ReactOS 0.4.15

Basic Information

• Model: ReactOS
• Version: 0.4.15
• Release Date: March 21, 2025.
• Minimum Requirements:
  • RAM: 64 MB (256 MB recommended, 2048 MB for large software).
  • Processor: x86 or x64 architecture, Pentium or later and compatibles.
  • HDD: Minimum 450 MB of free space on the primary partition.
  • Video: VGA compatible video card (VESA BIOS version 2.0 or later).
• Supported Operating Systems (as host for VM or compatibility target): ReactOS is an operating system itself, designed to be binary-compatible with applications and drivers written for the Microsoft Windows NT family of operating systems (NT4, 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, 7). Its current compatibility target is Windows Server 2003.
• Latest Stable Version (as of November 2025): ReactOS 0.4.15.
• End of Support Date: Not formally defined as an open-source project. Development is ongoing.
• End of Life Date: Not formally defined as an open-source project. Development is ongoing.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Not applicable; updates are managed through community releases.
• License Type: Primarily GNU GPL 2.0, with some modules under other licenses like LGPL-2.1 or BSD.
• Deployment Model: Installable as a primary operating system on bare metal or within virtual machines.

Technical Requirements

ReactOS 0.4.15 maintains low hardware requirements, making it suitable for older systems and virtualized environments. It requires an x86 or x64 architecture processor, such as a Pentium or compatible. A minimum of 64 MB of RAM is necessary for installation, with 256 MB recommended for general use and up to 2048 MB for running larger applications. Storage needs are minimal, requiring at least 450 MB of free space on a FAT16/FAT32 primary boot partition, though 2 GB or more is advisable for installing additional software. A VGA-compatible video card with VESA BIOS version 2.0 or later is required for display. Standard PS/2 or USB ports for input devices are supported. UEFI system firmware is not yet supported, requiring legacy BIOS mode.

Analysis of Technical Requirements: The technical requirements are exceptionally low by modern standards, reflecting ReactOS's goal of compatibility with older Windows NT-era systems. This makes it a viable option for repurposing legacy hardware or for use in resource-constrained virtual environments. The limitation to legacy BIOS mode and specific file systems (FAT16/FAT32 for boot) indicates its alpha status and ongoing development towards broader hardware compatibility. The project is actively working on features like UEFI support and improved x64 architecture compatibility.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: ReactOS 0.4.15.
• OS Support: Designed for binary compatibility with Windows Server 2003 applications and drivers. It can run many older Windows applications like Adobe Reader 9.3, GIMP 2.6, and LibreOffice 5.4.
• End of Support Date: As an open-source project, there is no official end-of-support date. Community development and contributions drive its ongoing maintenance.
• Localization: ReactOS aims for full language and locale support. Active development exists for languages including Czech, English, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Hebrew, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Norwegian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, and Ukrainian.
• Available Drivers: Supports many third-party drivers designed for Windows XP/Server 2003. Plug and Play manager improvements in 0.4.15 enhance driver compatibility. Basic support for USB devices (mice, keyboards, storage) is implemented, with ongoing work on USB 3.0. Wired network cards are generally supported, but wireless network support is limited to Open and WEP networks, with WPA/WPA2 not yet supported. Progress is being made on Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) support for modern GPUs.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status: ReactOS 0.4.15 shows significant progress in its compatibility goals, particularly with Windows Server 2003 applications and drivers. The active community and open-source nature ensure continuous development and support. However, hardware support, especially for modern components like WPA/WPA2 Wi-Fi and advanced GPU features, remains a work in progress. Users often find better compatibility in virtualized environments. The project's reliance on older Windows driver models (XDDM) is a current limitation, though WDDM development is underway.

Security Status

• Security Features: Implements Access Control Lists (ACLs) for file and directory permissions, includes a configurable firewall, and supports username/password authentication. Encryption for data at rest and in transit is supported. Secure coding practices are followed by the open-source community.
• Known Vulnerabilities: As an alpha-stage operating system, ReactOS is under heavy development and may contain vulnerabilities. The open-source nature allows for community scrutiny to identify and address issues.
• Blacklist Status: Not applicable.
• Certifications: No formal security certifications.
• Encryption Support: Supports encryption for data at rest and in transit, similar to Windows. NTFS supports encryption, but ReactOS's write support for NTFS is still under development.
• Authentication Methods: Supports username/password combinations. Two-factor authentication may be supported in some configurations. The login system aims for graphical login/logout and local authentication.
• General Recommendations: Due to its alpha status, ReactOS is recommended for evaluation and testing purposes only, not for daily use or critical production environments. Users should exercise caution, especially regarding sensitive data.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating: ReactOS incorporates fundamental security mechanisms like ACLs, a firewall, and authentication, mirroring its Windows compatibility goals. However, its alpha development stage implies that it is not yet considered production-ready or fully secure for sensitive operations. The open-source model fosters transparency and community-driven vulnerability discovery and patching, but it lacks formal security certifications. Ongoing development focuses on improving stability and security features.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores: Specific, widely recognized benchmark scores for ReactOS 0.4.15 are not readily available. Performance is generally compared anecdotally to older Windows versions.
• Real-world Performance Metrics: Users report ReactOS to be fast and responsive, especially on hardware from the Windows XP era. It is noted for being efficient in resource usage, with faster installation and runtime compared to full Windows installations. However, performance can vary significantly depending on application compatibility and hardware.
• Power Consumption: No specific power consumption benchmarks are available. Given its low system requirements and focus on older hardware, it likely consumes less power than modern operating systems.
• Carbon Footprint: No specific carbon footprint data is available.
• Comparison with Similar Assets:
  • Windows XP: ReactOS aims for compatibility with Windows Server 2003 (which is similar to XP). It is often perceived as faster and more resource-efficient than Windows XP, especially in its current lightweight state.
  • Ubuntu: User reviews suggest Ubuntu excels in memory management, network security, ease of setup, and quality of support compared to ReactOS. ReactOS struggles with overall functionality and optimization in comparison.
  • Wine: ReactOS uses parts of the Wine project for user-mode compatibility. While Wine runs on Linux and can sometimes achieve better performance for Windows applications due to Linux's memory management, ReactOS is a native OS aiming for full binary compatibility.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status: ReactOS 0.4.15 demonstrates promising performance characteristics for a lightweight, alpha-stage OS, particularly on older hardware. Its low resource footprint contributes to its perceived speed and responsiveness. However, direct, comprehensive benchmark data is scarce. Comparisons indicate it can be faster than older Windows versions for certain tasks but lags behind mature operating systems like Ubuntu in areas like memory management and overall functionality. Performance is heavily influenced by the degree of application and driver compatibility achieved.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews for ReactOS 0.4.15 and the project in general highlight its unique position as an open-source Windows-compatible OS. Strengths often mentioned include its speed and responsiveness on minimal hardware, its potential for running legacy Windows applications, and its familiar Windows XP-like interface. Users appreciate the ongoing development and the ambition of the project to create a native alternative to Windows.

Weaknesses frequently cited revolve around its alpha status, leading to instability, limited hardware support (especially for modern components), and incomplete application compatibility. Users report issues such as system lock-ups, difficulties with specific drivers (e.g., graphics acceleration), and a less intuitive setup process compared to mainstream operating systems. The long development cycle and the project's slow progress towards full stability are also common points of feedback.

Recommended use cases primarily include evaluation, testing, and tinkering for enthusiasts and developers. It is also seen as a potential platform for running older Windows applications or reviving legacy hardware in virtualized environments where stability concerns are mitigated. It is not recommended as a daily driver or for critical tasks.

Summary

ReactOS 0.4.15 represents a significant milestone in the ambitious open-source effort to create a binary-compatible operating system with the Microsoft Windows NT family. Released on March 21, 2025, this version introduces notable improvements in Plug and Play, audio, and memory management, alongside enhanced accessory and shell functionalities. The asset targets Windows Server 2003 compatibility, making it a potential platform for legacy applications and older hardware.

Strengths: ReactOS 0.4.15 boasts remarkably low technical requirements, needing as little as 64 MB RAM and an x86/x64 Pentium-class processor, making it highly efficient for resource-constrained environments and vintage hardware. Its open-source nature under the GNU GPL 2.0 license fosters transparency and community-driven development. The system is generally perceived as fast and responsive, offering a familiar Windows XP-like user experience. Core security features like ACLs, a firewall, and authentication methods are implemented.

Weaknesses: Despite progress, ReactOS remains in an alpha stage, implying inherent instability and unsuitability for daily production use. Hardware compatibility, particularly for modern components like WPA/WPA2 Wi-Fi and advanced graphics, is still limited, often necessitating use in virtual machines. The project's long development cycle and the slow pace of achieving full compatibility are frequently noted by users. While it supports encryption, its NTFS write capabilities are still developing.

Recommendations: ReactOS 0.4.15 is highly recommended for developers, enthusiasts, and users interested in exploring an open-source alternative to Windows, particularly for running legacy applications or experimenting with older hardware. It serves as an excellent platform for learning about Windows NT architecture. However, it is not recommended for environments requiring high stability, robust security for sensitive data, or broad compatibility with modern hardware and software. For critical tasks, users should opt for mature operating systems. Continued development is crucial for ReactOS to overcome its current limitations and expand its practical applicability.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.