The history of Microsoft Windows spans several decades and includes a wide variety of versions and updates. Here's a detailed overview of the major milestones in the evolution of Windows:
Early Years: Windows 1.0 to Windows 3.x
Windows 1.0 (1985):
- The first version of Windows, launched on November 20, 1985.
- It was a graphical extension for MS-DOS.
- Featured simple applications like Windows Paint, Windows Write, and an early version of Windows File Manager.
Windows 2.0 (1987):
- Released in December 1987.
- Introduced support for overlapping windows and improved graphics support.
- Applications like Excel and Word began to gain popularity on this platform.
Windows 3.0 (1990):
- Launched on May 22, 1990.
- Significant improvements in performance and user interface.
- Included Program Manager, File Manager, and support for virtual memory.
Windows 3.1 (1992):
- Released in April 1992.
- Added TrueType fonts, improved multimedia capabilities, and better stability.
- Widely adopted in both business and home environments.
The 1990s: Windows 95 to Windows ME
Windows 95 (1995):
- Released on August 24, 1995.
- Introduced the Start menu, taskbar, and a more user-friendly interface.
- First version to support long filenames and preemptive multitasking.
Windows 98 (1998):
- Launched on June 25, 1998.
- Improved hardware compatibility and Internet integration.
- Introduced the Windows Driver Model and support for USB devices.
Windows ME (Millennium Edition) (2000):
- Released on September 14, 2000.
- Focused on home users with enhanced multimedia and Internet features.
- Introduced System Restore and Windows Movie Maker but was criticized for stability issues.
The 2000s: Windows 2000 to Windows Vista
Windows 2000 (2000):
- Launched on February 17, 2000.
- Targeted business users with improved security and NTFS file system support.
- Built on the Windows NT architecture.
Windows XP (2001):
- Released on October 25, 2001.
- Merged the consumer and business lines with a more stable NT kernel.
- Offered improved performance, a new user interface, and better networking features.
- Extremely popular and long-lived, with support lasting until 2014.
Windows Vista (2006):
- Released on January 30, 2007.
- Introduced the Aero graphical interface, improved security features, and new search capabilities.
- Criticized for high system requirements and performance issues, leading to mixed adoption.
The 2010s: Windows 7 to Windows 10
Windows 7 (2009):
- Launched on October 22, 2009.
- Focused on performance improvements and a refined user interface.
- Well-received and widely adopted, especially by businesses.
Windows 8 (2012):
- Released on October 26, 2012.
- Introduced a touch-optimized interface and the Start screen with live tiles.
- Received criticism for removing the traditional Start menu.
Windows 8.1 (2013):
- Released on October 17, 2013.
- Addressed many criticisms of Windows 8 by improving the Start screen and reintroducing a Start button.
Windows 10 (2015):
- Launched on July 29, 2015.
- Combined elements of Windows 7 and 8 with a reintroduced Start menu.
- Introduced Cortana, a digital assistant, and the Edge browser.
- Marketed as "Windows as a Service" with continuous updates and improvements.
The 2020s: Windows 11
- Windows 11 (2021):
- Announced on June 24, 2021, and released on October 5, 2021.
- Features a redesigned Start menu, new taskbar layout..
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