Discover ReactOS, the free and open-source Windows alternative. Explore its performance in coding, gaming, multimedia, and more. Is it ready for daily use in 2025? Read our in-depth review.

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Ever imagined using a Windows-like operating system without actually using Windows?

Enter ReactOS — a community-driven, open-source OS designed to be binary-compatible with Microsoft Windows. It looks like Windows, acts like Windows, and in many cases, runs Windows apps — but it’s completely independent and free.

But the big question:
Can you actually use ReactOS for your daily tasks? Let’s dive in.

What is ReactOS?

ReactOS is not based on Linux. Instead, it’s a clean-room implementation of the Windows NT architecture, meaning it replicates the design of Windows XP/Server 2003 entirely from scratch.

The goal?
To create an OS that runs Windows applications and drivers natively, without Microsoft code, licenses, or telemetry.

Real-World Usability: What Can You Actually Do With ReactOS?

1. Coding & Programming:

• Supported Languages: You can install basic IDEs like Notepad++, older versions of Code::Blocks, and even older Python and C++ interpreters.
• Limitations:
  • Modern IDEs like VSCode, IntelliJ, or Android Studio are not fully functional yet.
  • Limited compiler support; may crash on heavy projects.
• Verdict: Suitable only for basic programming and experimenting. Not for modern dev workflows.

2. Gaming:

• Retro Games Work: Classic Windows games from early 2000s (like Age of Empires II, Diablo II, Doom) often run fine.
• Modern Games? Nope.
  • No DirectX 11+ support.
  • No official support for Steam or Epic Games Launcher.
• Verdict: Only for retro gaming enthusiasts or testing older .exe games.

3. Multimedia (Video Editing, Animation, Rendering):

• Basic Tools: Older versions of VLC, Paint.NET, and lightweight media players might work.
• Major Tools? Unsupported.
  • No Adobe Suite, no DaVinci Resolve, no Blender (modern builds).
  • Graphics drivers are extremely limited.
• Verdict: Not suitable for creative professionals.

4. Office & Productivity:

• Basic Usability: You can install lightweight office tools like AbiWord or older MS Office versions (2003).
• Issues: Crashes and bugs while handling complex documents.
• Cloud Tools: No Google Drive syncing, OneDrive fails, poor browser compatibility.
• Verdict: Minimal office tasks only. No modern workflow.

5. Web Browsing & Communication:

• Old Firefox or Opera builds can run.
• No support for modern Chromium-based browsers.
• Modern web apps (Gmail, Docs, Zoom) often break.
• Verdict: Browsing is slow, insecure, and unreliable.

6. Security and Privacy:

• Positives:
  • Fully open-source (inspectable code).
  • No telemetry or data collection.
• Negatives:
  • Not actively maintained like Linux or Windows.
  • No antivirus integration.
  • Easily exploitable if used online.
• Verdict: Good for air-gapped systems or secure internal tools, not safe for public internet.

7. Customization & UX:

• ReactOS feels like early Windows XP: basic, familiar, but outdated.
• No themes, no dark mode, minimal UI options.
• Verdict: Usable but very dated UI/UX.

So, Who Is ReactOS Actually For?

Why Does ReactOS Still Matter?

Even if it’s not ready for mainstream use, ReactOS matters because:

• It preserves access to legacy apps long abandoned by Windows.
• It shows how open-source communities can replicate complex proprietary software.
• It keeps the spirit of transparency alive in the world of black-box operating systems.

Final Verdict: Not for Everyone — But Definitely for the Curious

ReactOS isn’t your next daily driver. It’s not replacing Linux, Mac, or even Windows XP just yet. But it’s a beautiful, bold experiment — one that deserves support, contribution, and exploration.

Try it out. Break it. Learn from it.
And maybe — help shape what it becomes.