Explore a Browser‑Based Windows 10 Clone Built with React – Features & Setup
This article introduces a React‑powered project that recreates a simplified Windows 10 desktop experience in the browser, detailing its multi‑user support, persistent file system using LocalStorage and IndexedDB, core features, missing components, setup instructions, and the open‑source libraries it relies on.
The project provides a minimal Windows 10 experience that runs entirely in the browser. It is client‑side only, showing a new‑user account creation screen on first visit. Users can create multiple accounts, log in to any, and then see a desktop with a taskbar and start menu.
Basic applications such as a React‑based notepad (text editor) and file explorer are pre‑built, mirroring the design of Windows 10.
In the file explorer, users can create new documents and folders, and perform copy, cut, paste, select, and open operations, similar to the Windows 10 file manager. New applications can be added without altering the project structure by simply adding them to the softwares folder and editing the config/apps.js file; the system reads/writes this virtual file system (implemented with browser storage) and passes it to the apps.
The file system is built on the browser's LocalStorage and IndexedDB APIs. Deleting application data removes the entire account data, akin to reinstalling an operating system.
It is not a complete OS, but it achieves basic functionality.
Features
Windows 10 user interface
Persistent file system
Multi‑user support
Multiple instances of applications
Resizable, minimizable, draggable, and focusable app windows
Custom installable applications
Different apps for different document types
Permission‑based app isolation
Currently missing apps such as calendar, calculator, and settings.
Project built with Create React App
Follow the steps in ReactJS documentation to learn how to run this project locally.
Third‑party open‑source libraries
ReactJS
React Redux
React Router
React Icons
React Draggable
Sass
Runtime video
Screenshots
Boot screen
New user account screen
Switch user screen
Desktop
Desktop with start menu
File explorer
Notepad
User logout screen
Welcome to try it out.
https://github.com/piyush078/mindows
Note: This article was provided by Wang Jiazhe, thanks for the source.
Signed-in readers can open the original source through BestHub's protected redirect.
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