How to Use VirtualBox to Run Old Games on Windows 10

Running old games on modern operating systems can be a challenge, especially when it comes to compatibility issues. One popular solution is using virtualization software like VirtualBox to create a virtual machine (VM) and install an older operating system within it. This allows you to play your favorite retro games without worrying about compatibility problems.

In this article, we'll explore how to use VirtualBox to run old games on Windows 10. We'll take the example of Stratosphere: Conquest of the Skies, a DirectX 5 game that is too new for emulators like DOSbox but too old for Windows 10's compatibility layer.

First, download and install VirtualBox from its official website. Once installed, create a new VM by clicking on 'New' in the VirtualBox main window. Choose the operating system you want to install (in this case, an older version of Windows) and allocate some RAM and disk space for the VM.

Next, insert your old game CD or DVD into your computer's optical drive and install the game within the virtual machine. Make sure to configure the VM's graphics settings to use a compatible video card driver.

When you try to run the game, you may encounter compatibility issues due to the difference in operating systems. To resolve this, you can try adjusting the VM's compatibility settings or installing additional software like DirectX 5.0 runtime files.

In our example, we found that setting the graphics mode to 'Software' allowed us to play Stratosphere: Conquest of the Skies without any issues. This was a great way to relive fond memories of playing this classic game on my 3DFX Voodoo card back in the day.

Using VirtualBox to run old games on Windows 10 requires some experimentation and patience, but it's definitely possible with the right settings and configurations. Whether you're a retro gaming enthusiast or just looking for a way to relive childhood memories, VirtualBox is an excellent tool to have in your arsenal.

How to use virtualbox to run old games on windows 10