Many retro gaming fans search for old DOS games, Windows 95 titles, or classic CD-ROM software and find MyAbandonware. The site hosts thousands of older PC games that are no longer sold on modern platforms like Steam or GOG.
But two concerns usually come up. Is it safe from malware? And is it legal under copyright law? These are different questions. Let’s look at both clearly.
What Is MyAbandonware?
MyAbandonware is a website that hosts old PC games often described as “abandonware.” These are titles that publishers no longer actively sell or support. Many games on the platform date back to the MS-DOS, Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows XP eras.
Players often download these games to run them using tools like DOSBox or ScummVM, which help older software work on modern Windows systems.
It is important to understand something simple. “Abandonware” is not an official legal category. It is a community term used in retro gaming circles. A game being old or unsupported does not automatically mean it is free from copyright.
So now let’s talk about safety.
Is MyAbandonware Safe from Viruses?
From a technical standpoint, MyAbandonware uses HTTPS encryption, which means data between your browser and the site is protected. That is a positive sign. Many users report downloading files without direct malware issues.
However, risk does not come only from the main file. The bigger concerns usually include:
- Advertisements that may look like download buttons
- Pop-up redirects from third-party ad networks
- Executable files from the 1990s triggering antivirus warnings
- Compressed ZIP or ISO files containing unknown content
Old game executables sometimes trigger alerts in Windows Defender, Avast, or other antivirus tools. That does not always mean the file contains a virus. Sometimes it is flagged because it is outdated software built before modern security standards.
Still, you should not assume every file is safe.
Before opening any downloaded file:
- Scan it with antivirus software
- Upload it to VirusTotal for a second opinion
- Avoid clicking ads that say “Start Download”
- Download only from the official game page
Security depends on user behavior as much as the website itself.
Is It Legal to Download Games from MyAbandonware?
This part is more complex.
Copyright law protects video games as intellectual property. Even if a publisher no longer sells a game, the copyright may still exist. In many countries, copyright protection lasts for decades.
The term “abandonware” has no formal legal definition under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) or other copyright frameworks. That means:
- A game being old does not make it automatically legal to download.
- Some publishers tolerate abandonware distribution.
- Others request removal through DMCA takedown notices.
MyAbandonware states that it removes games if copyright holders request it. But that does not change the legal status of a title unless it is officially released as freeware or public domain.
If you need guaranteed legal access, platforms like GOG and Steam provide licensed versions of many classic games. GOG is known for DRM-free releases of retro titles with publisher approval.
I cannot provide legal advice. Laws vary by country. If legality is your main concern, official stores are safer.
How to Reduce Security Risk If You Use It
If you decide to download a game, take precautions. Old software is not built with modern cybersecurity standards.
Here are practical steps:
- Keep Windows Defender or another antivirus program active.
- Scan ZIP, ISO, or EXE files before opening them.
- Consider running the game in a virtual machine or sandbox.
- Use DOSBox for DOS-era titles instead of running raw executables.
- Avoid installing unknown third-party launchers.
These steps reduce risk, but they do not remove it completely.
MyAbandonware vs Steam, GOG, and Internet Archive
There is a clear difference between unofficial abandonware sites and licensed platforms.
- Steam sells games with publisher permission.
- GOG offers DRM-free retro titles with legal agreements.
- Internet Archive hosts some software under preservation policies, but availability varies.
Licensed platforms provide legal clarity and security screening. Abandonware sites provide access to titles that may not be commercially available elsewhere.
The trade-off is convenience versus certainty.
Final Verdict – Should You Use It?
From a technical security view, MyAbandonware does not appear to be widely known for distributing malware directly. The main risk comes from ads, outdated executables, and user mistakes.
From a legal perspective, abandonware exists in a gray area. Old does not mean copyright-free. Some titles may still be protected even if they are not sold.
So the answer is balanced:
- It can be reasonably safe if you take security precautions.
- It is not guaranteed legally safe for every game.
If you value certainty, use official stores like Steam or GOG. If you are exploring retro gaming history, proceed carefully and stay informed.
Have you downloaded games from MyAbandonware? Share your experience and what security steps worked for you.