How to Install Turbo C++ on Windows 10/11

Need Turbo C++ for a lab assignment or legacy code check, but Windows 11 refuses to launch tc.exe? This guide shows how to get the IDE running quickly using DOSBox, a compatibility layer that emulates a DOS system, or a full Windows 95 virtual machine if you want the complete retro environment.

Modern 64-bit Windows editions no longer support 16-bit applications natively because the NTVDM subsystem has been removed. As a result, they cannot run old software like Turbo C++ directly.

For a fast setup, use DOSBox, which emulates a DOS-based PC and lets Turbo C++ launch in seconds. If you need a full desktop experience—for example, to run other legacy tools alongside the compiler—use VirtualBox and boot a Windows 95 ISO.

Choose the method that fits your use case:

• Method 1 – DOSBox (2-min setup)
• Method 2 – Virtual Machine (full legacy Windows)
• Why Can’t Turbo C++ Run Directly?
• Modern, free C/C++ IDEs

Method 1: DOSBox (2-min setup)

DOSBox builds a complete DOS environment by emulating the original 16-bit CPU, VGA graphics, Sound Blaster audio, and pure DOS file system. Turbo C++ detects the environment it expects and launches the same way it did on a 90s PC.

Tip: You can save time by putting the following commands into a .bat file—just double-click it to launch Turbo C++ next time.

1. Download and install DOSBox for Windows.
   
2. Download a Turbo C++ ZIP archive (for example, from the Internet Archive) and extract it to C:\TurboC or a folder with a short path (avoid long names).
3. Launch DOSBox and run:

   mount c C:\TurboC
   c:
   cd bin
   tc.exe

   This mounts your Turbo C++ folder as the C drive inside DOSBox.

   

4. Turbo C++ will open in DOSBox; press Ctrl + F9 to compile your code.

Method 2: Virtual Machine (full legacy Windows)

A virtual machine simulates an entire PC with its own CPU, BIOS, and disk. It takes longer to set up but runs a complete Windows 95 desktop inside a sandbox. This gives you a more accurate experience for running older developer tools.

1. Install VirtualBox.
   
2. Download a Windows 95 ISO (such as the one on the Internet Archive). Use antivirus tools to scan before use.
3. Create a new VM in VirtualBox with 64 MB RAM and a 500–1000 MB virtual hard disk. Select ICH9 chipset and disable mouse integration for Windows 95 compatibility.
   
4. Boot the VM, load the ISO file, and go through the Windows 95 installation process.
   
5. Inside Windows 95, install Turbo C++ using setup files and begin coding.

Warning: Do not connect the VM to your real network. Some legacy ISOs may have malware or unsafe drivers. Keep the network adapter disabled.

Why Can’t Turbo C++ Run Directly on Windows 11?

• Turbo C++ is a 16-bit application, and modern Windows drops all native 16-bit support on 64-bit builds.
• It uses outdated headers and non-standard functions (like Borland-specific versions of conio.h) that are not portable to modern IDEs.
• It lacks support for modern C++ standards. Code written in Turbo C++ usually fails to compile elsewhere without heavy rewrites.

Modern, free C/C++ IDEs (recommended)

If you’re not restricted to Turbo C++, try these up-to-date compilers and editors:

• Visual Studio Community Edition – Full IDE with debugger, code suggestions, and MSVC support.
• Code::Blocks – Lightweight and open source. Works with GCC or Clang.
• CLion – Trial-based IDE with strong CMake and code navigation features.

These tools support modern standards and avoid legacy quirks, making them more practical for real-world use.

Additional Tools (Optional): You can also experiment with NTVDMx64, a community project that lets some 16-bit apps run directly in 64-bit Windows. However, this requires system tweaks and may not support Turbo C++ reliably.