# Microsoft Word 1.1a, Native x64 Port A modern rebuild of a historic software. - **Source:** [Hacker News: Front Page](https://brifing.si/source/b07aa772-b1a0-4a76-aa18-719c6f9e2dde) - **Published:** 2026-08-09 - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/4a94b9ea-03c7-42e7-94dc-4cce9e4b9025 ## Microsoft Word 1.1a x64 Port This project offers a fully functional native x64 port of Microsoft Word for Windows 1.1a. Known historically as Opus, this software reconfigures the original source code and resources to run on the modern 64-bit Windows platform. The project overcomes 16-bit assembly and Win16 platform limitations while preserving the original Word experience. ## Rebuild with Modern Tools The project utilizes modern development tools like Visual Studio 2022 and CMake 3.25. Integrated with Windows 10 and 11 SDKs, this port rebuilds the original Word application as a 64-bit executable. This is not an emulator but a fully native application. ## Setup and Compilation The project can be cloned from GitHub and compiled via PowerShell. Using CMake presets, debug or release versions can be created. The solution generated with Visual Studio 2022 x64 generator can be opened directly from Visual Studio for execution. ## Testing Processes The project includes comprehensive testing processes for Debug and Release versions. Automated UI tests are conducted using CTest. These tests cover the ported x64 runtime, original Word data structures, and command tables. ## Source Code Structure The project preserves the original Word source code and resources. The x64 compatibility layer is provided along with translated routines and tests. CMake inventories the historical assembly modules but does not compile them into native targets. ## Targets and Contributions The project builds the native x64 Word executable named WORD1. While preserving the original Word behavior, it ensures all native interfaces are pointer-width safe. Contributions prefer source-equivalent translations of historical routines. ## Copyright and Licensing The original source files retain Microsoft and third-party copyrights. The project currently does not include a top-level license file. Relevant rights should be reviewed before redistributing the source code or binaries. ## Project Significance This port ensures the preservation of historic software on modern platforms. Making Microsoft Word 1.1a compatible with x64 contributes to passing on software heritage to future generations. The project also includes additional features for research purposes. ## Sources covering this story - https://github.com/jmarshall23/msword — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._