. While it’s a relic from the past, you can still compile the source code Microsoft has released and run the app on Windows 10 today.
The source code isavailable on GitHub, and is maintained by Microsoft veteran Craig Wittenberg under theMIT license. Wittenberg copied the File Manager code from Windows NT 4 back in 2007, and has been maintaining it before open sourcing it recently. It’s a testament to the backward compatibility of Windows itself, especially that this was originally included in Windows more than 20 years ago. It’s as nostalgic as runningWindows 95 on an Xbox One,Apple Watch, orAndroid smartwatch. If you’re a fan of original Windows File Manager you candownload the app from GitHub and remind yourself of what computing used to look like years ago.
- Tom Warren
