Download Windows 3.0 .iso Fast and Easy Today!

Windows 3.0 is the successor to Windows 2.1x, released on May 22, 1990. It replaced Windows 2.1x quickly and became a much better and more stable operating system then 2.1x. It was the first version of Windows which was wildly used and successful, though Windows 1.0, 2.0, and 2.1x all showed moderate usage and profits. This was also the first version of Windows to compete fully with Apple Macintosh, and Amiga Computers. 3.00a with Multimedia Extensions, an update that allowed Windows to support sound cards, was released in October 20th, 1991. Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 3.0 on December 31, 2001.

Features

Windows 3.0 succeeded Windows 2.1x and included a significantly revamped user interface as well as technical improvements to make better use of the memory management capabilities of Intel's 80286 and 80386 processors. Text-mode programs written for MS-DOS could be run within a window (a feature previously available in a more limited form with Windows/386 2.1), making the system usable as a crude multitasking base for legacy programs. However, this was of limited use for the home market, where most games and entertainment programs continued to require raw DOS access.

Windows 3.0 includes a Protected/Enhanced mode which allows Windows applications to use more memory in a more painless manner than their DOS counterparts could. It can run in any of Real, Standard, or 386 Enhanced modes, and is compatible with any Intel processor from the 8086/8088 up to 80286 and 80386. Windows 3.0 tries to auto detect which mode to run in, although it can be forced to run in a specific mode using the switches: /r (real mode), /s ("standard" 286 protected mode) and /3 (386 enhanced protected mode) respectively. Since Windows 3.0 (and later Windows 3.1) runs in 16-bit 286 protected mode and not 32-bit 386 protected mode, applications must still work with 64k memory segments like in DOS although 32-bit instructions may be contained in the code (Ami Pro was the first Windows application to require a 386). Because of this, Windows 3.0 can only access 16MB total of RAM even on 386 CPUs which have the theoretical capability of utilizing 4GB. Windows 3.0 was the last version of Windows to advertise 100% compatibility with older Windows applications.

Downloads

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After that you can just put the files on a Floppy disk or a CD-ROM and install Windows 3.0 on a computer, or you can use Virtualbox to emulate it.

As Windows 3.0 does not require a CD key to be installed or to continue using the software, you can use it permanently without having to purchase any product keys. Also, since the software is considered abandonware, it is legal to use! (So no need to worry about anything illegal)

Info

Developed by: Microsoft Corporation
Release date: May 22, 1990
Latest version: 3.00a (Released in 1991)
Source model: Closed source
License: Commercial software
Preceded by: Windows 2.1x (in 1990)
Succeeded by: Windows 3.1 (in 1992)
Support status: Unsupported as of December 31, 2001
System Requirements:
Intel 8086/8088 or higher
400 KB of RAM (real mode), 1 MB of RAM (standard mode) or 2 MB of RAM (enhanced mode)
MS-DOS 3.1 or higher
10 MB hard disk or higher with at least 7 MB free.
CGA/EGA/VGA/Hercules/8514/A/XGA graphics and a compatible monitor.
A Microsoft Mouse is recommended but not required.
If on a 8086/8088 machine, Windows 3.0 cannot run in full color. This is because the built-in EGA and VGA drivers contain 80186 instructions.

Screenshots