The CMD executable released by Microsoft in 1987 still runs perfectly in Windows 11

Microsoft is known for keeping legacy elements throughout all versions of Windows, including old icons or dialog menus, but the Redmond-based tech giant is less known for its ability to design, develop, and release executables that stand the test of time.

A user on Reddit shared something quite impressive: a copy of an old CMD executable, made back in 1987, still running in Windows 11, despite the 3 decades difference between the two pieces of software.

The CMD executable dated from Windows NT 3.1, a discontinued operating system version released in 1993; the Reddit user ran it in Windows 11, and it worked.

How is this possible? A straightforward explanation would be compatibility. Windows NT 3.1 was Microsoft’s first 32-bit operating system, meaning if tweaked enough, some of its software (such as native Windows apps), also developed for a 32-bit architecture, might run on newer Windows versions, including 7, 10, and even 11, due to a form of backward compatibility – operating systems developed in a 64-architecture (Windows 10, Windows 11) support 32-bit and 64-bit applications.

This made the CMD executable compatible with Windows 11.

Other Reddit users have shared that Windows 11 can support other ancient software, including the 32-bit version of Office 4.2 and 3DMaze screensaver from Windows NT, before admitting that it is rare when it happens.

You can run the (rare) 32-bit version of Office 4.2 on Windows 11. Feels real weird to see Word 6.0 on an OS that’s three decades newer…

You can also run the 3DMaze screensaver from Windows NT on Windows 11. You can run the version that came on Windows 95/98 as well but like, it’s glitchy AF whereas the NT version works flawless.

What are your thoughts on this?