Table of Contents

Introduction

Windows is the most popular operating system on Personal computers worldwide. It is a proprietary software designed by Microsoft Corporation. The Windows operating system comes preloaded on most new Personal Computers (PCs).

Windows is a GUI-based(Graphical User Interface) operating system that interfaces between computer users and the computer hardware.

Windows Operating System

Windows Versions

There are several versions and editions of the Windows operating system. Microsoft released the first version of the Windows operating system in 1985. Windows versions starting from Windows 1,2,3.0,3.1, NT(New Technology), 95, 98,2000, ME (Millennium Edition), XP, Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and the latest one Windows 11.

Some of them are as follows::

Windows 11 ( released in October 2021)
Windows 10(released in the year 2015)
Windows 8( released in 2012)
Windows 7 (released in 2009)
Windows Vista( released in 2007)
Windows XP (released in 2001)
Windows ME ( released in 2000)
Windows 98(released in 1998)
Windows 95( released in 1995)
Windows 3( released in 1990)
Windows 2( released in 1987)
Windows 1( released in 1985)

Windows 1.0

The first version of Windows was Windows 1.0 released in 1985. The system had basic functionality and interface. It introduced the first version of MS Paint.

Windows 2.0

Windows 2.0 was released in 1987. It was a 16-bit GUI-based(Graphical User Interface) operating system. It introduced applications like Excel and MS Word for the users.

Windows 3.0

Windows 3.0 version introduced virtual memory, multitasking feature, and improved graphics.

Windows 95

Windows 95 was released in 1995. It changed the system architecture from 16-bit to 32-bit. This version of Windows was more user-friendly and increased hardware compatibility.

Windows 98

Windows 98 was released in 1998. This version included improved hardware, Internet Explorer.

Windows 2000

Windows 2000 was released in 2000. Windows 2000 operating system leveraged the fame of 95/98 versions and was compatible with a number of plug-and-play devices.

Windows XP

Windows XP was released in 2001. Windows XP was designed for ease and stability. Windows XP offered users help through a comprehensive help center.

Windows Vista

Windows Vista was released in 2006. This version had some drawbacks like performance and security issues, and high system requirements.

Windows 7

Windows 7 was released in 2009. Unlike Windows Vista, Windows 7 operating system was created with speed, minimal system requirements, and stability.

Windows 8

Windows 8 was redesigned with a Metro-style user interface and Metro tiles. It has integrated antivirus protection, and a new platform based on HTML5/JavaScript.

Windows 10

Windows 10 was released in 2015. Windows 10 introduced new features like Cortana, the Microsoft Edge web browser, Windows Store apps, Virtual desktops, the Xbox app, etc. Microsoft Edge is the new web browser designed to be a lightweight web browser based on the open-source Chromium project.