Microsoft chose the version number "3.1" to match the consumer Windows of the day, suggesting parity. But internally, NT was a titan. It was built on a microkernel architecture, featured the Win32 API (which would power Windows 95 and beyond), and was designed to run on multiple architectures: Intel x86, MIPS, and DEC Alpha.
Do not try to install on real hardware unless you own a 486 tower from 1994. You will want an emulator. windows nt 3.1 iso
To run Windows NT 3.1 (Workstation or Advanced Server) in a virtual machine or on period-accurate hardware, the following minimum specifications are required: Processor: Microsoft chose the version number "3