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Install DOSBox from Ubuntu
Ubuntu provides the dosbox package in the Universe repository component. The Ubuntu package index lists it for Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, 24.04 LTS, 25.10 and 26.04 LTS; package builds differ by release. See Ubuntu’s DOSBox package search for the package information for your release.
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Open Terminal.
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Refresh the package lists and install DOSBox:
sudo apt update sudo apt install dosbox -
Start it by entering
dosboxin the terminal, or open the installed DOSBox application from your desktop’s app launcher.
APT is Ubuntu’s command-line interface for installing and upgrading packages; see Ubuntu’s package-management documentation. If APT says it cannot locate dosbox, check that the release is supported by your enabled repositories and that Universe is enabled. Package availability and versions can change.
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- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
Mount a games folder and start a game
DOSBox starts at its own Z:> prompt. It cannot see your Ubuntu folders until you map one to a DOS drive. Create or choose a dedicated folder for your game files; for example, ~/DOSGAMES. At the DOSBox prompt, enter:
mount c ~/DOSGAMES
C:
dirThe first command makes that host folder available as the virtual C: drive inside DOSBox; it does not create a separate disk partition. The DOSBox v0.74-3 manual explains that on Linux, mounting a host path as C makes that path the DOSBox drive. See the DOSBox manual. Mount only the folder DOSBox needs rather than exposing a broader part of your home directory.
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- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience sculpted surfaces and refined geometry designed around how you actually hold a controller. Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grip on the triggers, bumpers, and back case.
- UP TO 40 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 40 hours of wireless battery life on standard AA batteries. When the batteries run low, plug in the included cable and keep playing without missing a beat.*
Use dir to see the folder contents. If the game is in its own subfolder, change into it and inspect its files:
cd GAMEFOLDER
dirRun the game’s actual DOS executable, or its installer if you are installing from game media. Names vary by title, so identify the appropriate file in the directory listing rather than assuming every game uses INSTALL. For example, if the game’s executable is named GAME.EXE, enter GAME at the prompt.
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- BOLD STYLE, BUILT TO PERFORM — Define your swagger with a wild, head-turning design. Stay elegantly on target with textured triggers built for every moment.
- RUBBERIZED GRIPS — Hold on to the action with rubberized grips on the back cases, designed for comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- UP TO 40 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 40 hours of battery life so you can keep playing without stopping to recharge.
- PLAY ACROSS EVERY SCREEN — Quickly pair with, play on, and switch between devices including console and PC. Stream games across mobile, gaming handhelds, Smart TVs, and supported VR headsets with XBOX Cloud Gaming.
Choose manual or automatic mounting
You can type the mount commands every time DOSBox starts, or put them in its configuration’s [autoexec] section so DOSBox runs them at startup. The first requires no configuration editing; the second saves repeated typing.
| Approach | What to do | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Manual | Enter mount c ~/DOSGAMES and C: at the DOSBox prompt each session. |
Trying DOSBox or switching among different game folders. |
| Automatic | Add those commands to the [autoexec] section of the DOSBox configuration. |
Regularly launching games from the same folder. |
For automatic mounting, the end of the configuration should include:
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- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
[autoexec]
mount c ~/DOSGAMES
C:The configuration-file location depends on the DOSBox build and packaging, so do not assume one path applies to every Ubuntu installation. Consult the installed build’s documentation to locate its configuration. The DOSBox manual documents the [autoexec] behavior.
If the game needs a CD
Some CD-based games need access to the original disc or a disc image as well as the game’s files. In that case, the setup may require mounting the game folder as a hard drive and the CD or image separately as a CD-ROM. The required commands depend on the game and its media; use the DOSBox manual’s mounting guidance and the game’s own instructions rather than applying a CD setup to folder-based games.
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- Versatile compatibility: supports Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One X/S consoles and PC Win10 and above (including the game platform Steam).
- Precise control: features Hall joysticks and Hall triggers for a comfortable feeling, long service life and improved game accuracy.
- Plug and Play Convenience: Wired USB connection (removable) for easy setup and instant play without the need for additional drivers.
- Customizable experience: Includes 2 custom backbuttons that allow users to eliminate false triggers and improve their gaming experience.
- Impressive gameplay: Provides a pulsating vibration trigger and an asymmetric vibration grip motor for intense tactile feedback.
Common problems and controls
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The games folder is empty or unavailable: Confirm that the host folder exists and that the path in the
mountcommand is correct. After mounting, switch toC:and usedirto inspect what DOSBox can see. -
The game has no sound: Run the game’s setup utility or sound autodetection, if available, and select settings compatible with DOSBox’s emulated sound hardware. The right choice varies by title; the DOSBox manual covers sound configuration.
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The game runs too fast, too slowly or crashes: Start with DOSBox’s default settings. If the problem persists, the manual describes adjusting options such as CPU core, cycles, memory or emulated machine type for particular compatibility issues. A change may help one title without being right for another.
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The mouse is captured or the window is not full screen: DOSBox documents
Ctrl+F10to toggle mouse capture andAlt+Enterto toggle fullscreen. Game, desktop and configuration behavior can vary, so treat these as DOSBox shortcuts rather than universal controls for every game.What’s actually slowing this PC down?
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What to expect from compatibility
DOSBox emulates a DOS-compatible PC environment, including graphics, input and sound, and is designed to run many classic DOS games. It does not guarantee that every title will work. The DOSBox manual cautions that the project is not yet able to run every program made for the PC. Compatibility, performance and required settings depend on the game.
Quick Recap
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