Get 2ksbox

Ready-to-run 2ksbox is in the app stores for a modest fee, which helps fund the project. The source is on GitHub under the GPL-2.0, for anyone who would rather build it, and on Linux that is the way to get it.

Buy it in the store

The store signs it, installs it and keeps it updated. Nothing is locked behind the purchase: it is the same program the source builds.

Microsoft Store

Windows 10 and 11, 64-bit

One purchase, installed and updated by the store. Every copy helps keep the project going.

Buy on the Microsoft Store

Mac App Store

macOS 26 or newer, Apple Silicon

One purchase, installed and updated by the store. Every copy helps keep the project going.

Buy on the Mac App Store

Build it from source

Once the tools are installed the build is one command, on Linux, Windows or macOS, and it produces the same launcher, player and guest-tools disc as the store builds. The tools for each host and the build itself are documented in the repository, and kept current there.

  • Linux Build it, or install a package your distribution makes.x86-64, GTK 4.10 or newer
  • Windows Builds on a Windows PC.64-bit Windows 10 or 11, the Windows App Runtime 2.4 or later
  • macOS Runs down to macOS 12 when built from source.Apple Silicon; an Intel build is possible but untested
Build instructions on GitHub

Either way you still need install media for the guest operating system (your own Windows CD image or ISO, a DOS floppy or CD) and, for games, dumps of your own discs.

Why there is no download button

2ksbox takes a lot of work to build and keep working, and we chose to make the ready-to-run builds available in the stores for a modest fee to help fund the project. The code stays free software: it is all on GitHub under the GPL, anyone can build it, and buying it in the store is the way to say thanks and keep the work going.

Packaging it yourself

Anyone can build, package and share 2ksbox under the terms of the GPL, and the packaging scripts stay public for that. The name and logo are trademarks, though. If you package 2ksbox for a distribution, say in the package that it was packaged by you and not by the project. A modified build, or a listing in any store, may not use the 2ksbox name or logo: pick your own name and say it is based on 2ksbox.

Read the trademark policy