ChatGPT goes old school with WinGPT for Windows 3.1

WinGPT meme about being old school
(Image credit: Comedy Central | Dialup.net)

What you need to know

  • WinGPT is an app that allows you to access ChatGPT on PCs running Windows 3.1.
  • The app uses OpenAI's APIs, so you don't need a proxy machine to run the program.
  • There are limits to WinGPT, such as it not sending previous messages from your conversation to ChatGPT.

ChatGPT is built on cutting-edge technology that places the power of artificial intelligence at your fingertips. It's generally aimed at modern devices, such as computers running an operating system that's been updated at some point this millennium. But if you're rocking some old school hardware, WinGPT is here to help.

I'm not talking about Windows 10 or the out-of-support Windows 7. Windows Vista, XP, 2000, and ME? In the words of Jordan Peele's character, "come on man, that's too new. I'm talkin' about that ol' school man."

If you really want to go back to classic computing, you can now access ChatGPT on a system running Windows 3.1

The secret to getting ChatGPT on your old hardware is a new program called WinGPT. It's a client that interacts with OpenAI's server using TLS 1.3. That means you don't need to have a proxy machine to use the app. 

Here are some of the things you can do with WinGPT, as listed by its developer at Dialup.net:

  • Do research: WinGPT helpfully answers your queries on everything from current events to kitchen recipes. Say goodbye to dusty encyclopedias and Encarta!
  • Stay entertained: WinGPT gives helpful life advice and tells you jokes to your heart's content. Embrace a world of multimedia entertainment right on your desktop, as long as it's text-based!
  • Master your productivity: WinGPT is your digital sidekick, helping you draft documents and spreadsheets with the utmost confidence.

WinGPT client for ChatGPT on Windows 3.1

WinGPT allows you to access ChatGPT on Windows 3.1. (Image credit: Dialup.net)

As you'd expect, WinGPT has several limitations. To reduce how much memory the AI assistant uses, WinGPT is set to keep responses short. It also does not send the text of previous turns, which means ChatGPT can't use information from throughout the entire conversation. But that's the sacrifice you pay for being old school.

If you want to use ChatGPT on old, but not as old as Windows 3.1, operating systems, you can check out JavaGPT.

WinGPT | (Direct download link)

WinGPT | (Direct download link)

This program allows you to access ChatGPT while using a PC running Windows 3.1. It has its limits, of course, but it's still fun to play around with.


Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.