The history of Windows

Windows 1.0

Nov 20, 1985

Including MS‑DOS file management, Paint, Windows Writer, Notepad, Calculator, and a calendar, card file, and clock to help you manage day-to-day activities. There’s even a game one is Reversi.

Windows 2.0

Dec 9, 1987

Improved graphics support, you can now overlap windows, control the screen layout, and use keyboard shortcuts to speed up your work.

Windows 2.11

Mar 13, 1989

Windows/286 and Windows/386 editions, with some minor changes in memory management, AppleTalk support and faster printing and updated printer drivers.

Windows 3.0

May 22, 1990

Advanced graphics with 16 colors, and improved icons. A new wave of 386 PCs helps drive the popularity of Windows 3.0. With full support for the Intel 386 processor, programs run noticeably faster. Program Manager, File Manager, and Print Manager arrive in Windows 3.0.

Windows 3.11

Apr 6, 1992

Adds peer-to-peer workgroup and domain networking support and, for the first time, PCs become an integral part of the emerging client/server computing evolution.

Windows NT

Jul 27, 1993

32-bit operating system, which makes it a strategic business platform that supports high-end engineering and scientific programs.

Windows 95

Aug 24, 1995

Features the first appearance of the Start menu, taskbar, and minimize, maximize, and close buttons on each window.

Windows 98

Jun 25, 1998

Include the ability to open and close programs more quickly, and support for reading DVD discs and universal serial bus (USB) devices. Another first appearance is the Quick Launch bar, which lets you run programs without having to browse the Start menu or look for them on the desktop.

Windows 2000 Professional

Feb 17, 2000

Simplifies hardware installation by adding support for a wide variety of new Plug and Play hardware, including advanced networking and wireless products, USB devices, IEEE 1394 devices, and infrared devices.

Windows me

Jun 19, 2000

System Restore, a feature that can roll back your PC software configuration to a date or time before a problem occurred. Movie Maker provides users with the tools to digitally edit, save, and share home videos. And with Microsoft Windows Media Player 7 technologies, you can find, organize, and play digital media.

Windows XP

Oct 25, 2001

Navigating the Start menu, taskbar, and Control Panel are more intuitive.

Windows Vista

Nov 7, 2007

Features enhancements to Windows Media Player as more and more people come to see their PCs as central locations for digital media. Here you can watch television, view and send photographs, and edit videos.

Windows 7

Oct 22, 2009

Includes new ways to work with windows like Snap, Peek, and Shake. That improves functionality and makes the interface more fun to use.

Windows 8

Oct 26, 2012

Features a Start screen with tiles that connect to people, files, apps, and websites. Apps are front and center, with access to a new place to get apps at the Windows Store is built right in to the Start screen.

Windows 8.1

Aug 12, 2014

It includes new and improved features like Workplace Join and Work Folders that enable Windows devices to connect more easily to corporate resources.

Windows 10

Jul 29, 2015

Windows interfact focusing on the iconic start menu and builing an intuitice experience.