FreeDOS, the de facto replacement for MS-DOS, has just released its 1.4 version, which includes new features and updates for existing components.
This is the first stable release since 2022, and it includes a range of improvements aimed at making it work well on modern hardware.
However, it’s not currently possible to install FreeDOS on a UEFI system, despite HP offering it as an option on some laptops with no legacy BIOS option.
It appears that HP is using Linux booted in UEFI mode, with FreeDOS loaded in a VM, allowing the option to be presented, although this remains unverified.
The 1.4 release includes a new kernel, due to be tested in monthly builds, and a package manager for managing installed software in the same way as on Linux. Proprietary software emulation capabilities are also due to be added in the next release.
