VirtualXT

The people behind VirtualXT

What VirtualXT supports

• Libretro frontends (RetroArch, Lakka, other libretro-compatible frontends)
• Platforms supported by libretro frontends (Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, BSD, embedded builds) — actual availability depends on frontend builds and platform-specific core builds
• Input: keyboard and mouse (core supports keyboard and mouse device types)
• Disk images and executables: .img, .exe, .com (see docs)

Download and availability

VirtualXT setup guide

1. 1) Install a libretro frontend: Install RetroArch (or another libretro frontend) for your platform. Use your platform’s package, the official RetroArch builds, or a distribution like Lakka. Ensure the frontend supports core downloading or manual core loading.
2. 2) Obtain the VirtualXT core: Preferred: use the frontend’s Core Updater / Core Downloader to fetch 'VirtualXT' (listed as MS – DOS (VirtualXT) in the libretro core list). Alternatively, download or build the core from the libretro core repository (see sources). Place the resulting core library (libretro .so/.dll/.dylib) into your frontend’s cores directory and, if provided, install the .info metadata file alongside it.
3. 3) Prepare content (images and executables): VirtualXT accepts .img disk images and can also load .exe and .com files directly. For disk images, use floppy or hard-disk images prepared with appropriate tools. Do not expect commercial BIOS or commercial game files to be included — supply only legally owned content. If you want to boot a disk image, ensure the image contains a DOS boot sector or bootable files.
4. 4) Choose BIOS and optional features: VirtualXT includes options to select between bundled BIOSes (GLaBIOS and TurboXT BIOS as documented). From the frontend, open Core Options and select the 'BIOS' option to pick one. Other important core options: enable 186 instructions (for 80186 compatibility), set CPU frequency (4.77 / 7.15 / 14.3 MHz), choose video adapter (CGA or VGA), enable EMS memory or host RIFS2 for direct host file sharing. Several options require restarting the core to take effect.
5. 5) Loading software and device control: Load the core, then load content (disk image or executable). If using floppy/hard images you may need to use the frontend’s Disk Control (or the core’s disk control support) to change mounted images. Use the frontend input mapping to ensure a physical keyboard is passed to the core; VirtualXT lists keyboard and mouse as supported device types.
6. 6) Tweak performance and compatibility: Set CPU Frequency core option according to the era of the software. Lower frequencies match original timing but may prevent some modern titles from running. Use 186 emulation / 286 flag register options if a title queries for those CPUs. For file sharing with the host, enable RIFS2 (host RIFS2 option) and configure the frontend-host mapping (it defaults to Z: inside the emulated system).
7. 7) Saving and runtime notes: VirtualXT does not support retro frontend save states or rewinding according to the core documentation; use disk image copies or host-file sharing to persist data. Core-level saves are not present — if you need to preserve changes to a disk image, make backups outside the frontend before booting, or use options to disable reset-to-default-disk.
8. 8) Troubleshooting: If software fails to run, confirm it targets XT-era hardware (8088 real mode). Many 1990s DOS games require protected mode or faster CPUs and will not run. If graphics appear wrong, test CGA vs VGA core option and check the video standard setting. For missing keyboard input, verify your frontend maps keyboard events into the core and that no other input layer is intercepting keys.

Sources and further reading

• Libretro Docs — MS – DOS (VirtualXT)
• Libretro Core List (Core List / downloads guide)
• libretro/virtualxt repository (GitLab)
• Featured-image source and credit