Windows 3.1x
| Version of the Microsoft Windows operating system | |
 | |
| Developer | Microsoft |
|---|---|
| Source model | Closed source |
| Released to manufacturing | April 6, 1992 |
| Latest release | 3.11 / December 31, 1993[1] |
| License | Commercial software |
| Preceded by | Windows 3.0 (1990) |
| Succeeded by | Windows 95 (1995; major) Windows NT 3.1 (1993; NT) |
| Support status | |
| Unsupported as of December 31, 2001 | |
Windows 3.1 (codenamed Janus)[2][3][4] is a series of 16-bit operating environments produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers. The series began with Windows 3.1, which was first sold during April 1992 as a successor to Windows 3.0. Subsequent versions were released between 1992 and 1994 until the series was superseded by Windows 95. During its lifespan, Windows 3.1 introduced several enhancements to the still MS-DOS-based platform, including improved system stability, expanded support for multimedia, TrueType fonts, and workgroup networking.
Windows 3.1 was originally released on April 6, 1992; official support for Windows 3.1 ended on December 31, 2001, and OEM licensing for Windows for Workgroups 3.11 on embedded systems continued to be available until November 1, 2008.[5]
Windows 3.1 is the final version of Windows that supports 16-bit processors.[6] Its successor, Windows 95, requires a 32-bit processor (also known as x86-based processor) in any supported architecture.
Updates[change | change source]
Windows for Workgroups[change | change source]
In November 1992, Microsoft released two versions of Windows for Workgroups: 3.1 and 3.11.
Windows 3.2[change | change source]
In 1993, Microsoft released Windows 3.2, although only released in China and only fixed issues with the input system for simplified chinese.
Windows NT[change | change source]
On September 27, 1993, Microsoft released Windows NT 3.1. It was the first Windows NT version. It has better programming and more features. Windows NT is not a true update to Windows 3.1 as it does not share any kernel code with Windows 3.1. Instead it is based on the new 32-bit Windows NT kernel.
Model[change | change source]
References[change | change source]
- ↑ "Windows Version History". Support. Microsoft. July 14, 2005.
- ↑ Dandumont, Pierre (October 7, 2009). "LNDCDJ : Janus / Windows 3.1". Tom's Hardware (in French). Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved July 13, 2014.
- ↑ "Microsoft Windows 3.1". Old Computer Museum. Retrieved July 13, 2014.
- ↑ Grabham, Dan (October 16, 2009). "Windows retrospective: boot screens through the ages". TechRadar. Archived from the original on October 19, 2009. Retrieved July 13, 2014.
- ↑ Fiveash, Kelly (November 5, 2008). "Microsoft retires Windows 3.11 on 18th birthday". theregister.co.uk.
- ↑ "Definition of Windows versions". PCMAG. Retrieved 2023-08-13.
| Preceded by Windows 3.0 |
Windows Versions 1992-1995 |
Succeeded by Windows 95 |
