Native Word 1.1a Hits Windows 11: Developer Ports Historic Application

A developer has successfully ported Microsoft Word 1.1a to run natively on Windows 11, making it possible for users to experience early Windows software directly on modern PCs.

The project, which is a research effort, compiles the original Word source code with newly developed components that replace 16-bit system functions no longer found in today's Windows versions. This results in a 64-bit application that retains its historic interface and program logic.

The developer focused on adapting areas of the original code that cannot run directly on modern x64 platforms, such as 16-bit assembly, segmented memory management, and Win16 interfaces. To achieve this, they used fixed-width data types to transfer historic 16-bit x86 assembly entry points into C or C++.

The port uses a new runtime layer that maps the original Word's memory structures to an x64-safe implementation. This allows the application to function as a genuine x64 program while maintaining its historical integrity.

The project includes a range of automated tests, including unit, runtime, smoke, and UI workflows, which verify the port's functionality in essential areas. The repository also contains the original data structures used by Microsoft Word 1.1a.