Installing QBasic on Windows 10: The Real Deal
Getting QBasic to run on Windows 10 can be a bit tricky at first, but once you’ve got it sorted, it’s a great way to revisit those classic programming days. Since Windows 10 doesn’t natively support QBasic, you’ll need to use DOSBox, which acts like a little time machine for running older software. Here’s how to set it up without pulling your hair out.
Download DOSBox
Start by downloading DOSBox from its official homepage at https://www.dosbox.com. It’s a straightforward process—just select the Windows version and follow the prompts. DOSBox emulates that old-school DOS environment so QBasic can run smoothly, as Microsoft didn’t keep legacy support in Windows 10. If the installation feels a bit confusing, sticking with the default options is the easiest way.
Locate a QBasic File
Next, find a copy of the QBasic executable. You can search reputable sites like WinWorldPC or Vintage Internet. Look for files like qb51.zip or qbasic.exe. Just make sure it’s from a trusted source to avoid any nasties. Save the download into a folder that’s easy to find—this will save you a lot of hassle later.
Organise Your QBasic Files
Create a folder on your C: drive—call it QBasic, for example. To do this, open File Explorer, navigate to C:\, right-click, then select New > Folder. Drop all your QBasic files into this folder. Keeping everything in one place makes things much easier, especially when working with DOSBox later.
Configure DOSBox
Open DOSBox. To tell it where your QBasic folder is, type: mount c c:\QBasic in the DOSBox window and press Enter. This command makes DOSBox see your QBasic folder as the C: drive. If you run into any issues, double-check that your folder name has no spaces or strange characters—they can cause problems. To make this step even smoother in future sessions, you can edit the dosbox.conf file to set up automatic mounts.
Launch QBasic
Once mounted, switch to your virtual C: drive by typing c: and pressing Enter. Then, start QBasic with the command QBASIC. If that doesn’t work, verify that your files are in the right place. When it launches, you’ll be back to the nostalgic DOS environment. Alternatively, you can run:
qbasic.exe, if that’s the file you downloaded, or- navigate using
dirto list your files and then run the executable.
If you follow these steps, you’ll have a fully functional QBasic setup. It’s like taking a shortcut back to a time when programming was all about creativity and simplicity.
Pro Tips for QBasic on Windows 10
For a smoother experience, keep these tips in mind:
- Always get QBasic from reliable sources like WinWorldPC to avoid dodgy downloads.
- Use simple folder names—avoid spaces or special characters to prevent command line headaches.
- Familiarise yourself with basic DOS commands such as
cd(change directory) anddir(list files). - Consider setting up an autoexec script in DOSBox to streamline your sessions. It saves time and hassle.
- Remember to save your work often—those nostalgic crashes can catch you out unexpectedly.
Pro tip: Press Alt + Space in DOSBox to access window options, allowing you to tweak display settings or set shortcuts for better usability.
FAQs About Running QBasic on Windows 10
Can I run QBasic directly without DOSBox?
Nope, Windows 10 doesn’t support QBasic natively, so you’ll need DOSBox to emulate the old environment.
Is DOSBox safe to use?
Yes, DOSBox is widely trusted by retro computing enthusiasts. Just make sure to download it from the official website for safety.
Where can I find legal copies of QBasic?
You can find QBasic on public domain sites like WinWorldPC. Just be careful with what you’re downloading and make sure it’s legal and safe.
Will this setup affect my Windows installation?
Not at all. DOSBox runs in its own sandboxed environment, so it won’t interfere with your main Windows system or other programs. A clean, safe setup.
How do I remove QBasic later, if I wish to?
Simply delete the QBasic folder you created. If you set up any autoexec commands in the DOSBox config, you can comment out or delete those lines—otherwise, it’s a quick clean-up.
Final Thoughts on Installing QBasic
Getting QBasic up and running takes a bit of patience, but it’s a rewarding trip down memory lane for anyone keen to revisit the basics of programming. With DOSBox, you can enjoy that classic environment without any modern Windows headaches. Have a go, experiment, and maybe even share some snippets of your code with others reminiscing about the good old days of QBasic. Happy coding!