How to Install Windows 3.1

Last Updated: November 1, 2022

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

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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3
Press ↵ Enter.
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.
5
Ensure the setup floppy disk is inserted and press ↵ Enter to continue.
6
Check that the following settings are correct before pressing ↵ Enter to continue.
7
Choose a directory to install MS-DOS.
- It is recommended to leave the directory where the computer recommends.
8
Remove the Setup #1 floppy disk and insert the Setup #2 floppy disk and press ↵ Enter to continue.
9
Remove the Setup #2 floppy disk and insert the Setup #3 floppy disk and press ↵ Enter to continue.
10
Remove all floppy disks and press ↵ Enter.
11
Restart your computer by pressing ↵ Enter.

Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Installing Windows 3.1

1
When you see this screen, insert the Windows 3.1 setup floppy.
2
Type A and :. Then press ↵ Enter.
3
Type setup. Then press ↵ Enter.
4
Press ↵ Enter.
5
Pick your setup mode. It's a matter of personal preference but for this tutorial, we will use the "Express Setup".
6
Insert the "Microsoft Windows 3.1 Disk #2" floppy disk and press ↵ Enter.
7
Insert the "Microsoft Windows 3.1 Disk #3" floppy disk and press ↵ Enter.
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.
10
Insert the "Microsoft Windows 3.1 Disk #4" floppy disk and click Continue.
11
Insert the "Microsoft Windows 3.1 Disk #5" floppy disk and click Continue.
12
Insert the "Microsoft Windows 3.1 Disk #6" floppy disk and click Continue.
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.
16
Remove all floppy disks from the computer and click Reboot.

Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Starting Windows 3.1

1
Type in win and press ↵ Enter
2
If the setup has ran correctly, you will see this screen and Windows 3.1 is up and running to use.

Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Shutting Down

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):

1
Click File.
2
Click Exit Windows.
3
Click OK.
4
When you see this screen, you are safe to turn your computer off via the button on the computer or to unplug it.

Community Q&A

Question

Why are there so many floppy disks?

Community Answer

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.
Question

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

Community Answer

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

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.

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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