Summary
Highlights
Released in 2009, Windows 7 was designed to fix Vista's problems, offering a faster, more stable, and user-friendly experience with slight visual tweaks and less dialog box overload. It introduced handwriting recognition and window snapping. Microsoft faced antitrust investigations in Europe regarding Internet Explorer pre-installation.
Introduced in 1985 as Microsoft's first graphical user interface (GUI) in 16-bit. It ran on MS-DOS, relied heavily on mouse input, and included the game Reversi to help users acclimate to mouse control.
Launched in 1987, this 16-bit OS focused on speed and graphics. Key innovations included overlapping windows, the ability to minimize/maximize windows, and the introduction of the Control Panel. The first Windows versions of MS Word and Excel ran on Windows 2.
Released in 1990, Windows 3 brought significant upgrades, including enhanced icons, support for 256 colors, and more widespread success as a challenger to Apple's Macintosh. It was the first version to come pre-installed on PCs.
Released in 1992, Windows 3.1 introduced TrueType fonts, making Windows a viable publishing platform. It also brought Minesweeper and allowed MS-DOS programs to be controlled with a mouse. This was the first Windows to be distributed on a CD-ROM.
Arrived in 1995, introducing the iconic Start button and Start menu, along with plug-and-play functionality (though not always reliable). It featured a 32-bit environment, the taskbar, and focused on multitasking. Internet Explorer debuted but required a separate pack.
Launched in 1998, Windows 98 supported DVDs and USB drives. New features included Disk Cleanup, Windows Update, multi-monitor support, and internet sharing. It also introduced back and forward navigation buttons and an address bar in Windows Explorer.
Released in 2000, Windows Millennium Edition was often considered a low point due to its bugginess. It was the last Windows based on MS-DOS and introduced automated system recovery tools, IE 5.5, Windows Media Player 7, and Windows Movie Maker.
Released in 2000, this was a business-oriented OS based on Windows NT, intended to replace previous versions on business desktops. It was the first to support hibernation, introduced NTFS 3.0, and greatly improved plug-and-play with full ACPI and Windows Driver Model support.
Released in 2001, Windows XP was one of the most successful Windows versions, merging the enterprise and consumer lines. It brought a visual overhaul, ClearType for improved text readability, built-in CD burning, autoplay, and automated update/recovery tools. It was the longest-running OS, supported until 2014, but had initial security weaknesses.
Released in 2007, Vista updated the look with transparent elements, focused on search and security, but was criticized for being buggy and burdening users with User Account Control (UAC) prompts, leading to security complacency. It also ran slowly on older hardware, but boosted PC gaming with DirectX 10.
Released in 2012, this OS introduced a radical overhaul with a tile-based Start screen, ditching the traditional Start button. It was faster, supported USB 3.0, and introduced the Windows Store for universal apps. However, it was not well-received due to the departure from the familiar desktop interface.
Introduced in 2013 as a free update to Windows 8, this marked Microsoft's shift towards yearly updates. It reintroduced the Start button (leading to the Start screen) and allowed users to boot directly into the desktop, catering better to desktop users with mice and keyboards.
Released in 2015, Windows 10 is the latest stable version, offering universal app support, a blend of mouse-oriented and touch-based interfaces, and the return of the traditional Start menu. It supports DirectX 12, improved security with Windows Defender, and introduced the Microsoft Edge web browser.
Released in 2021, Windows 11 features a streamlined design with pastel colors, rounded corners, and a Mac-like aesthetic. The Start menu is centered, and new features include Snap Groups for easier task switching and enhanced virtual desktops. Microsoft Teams is also built directly into the OS.