A graphical Unix-like operating system with its own kernel, browser, and desktop apps, written from scratch for x86, Arm, and RISC-V.
33.9K+22 this week3.5KC++BSD-2-ClauseWell maintainedUpdated 2 days ago
DustinBrett/daedalOS
A Windows-style desktop environment that runs entirely in the web browser, with File Explorer, windows, a terminal, and bundled apps and games.
- Stars
- 13,098
- Forks
- 1,210
- Open issues
- 0
- Last commit
- 17 days ago
What is it?
daedalOS is a desktop environment built with JavaScript that runs inside a web browser. It recreates a familiar desktop layout with a taskbar, Start Menu, draggable and resizable windows, a File Explorer, and a Run dialog, so users can work with files and launch programs without installing anything locally.
Files are stored in the browser through IndexedDB, and the File Explorer supports archives such as ZIP and ISO, drag and drop, sorting, and context menus. The bundled apps cover a wide range: a Monaco-based code editor, a PDF viewer, a Paint program, a video player, a terminal with Python and Git support, and emulators for DOS, x86, and console ROMs. Games include Chess, Space Cadet Pinball, and Quake III Arena.
The project runs locally with Node.js 22+ and Yarn, and can also be built as a static export or run in Docker.
Key features
- 01Windows-style desktop with taskbar, Start Menu, and draggable windows
- 02File Explorer with ZIP and ISO browsing, drag and drop, and archive creation
- 03Bundled apps including a code editor, PDF viewer, Paint, and Browser
- 04Terminal with Python, JavaScript, and Git support
- 05Emulators for DOS, x86 virtual machines, and console game ROMs
- 06Files persisted in the browser via IndexedDB
Use cases
- Showcasing a desktop-style web interface or front-end skills in a portfolio
- Exploring how a browser-based operating system is built with JavaScript
- Running old DOS or Windows-era programs and games inside a browser tab
Quick start
- 1
Install Node.js 22+ and Yarn, then install dependencies
yarn install - 2
Generate the file system and search indexes
yarn build:prebuild - 3
Start the development server and open http://localhost:3000
yarn dev
Things to know
- Requires Node.js 22+ and Yarn to run from source.
- Some bundled apps such as AI wallpapers and Stable Diffusion need WebGPU.
In collections
Topics
FAQ
- What is daedalOS?
- A Windows-style desktop environment that runs entirely in the web browser, with File Explorer, windows, a terminal, and bundled apps and games. daedalOS is a desktop environment built with JavaScript that runs inside a web browser. It recreates a familiar desktop layout with a taskbar, Start Menu, draggable and resizable windows, a File Explorer, and a Run dialog, so users can work with files and launch programs without installing anything locally.
- Is daedalOS free to use? What license does it have?
- daedalOS is open source under the MIT license. Check the license terms before using it in commercial products.
- Is daedalOS still maintained?
- Actively maintained. The last commit to daedalOS was on Oct 22, 2026.
- What can I use daedalOS for?
- Showcasing a desktop-style web interface or front-end skills in a portfolio Exploring how a browser-based operating system is built with JavaScript Running old DOS or Windows-era programs and games inside a browser tab
- How do I install daedalOS?
- Install Node.js 22+ and Yarn, then install dependencies: yarn install Generate the file system and search indexes: yarn build:prebuild Start the development server and open http://localhost:3000: yarn dev
- Where can I get daedalOS?
- The source code and installation instructions are on GitHub: https://github.com/DustinBrett/daedalOS
Summary generated by AI from the project's README. GitHub stats refresh daily.
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