Is it possible to run Window$ 3.1 on STM32?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the feasibility of running Windows 3.1 on an STM32 microcontroller, focusing on the technical challenges and potential approaches for emulation or adaptation. Participants consider the differences between x86 and ARM architectures, as well as the historical context of Windows operating systems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that x86 and Cortex architectures are fundamentally different, raising questions about the possibility of running Windows 3.1 on STM32.
  • One participant suggests that if an 80386 can run Windows, then perhaps a Cortex could as well, but acknowledges the need for extensive work on machine codes and compilers.
  • Another participant emphasizes that Windows 3.1 was designed for x86 and Alpha processors, and running it on a different processor would require a full-system simulator, which may be costly and slow.
  • There is mention of Windows CE having versions for ARM, and a suggestion to look for a Windows CE port for Cortex, as well as the potential for Windows 8 on ARM.
  • Some participants express the opinion that Linux may be a more suitable operating system for ARM architectures compared to Windows CE.
  • A participant references a video showing Windows 3.x running on Android devices, prompting thoughts about adapting Android for STM32 with a more capable microcontroller.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of running Windows 3.1 on STM32, with no consensus reached on the practicality of such an endeavor. There are multiple competing ideas regarding the necessary adaptations and the suitability of different operating systems for ARM architectures.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the limitations of running Windows 3.1 on non-x86 hardware, particularly regarding the need for specific hardware architecture and the challenges of emulation. There is also uncertainty about the dependencies of ARM ports on underlying hardware.

Alex_Sanders
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I know x86 and Cortex are completely different but... is there any possibility for this to happen? May be a little code work to provide emulated interfaces?
 
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Well if 80386 can run Windows and Microsoft Word at snail speed, I don't know why Cortex won't run windows? However you have to work a lot figuring out machine codes and suitable compilers and stuffs.
 
Alex_Sanders said:
I know x86 and Cortex are completely different but... is there any possibility for this to happen? May be a little code work to provide emulated interfaces?
Window 3 (desktop & server versions) only had ports for x86 and Alpha processor (now discontinued). Note that Windows requires not only the 386 processor, but also the PC hardware architecture. The only way to run Windows 3 on a different processor is to run a full-system simulator, which is pretty expensive and very slow.

Having said that, Windows CE has versions for x86, MIPS and ARM, and Microsoft announced Windows 8 for ARM (desktop version, not CE).

So, there you have it: either find a Windows CE port for Cortex (which is based on the ARM A8), or wait until Windows 8. But, either way, keep in mind that the ARM ports most probably depend on underlying hardware - I never worked with that, but I think it's a reasonable assumption.

ps: By the way, the best thing for ARM is Linux, not Windows CE. Angstrom is very popular distro for ARM.
 
fbs7 said:
Window 3 (desktop & server versions) only had ports for x86 and Alpha processor (now discontinued). Note that Windows requires not only the 386 processor, but also the PC hardware architecture. The only way to run Windows 3 on a different processor is to run a full-system simulator, which is pretty expensive and very slow.

Having said that, Windows CE has versions for x86, MIPS and ARM, and Microsoft announced Windows 8 for ARM (desktop version, not CE).

So, there you have it: either find a Windows CE port for Cortex (which is based on the ARM A8), or wait until Windows 8. But, either way, keep in mind that the ARM ports most probably depend on underlying hardware - I never worked with that, but I think it's a reasonable assumption.

ps: By the way, the best thing for ARM is Linux, not Windows CE. Angstrom is very popular distro for ARM.


Your totally right fbs7, the only way that might get that down would be writing interfaces to adopt windows 3 in the first place. I saw some u2b vid that win3.x can be run on android devices, so I thought about why not strip down the android in the first place with a "better" version of MCU...

Thanks for the info.
 

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