qm set 999 --ide0 local:999/win98.qcow2,cache=writeback
Once Windows 98 is installed to the qcow2, boot without the CD (-boot c). You will notice: windows 98 qcow2
Shut down the VM. Now we append drivers to the boot arguments. qm set 999 --ide0 local:999/win98
In an era of NVMe SSDs, 16-core CPUs, and ray-traced graphics, the clatter of a dial-up modem and the chime of a 32-bit operating system seem like ancient history. Yet, for retro gamers, industrial control system administrators, and software archivists, Windows 98 remains a critical platform. It represents the pivot point between DOS command-line grit and the modern Windows NT architecture. Shut down the VM
However, running Windows 98 on bare metal in 2025 is a nightmare. Drivers for PCI Express, SATA, and USB 3.0 simply do not exist. This is where virtualization saves the day—specifically, QEMU using the qcow2 format.
This article is a deep dive into obtaining, creating, optimizing, and troubleshooting windows 98 qcow2 images. Whether you are looking to replay StarCraft, run a legacy CNC machine, or simply experience the "Active Desktop" again, this guide is for you.
