Windows on Windows

In computing, Windows on Windows (commonly referred to as WOW) was a compatibility layer of 32-bit versions of the Windows NT family of operating systems since 1993 with the release of Windows NT 3.1, which extends NTVDM to provide limited support for running legacy 16-bit programs written for Windows 3.x or earlier. There is a similar subsystem, known as WoW64, on 64-bit Windows versions that runs 32-bit programs.

This article is about the 16-bit subsystem in the 32-bit editions of Windows NT. For the 32-bit compatibility layer in the 64-bit editions, see WoW64.
Windows on Windows
Other namesWOW
Developer(s)Microsoft
Initial releaseJuly 27, 1993 (1993-07-27)
Operating systemMicrosoft Windows
PlatformIA-32
TypeCompatibility layer
LicenseProprietary commercial software

This subsystem has since been discontinued, as Windows 11 (and Windows Server 2008 R2 and later) are only available in 64-bit editions and therefore cannot run 16-bit software without third-party emulation software (e.g. DOSBox). Windows 10 is the final version of Windows to include this subsystem.

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