daedalOS
Desktop environment in the browser
A fully functional desktop environment that runs inside a web browser tab, with a taskbar, file explorer, code editor, game emulators, and an AI image generator, no installation needed.
daedalOS is a desktop environment that runs entirely inside a web browser. Rather than an operating system that installs on a computer, it is a website that looks and behaves like a windowed desktop: you see a taskbar, a start menu, a file explorer, and multiple resizable application windows, all running within a single browser tab.
The file system is virtual and stores your files in the browser's built-in IndexedDB storage, meaning files persist between sessions but live only in that browser. You can drag and drop files from your actual computer into the environment, browse folders with thumbnail or detail views, create archives, extract compressed files, and use familiar keyboard shortcuts for copy, paste, delete, and rename.
The built-in applications cover a wide range. There is a code editor, a paint program, a PDF viewer, a photo viewer (including unusual formats like HEIF and JPEG XL), a video player that also plays YouTube links, a Markdown viewer, a rich text editor, and a terminal with Git and Python support. Several emulators are included: a DOS emulator, an x86 emulator that can run disk images, a Flash player emulator, and a console emulator that plays ROM files from many classic game systems. A Stable Diffusion app can generate images using AI, running locally in the browser via WebAssembly.
The taskbar shows window previews when you hover over them and includes a search menu with recent files. An AI chat agent is integrated into the taskbar as well. The clock runs in a background worker and can sync to a network time server. Wallpaper options include animated backgrounds, NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day, and AI-generated images.
The project is built with JavaScript and React and is open source.
Where it fits
- Explore a browser-based desktop experience by visiting the site and using built-in apps like the code editor and file manager.
- Play classic DOS games or run ROM files for retro consoles directly in the browser using built-in emulators.
- Generate AI images locally in the browser using the built-in Stable Diffusion app without any server.
- Drag and drop files from your computer into the virtual file system to view PDFs, images, or videos inside the browser desktop.