MS Windows Version List -

MS Windows Version List

Here is a comprehensive list of Microsoft Windows versions, along with key features and details of each release:

1. Windows 1.0 (1985)

Features: First graphical user interface (GUI) from Microsoft.
Included programs like MS Paint, Notepad, and Windows Write.
Required MS-DOS for operations.

2. Windows 2.x (1987)

Features: Introduced overlapping windows and better graphics.
Support for Intel 286 and 386 processors.
Applications like Word and Excel gained popularity.

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3. Windows 3.x (1990-1992)

Windows 3.0 (1990):
- First successful commercial release.
- Introduced Program Manager and File Manager.
- Improved memory management and graphics.
Windows 3.1 and 3.11 (1992):
- Added TrueType fonts and multimedia support.
- Introduced Windows for Workgroups for networking.

4. Windows 95 (1995)

Features:
- Introduced the Start menu, Taskbar, and Windows Explorer.
- First 32-bit OS with improved multitasking.
- Support for Plug and Play hardware.

5. Windows 98 (1998)

Features:
- Better support for USB devices.
- Integrated Internet Explorer 4 with Active Desktop.
- Enhanced multimedia and gaming performance.

6. Windows Me (Millennium Edition) (2000)

Features:
- Aimed at home users, focused on multimedia.
- Introduced System Restore and Windows Media Player 7.
- Stability issues made it less popular.

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7. Windows 2000 (2000)

Features:
- Built on Windows NT kernel, aimed at business users.
- Improved networking, security, and reliability.
- First OS to support Active Directory.

8. Windows XP (2001)

Features:
- Unified home and business editions.
- Improved user interface and stability.
- Introduced Remote Desktop, ClearType, and better wireless networking.
- One of the most popular Windows versions.

9. Windows Vista (2007)

Features:
- Introduced Aero Glass UI, Windows Sidebar, and improved security with User Account Control (UAC).
- Focused on multimedia but criticized for performance issues.

10. Windows 7 (2009)

Features:
- Enhanced performance and user interface.
- Introduced features like Aero Peek, Snap, and Taskbar improvements.
- Better touch and handwriting recognition.
- Highly popular and widely adopted.

11. Windows 8 (2012)

Features:
- Focused on touch-based devices with a Start Screen and live tiles.
- Removed the traditional Start menu.
- Introduced Windows Store for apps and improved boot times.

12. Windows 8.1 (2013)

Features:
- Brought back a Start button.
- Enhanced customization of the Start Screen.
- Improved app snapping and multitasking.

13. Windows 10 (2015)

Features:
- Unified OS for PCs, tablets, and phones.
- Introduced Cortana, virtual desktops, and the Edge browser.
- Regular updates introduced features like dark mode and enhanced gaming support (DirectX 12).

14. Windows 11 (2021)

Features:
- Redesigned UI with rounded corners and centered Start menu.
- Enhanced multitasking with Snap Layouts and virtual desktops.
- Improved gaming performance with Auto HDR and DirectStorage.
- Integration with Microsoft Teams.

Legacy Server Editions

Windows NT (1993): First enterprise-focused version.
Windows Server Series (2003-Present): Dedicated OS for server environments with improved security, virtualization, and cloud integration.

Windows Mobile/Embedded Versions

Windows CE (1996): Lightweight OS for embedded systems.
Windows Mobile (2000-2010): Precursor to Windows Phone OS.
Windows Phone (2010-2015): Mobile OS competing with Android and iOS.

Key Milestones:

Windows NT Family: Focused on stability and enterprise features.
Windows XP and 7: Universally acclaimed for performance and user-friendliness.
Windows 10: Transition to a service model with ongoing updates.
Windows 11: Focus on modern aesthetics and productivity tools.

Microsoft Windows has continually evolved to address changing user needs, hardware advancements, and the shift toward a cloud-driven computing environment.

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