# ReactOS implements floppy disk support, VMware 3D acceleration, and SMP kernel progress

> **Key takeaway:** The ReactOS project has achieved significant milestones in hardware compatibility, virtualization performance, and multi-core kernel support.

**Published:** 2026-11-12T14:41:16+00:00 
**Source:** Phoronix Benchmarks & Drivers 
**Category:** kernel-os 
**Canonical URL:** https://fosswire.org/news/reactos-implements-floppy-disk-support-vmware-3d-acceleratio.html 

## Summary
The ReactOS project, which aims to provide an open-source operating system compatible with Microsoft Windows drivers and applications, has reported several major technical advancements following recent hackfests. Key updates include functional support for reading, writing, and formatting floppy disks, alongside the implementation of the VMware SVGA driver for 3D acceleration in virtualized environments.

Beyond peripheral support, the project is making strides in core architecture with progress on 64-bit builds and Symmetric Multi-Processing (SMP) kernel support. Developers are also working on expanding Windows NT6+ system call coverage and finalizing NVMe storage support to improve modern hardware compatibility.

## Technical advancements in ReactOS
- **Storage and Peripherals:** The project has implemented functional floppy disk support (read/write/format) and is nearing completion of NVMe storage driver support.
- **Virtualization and Graphics:** Working 3D acceleration has been achieved within VMware environments via the VMware SVGA driver, complementing previous DirectX stack updates.
- **Kernel and Architecture:** Development is progressing on 64-bit builds and Symmetric Multi-Processing (SMP) support, with the goal of enabling SMP in nightly builds soon.
- **Compatibility Layers:** Recent work includes the implementation of more Windows NT6+ system calls, a new kernel shim engine, and updates to the integrated Wine code.

## Why it matters
These updates move ReactOS closer to being a viable, high-performance alternative for running legacy Windows applications on modern or virtualized hardware. Improved SMP and 64-bit support are critical for scaling the OS beyond single-core, 32-bit limitations, while VMware 3D acceleration enhances its utility for developers using virtualization workflows.