Do Son 
The ReactOS operating system—an open-source counterpart to Microsoft Windows—has received a long-awaited update: version 0.4.15 marks the first stable release since the end of 2021. While an official announcement has yet to appear on the project’s website, the source code is already available on GitHub, and installation images can be downloaded from SourceForge.
The most notable feature of this release is its preliminary support for 64-bit x86 (amd64) architecture, allowing the system to boot to the desktop. However, a fully functional 64-bit edition remains forthcoming, as developers continue work on their own implementation of WOW64, essential for running 32-bit applications in a 64-bit environment.
Though not revolutionary, ReactOS 0.4.15 delivers hundreds of bug fixes and improvements aimed at enhancing compatibility with Windows software. Highlights include updated storage and network drivers, refinements to the graphical shell, and improved support for fonts, themes, dialogs, and the Windows API. The development team is also advancing the graphical installer and UEFI support—critical elements for operation on modern PCs and devices such as the Steam Deck.
The system remains primarily geared toward running applications designed for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. Support for software relying on APIs introduced in Windows Vista and later remains limited. Broader compatibility with Windows NT 6.x (Vista, 7, 8, 8.1) is anticipated in version 0.5.0, though a release date has not been specified.
Nevertheless, ReactOS continues to be a compelling project for enthusiasts, offering a platform to run legacy games and applications on low-spec hardware or within virtual machines. Its system requirements are modest: an x86 processor, at least 64MB of RAM, and 450MB of disk space on a FAT16/FAT32 partition. For installing larger programs, at least 2GB of free space is recommended.
Installation images for ReactOS 0.4.15 can be downloaded from SourceForge. Both Live builds for quick evaluation and disk images for installation via tools such as Rufus or Balena Etcher are available.
