win31.de

The site for Windows 3.1x with Downloads, Links, Tips and more...

Breaking News! Windows 3.11 can be run in 386 Enhanced mode with the new FreeDOS kernel

From the Freedos Facebook group:
In case you're curious: yes, you can run Windows 3.11 in 386 Enhanced mode with the new FreeDOS kernel.
The new kernel is included in the latest (July 2026) FreeDOS test release. I was able to use it to install and run Windows 3.11.
However, I'm not able to save files (like from Write or Notepad). But everything else works.

You can download this Freedos version Here.

Special 31st Anniversary Feature

April 6, 2023. Windows 3.1 just turned 31 years today. This system is mostly forgotten nowadays but I think it's a great opportunity to look back at how using computers was back then, in 1992, when this system was released. That's why I made a compilation of software released in that same year. 22 programs are included, all tested and checked for period accuracy, and available in both ISO and Floppy Disks (108 of them). It can be found at my website:
http://neonfloppy.sytes.net/blog/2023-04-06/

I've also made other Windows 3.1 related stuff previously. One of them is a guide for running MS-DOS and Windows 3.1 on modern hardware, native, from a USB or SD card:
http://neonfloppy.sytes.net/articles/win3-usb/

Alternatively, you can configure Windows 3.1 to get it fully running on Virtual PC:
http://neonfloppy.sytes.net/articles/win3-virtualpc/

Both of these articles feature original workarounds to make the process the most complete and useful for others. As you can see from my website, I've also done stuff for Windows XP and 7, so feel free to check it out if you want.

Regards,
blueclouds8666

In case the above links don't work, you can also find archived copies here:
Benchmarking Windows 3.1 on different hardware environments.
Running MS-DOS and Windows 3.1 on modern hardware via USB.
Getting the most out of Windows 3.1 on Virtual PC.

Windows 3.1x Software Download
Utilities, Extensions, Patches and Fixes, Multimedia Applications.

Windows 3.1x Drivers
Drivers for newer hardware (e.g. VGA boards).

Windows 3.1x Links
Links to other Windows 3.1x pages and downloads.

Frequently Asked Questions
Before you write an e-mail, please look here first.

Windows 3.1x Tips and Tricks
Hints for Customization and patching Windows 3.1x.

Windows 3.11 and DVD - a summary
The strange adventures of a Windows 3.11 computer in the DVD world.

Windows NT 3.1
A short summary and some links to the few remaining NT 3.1 sites.

Calmira Screenshots
How Windows 3.1x can look like with Calmira.

Contact
Please leave your questions, hints and comments here (but please have a look at the FAQ and Tips pages before - often the answer to your question is already there).

This site is not associated with the Microsoft Corporation or any other affiliated company. Please note that the Microsoft products MS DOS, MS Windows and MS Office are under license of Microsoft Corporation and that any request for download URLs is absolutely useless.
Still, there are a couple of Open Source and Freeware replacement, like e.g. FreeDos or GEM.