How-toWindowsWindows 3.x (3.0, 3.1, 3.11)

Windows 3.1 and 3.11: how to install and set up

Check the hardware and MS-DOS, protect your files, then install Windows 3.1 or 3.11 from your own disks using Setup, and start it with the WIN command.

  • Updated
  • 25 min
  • Intermediate
Applies to
  • Windows 2000 and older

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Need Windows 3.1 or Windows for Workgroups 3.11 on an old PC that already runs MS-DOS? The steps suit hobbyists and anyone who needs to run old software.

Windows 3.x no longer gets security updates

Reference sources give December 31, 2001 as the date Microsoft support for Windows 3.1 and Windows for Workgroups ended. An unsupported version of Windows receives no updates from Microsoft and is at greater risk from viruses and malware. Windows 3.1 has no built-in internet software, so use it offline. Do not put anything sensitive on it.

Windows 3.x milestonesA timeline of 4 events in date order. The full text follows the picture.Windows 3.x milestones1990Windows 3.0Announced May 221992Windows 3.1April 6; first Windows toship on CD-ROM as well1993Windows forWorkgroups 3.11November 8; addspeer-to-peer networking2001Support endsDecember 31, perreference sources, for3.1 and Windows forWorkgroups
Dates are from Wikipedia's Windows 3.x articles.
Text version of this diagram
  • 1990: Windows 3.0. Announced May 22
  • 1992: Windows 3.1. April 6; first Windows to ship on CD-ROM as well
  • 1993: Windows for Workgroups 3.11. November 8; adds peer-to-peer networking
  • 2001: Support ends. December 31, per reference sources, for 3.1 and Windows for Workgroups

What you need

Windows 3.1 is not a complete operating system. It runs on top of MS-DOS, so MS-DOS 3.1 or newer must be installed first. Use disks you own. Do not download Windows from third-party sites.

Windows 3.1 requirements (Wikipedia)
PartRequirement
Processor80286 for Standard mode, 80386 for 386 Enhanced mode
Memory1 MB, including 640 KB of conventional memory
Disk space6.5 MB free (8 MB for 386 Enhanced mode)
DisplayVGA
MouseRecommended, not required

Windows for Workgroups 3.11 needs more: a 386SX processor, 3 MB of memory, and 8 MB free disk space (14 MB for a full install). Windows 3.1 cannot run in real mode, unlike Windows 3.0.

Back up first

Setup writes to your hard disk and may change your startup files. Copy any files you want to keep to a floppy or other media. As a precaution, also copy CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT. See how to back up your files. Do not continue until the copy is done.

Installing Windows 3.14 numbered steps, one under the other. The full text follows the picture.Installing Windows 3.11Check DOSMS-DOS 3.1 or newer mustbe present2Back upCopy files and the two startupfiles3Run SetupInsert disk 1 and run SETUP4Start WindowsType WIN at the DOS prompt
Windows 3.1 asks few questions in Express mode.
Text version of this diagram
  1. Check DOS: MS-DOS 3.1 or newer must be present
  2. Back up: Copy files and the two startup files
  3. Run Setup: Insert disk 1 and run SETUP
  4. Start Windows: Type WIN at the DOS prompt

Install Windows

  1. Start the PC to the MS-DOS prompt. If it starts into an older Windows, exit to DOS first.
  2. Insert the first Windows disk, or the CD. Type the drive letter followed by a colon, such as A: for a floppy drive (use your CD drive's letter for a CD), and press Enter.
  3. Type this command and press Enter. 
    SETUP
  4. Choose Express Setup if offered. It makes the choices for you and suits most people. Otherwise pick Custom Setup, which lets you choose settings yourself.
  5. Follow the prompts. Insert each disk when asked. Enter your name when requested.
  6. If Setup finds printers or other hardware, accept its suggestions if they match yours.
  7. When it finishes, remove the disk and restart if prompted.

Start Windows

  1. At the DOS prompt, type WIN and press Enter.
  2. The Program Manager window opens, with groups of program icons.

Standard mode is for 80286 processors. 386 Enhanced mode needs an 80386 or better.

What is in the box

  • Program Manager holds your program icons in groups.
  • File Manager shows files with a split view, supports drag and drop, and can format a floppy disk without leaving Windows.
  • TrueType fonts: Arial, Courier New and Times New Roman.
  • Windows for Workgroups 3.11 adds sharing files and printers over a small network. It does not give you the modern internet.

Running it in a virtual machine or emulator

An emulator is the practical route on a modern PC. 86Box and DOSBox-X are built for DOS-era hardware, and DOSBox-X lists DOS-based Windows 3.x as supported. VirtualBox and Hyper-V do not list Windows 3.x, so results there may vary. The steps above apply with virtual floppy and CD drives. Keep the emulated machine off the network.

If something goes wrong

  • Setup stops with a message about disk space: free space, or install to a drive with more room.
  • Windows 3.1 does not start: see Windows 3.x programs and problems.
  • Planning a newer system? Windows 95 is the next step in the family, and ChromeOS Flex suits everyday use on old PCs.

Frequently asked questions

How many floppy disks does it need?

It depends on the version and disk size. Check the label on your set. Windows 3.1 was also released on CD-ROM.

Does Windows 3.1 need activation?

No. There is no activation.

Is 3.11 different from 3.1?

Windows for Workgroups (first released as 3.1 in 1992, then 3.11) added built-in networking between PCs. Its hardware needs are higher, as the notes above show.

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