How to Install Windows 3.1

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Last Updated: April 30, 2024

Windows 3.1 is a closed source, 16-bit operating environment that runs on top of MS-DOS, released 6th April 1992. It proceeded Windows 3.0 but was succeeded by Windows 95. Support was dropped as of 31st December 2001. True, the system isn't exactly state of the art these days, but if you're a curious techie or hobbyist and have a computer that can run MS-DOS, you might be looking for information about how to install it. Start with step one, below.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Installing MS-DOS

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MS-DOS must be installed first or else you cannot install/use Windows 3.1. This is because Windows 3.1 is an operating environment that runs on top of MS-DOS. Any version from MS-DOS 3.1 onwards should work but this article used MS-DOS 6.22 as it is the most official up to date version of MS-DOS currently.

1
With the computer switched off, insert the MS DOS Setup #1 floppy disk.
2
Start up the computer.

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4
If your hard drive is unallocated, select the 'Configure unallocated disk space.' Press ↵ Enter.
- If you do have an allocated hard drive, select that partition and press ↵ Enter.
7
Choose a directory to install MS-DOS.
- It is recommended to leave the directory where the computer recommends.

Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Installing Windows 3.1

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Then press ↵ Enter.
Then press ↵ Enter.
It's a matter of personal preference but for this tutorial, we will use the "Express Setup".
8
Type in your name and press Continue.
- You can type in your company if you wish but it isn't essential to the installation process.
9
Check that your name and company correct and then click Continue.
- If you have made a mistake, click change and correct the mistake.
13
If you wish to install a printer, click your desired printed and click Install.
- For this tutorial, we will not be installing a printer so make sure "No Printer Attached" is highlighted and click install.
14
If you see this message, do the following:
- Confirm that the message displays C:\DOS\EDIT.COM
- Make sure that "MS-DOS Editor" is highlighted
- Click OK.
15
Use "Run tutorial" if you are used to newer operating systems. Windows 3.1 is very different (it doesn't have a Start menu)!
- For this article, "Skip Tutorial" was selected.

Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Starting Windows 3.1

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Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Shutting Down

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Windows 3.1 doesn't have a fancy 'Shut Down' button so you must follow the steps taken below (ensure you've saved all your work first):

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Question

Why are there so many floppy disks?

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A standard floppy disk only holds 1.44MB, which is not enough to hold the entire operating system, so it was split to several disks.

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How do I shut down my computer using MS-DOS?

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The command to shut down is "shutdown /s", to hibernate is "shutdown /h", and to restart is "shutdown /r".

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Why is this os require 2 setups?

Community Answer

You cannot setup Windows 3.1 from Windows 10 due to compatibility issues, but, MS-DOS has been prepared for the compatibility issues.

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Tips

The installation process may be different if you have upgraded to Windows 3.1 from a previous operating system.

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You must install MS DOS first before trying to install Windows 3.1 or else the process won't work.

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If you need the Task Manager, you need to press Ctrl Esc

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Warnings

Windows 3.1 may not be compatible with newer programs.

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Do not unplug the computer from it's power supply whilst the installation process takes place. It could corrupt the system and you would need to start the installation again.

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An Non Fatal error may occur if installing Windows 3.1 on DR DOS instead of MS DOS. If Windows 3.1 completely refuses to install on DR DOS, try installing MS DOS instead.

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