🖥️ A PC in your browser: the open source operating system that lives on the web

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Imagine being able to access an entire desktop environment, with files, applications, and folders, right from your browser – without installing anything, without complex configurations, and with the freedom of open source software. 

That's what Puter does, a project as ambitious as it is elegant, hosted on GitHub, and completely free.

🔗 Do you like Techelopment? Check out the site for all the details!

📦 What is Puter?

Puter is a virtual operating system that runs entirely in the browser. It is designed to simulate a "desktop environment" experience, similar to that of a traditional operating system (such as Windows, Linux or macOS), but accessible via the web.

It is not an emulator or a remote virtual machine: Puter runs entirely locally in your browser. This means it doesn't need remote servers to process data or manage files – everything is done via JavaScript, WebAssembly and modern browser APIs.


🧰 What can you do with Puter?

📂 File manager

Drag & drop, virtual and local filesystem support, folder creation and file management.


📝 Text editor

A lightweight Notepad-style app.


📟 Terminal

Simulates a Unix-like environment useful for developers.


🧑‍💻 IDE

Puter integrates "Code", a web version of VisualStudio Code.


📱 System apps

In Puter you will find the classic applications of a Desktop system such as:
  • calculator
  • gallery (or viewer)
  • video player
  • PDF reader
  • and much more

♦️ App Center and Extensibility

Puter has its own App Center where you will find all the applications already at your disposal. Furthermore, if that is not enough, you can develop your own apps and integrate them easily.



WebAssembly Support

Puter integrates support for WebAssembly (WASM), a technology that allows you to run compiled code directly in the browser, with performance close to native. This means that complex applications – such as graphics editors, game engines, scientific calculation tools or C/C++ libraries – can be run inside Puter's virtual operating system.

In practice, thanks to WebAssembly, Puter can run programs that would be too large or impossible to make with JavaScript alone. Developers can bring modules already written in other languages, compile them in WASM, and integrate them as real desktop apps within the Puter environment.

This makes Puter an extensible platform and potentially very powerful, especially for those who develop or experiment with advanced technologies in the browser.


🌐 Browser compatibility

Puter is compatible with all modern browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge. It works on desktops, tablets and smartphones, although the optimal experience is on large screens.

No plugins or extensions required, just go to puter.com and get started.


⚙️ How does it work?

The core of the project is written in TypeScript, uses React for the interface, and leverages modern APIs such as File System Access, IndexedDB, and Service Workers.

It creates a virtual operating environment in the browser, where each app is a module. Developers can contribute or expand Puter thanks to its modular architecture.


🧩 When can it be useful?

Puter does not want to replace your operating system, but it can be very useful in several cases:

  • Education: to teach computer science without installations.
  • Fast editing: to write code or modify files on the fly.
  • Sandbox: for testing in isolated and secure environments.
  • Emergencies: access a virtual desktop anywhere.
  • Accessibility: simplified and always available interface.
  • Custom Cloud environment: you can register an account so you always have your session and files available

🔐 How the account on Puter works

Currently (according to how the open source project on GitHub is designed and the official website), Puter is designed to work even without a user account. However, account becomes useful if you want to access persistent and cloud-based features, such as:

✅ Features with account:

  • File sync between devices (if cloud support is enabled).

  • Save settings (theme, desktop layout, installed apps).

  • Remote access to your Puter desktop from any device.

  • Online personal storage, linked to your account.


🔐 How do I create an account?

  1. Go to puter.com

  2. Click on the profile icon or the "Sign in" option at the top right.

  3. You can log in or register via:

    • Email and password

    • Or (in the future) OAuth authentication (Google, GitHub, etc.)

⚠️ Note: some features are still in development or experimental. The project is open source and constantly evolving, so some account-side integrations may change or not be fully active in the online version yet.

🧪 Can I use Puter without registering?

Yes! You can use most of the features without registering. The files are temporarily saved locally in the browser via IndexedDB, so they remain available until you delete the site data. However:

  • You can't sync between devices

  • You don't have persistent cloud space

  • You don't have backups if you change computers or clear your cache


💡 A project to keep d’occhio

Puter is a great example of the potential of the modern web: rich, accessible, open source environments. It is also an educational platform for those who want to learn more about operating systems, UI/UX, advanced JavaScript, or WebAssembly.

In an increasingly connected world, having a PC in the browser can make all the difference.

👉 Try it now on Puter.com or explore the code on GitHub.



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