Different Versions of Windows: From Windows

1.0 to Windows 10 with Features

Last updated on May 17, 2023
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Overview
Test Series

Windows acts as a graphical operating system designed by Microsoft which

allows users to view and store files, run the software, play games, watch
videos, and also provides a way to connect to the internet. The window can
be moved, dropped, resized, or maximized as desired by the user.

Microsoft issued the first version of Windows in the mid-1980s. So far there
have been multiple versions of Windows, but the latest version of MS
windows includes Windows 10, Windows, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and
Windows XP. Let us learn the features of various versions of the Windows
Operating System individually; starting with the oldest one.

Versions of Windows
Versions of Windows- Windows 1.0

Release Date

It was released on November 20, 1985.

Features

o It was the first attempt by Microsoft to design a graphical user

interface(GUI) in 16-bit.
o It comprises Simple Graphics.
o Limited multitasking was offered and expected to have a more reliable
future potential.
o Various versions like 1.02, 1.03, and 1.04 were also released.

Learn about the Types of Computers here.

Versions of Windows- Windows 2.0

Release Date

It was released on December 9, 1987.

Features

o 16-bit Graphic User Interface (GUI) based working environment.

o The first version of Microsoft Word and Excel were practised for the
first time on Windows 2.
o The control panel feature where various system settings and
configuration choices were available in one place.
o Unlike Windows 1.0, it came with additional features such as; it allows
applications to overlap each other.
o Versions like 2.10 and 2,11 were also released.

Versions of Windows- Windows 3.0

Release Date

It was launched by Microsoft on 22 May 1990.

Features

o It was the first Windows that required a hard drive.

o It uses 8086 microprocessors.
o It was the first version of Windows to find significant appreciation.
o It was also capable of executing the MS-DOS program in Windows that
supported multitasking in programs.
o It possesses both, conventional and expandable memory.
o Further versions like 3.1 and 3.2 were launched.

Versions of Windows- Window 95

Release Date

It was released on 15 August 1995[August 24, 1995 (Availability)].

Features

o It came as the first complete Operating System.

o Windows 95 offered a completely distinct environment with its new
Start button and Start menu features.
o Advanced from 16 bit GUI to 32 bit GUI with multitasking, and taskbar
features.
o It blended MS-DOS and Windows products.
 o Internet Explorer for the first time was used on Windows 95, but it
could not be installed by default. Later, Windows 95 improved and
incorporated the IE browser by default.
o On December 31, 2001, Windows declared Windows 95, Windows 3,
Windows 2, and Windows 1 versions of OS outdated and discontinued
their support.
o It includes features like Device Manager to help list and control
computer hardware, improved memory handling capacity, mouse right-
click feature, and more.
o It simplified plug-and-play features that enable hardware devices to be
automatically installed into the computer with the proper software and
does not demand jumpers.

Know more about the Generations of Computers here.

Versions of Windows- Windows 98

Release Date

It was released to production on May 15, 1998.

Features

o Windows 98 was not a completely new version but just a

developed/upgrade version of Windows 95.
o It was released, with features like Internet Explorer 4.0, Windows
Address Book, Outlook Express, Microsoft Chat, and NetShow Player.
o The second version of Windows 98 was launched on 5 May 1999.
o In the second version of Windows 98, NetShow Player was replaced by
Windows Media Player.
o The Extended support of Windows 98 closed on July 11, 2006.
o Windows 98 combines additional security for important files on the
computer such as backing up the registry automatically.
o Improved support for new devices and technologies such as
ACPI(Advanced Configuration and Power Interface), AGP(accelerated
graphics port), IEEE 1394(FireWire), DVD(digital versatile disc or digital
video disc), USB(universal serial bus), and MMX(MultiMedia eXtension).
o It was a 16 bit and 32-bit product based on MS-DOS.

Versions of Windows- Windows 2000

Release Date

On 17 February 2000, it was launched.

Features

o It was officially issued on February 17, 2000, though its construction

was started in late 1999.
o Windows 2000 is based on the Windows NT kernel and is also referred
to as Windows NT 5.0.
o A core set of features was developed for manufacturing Windows 2000
but in four different editions, targeting varied sectors.
o These incorporated; Server, Professional, Advanced Server, and
Datacenter Server.
o It was acknowledged as one of the most secure OS ever.
o Multilingual User Interface which supported various languages.
o Multilingual version enables for User Interface and aids to switch,
based on login.
o The automatic updating characteristic made its presence for the first
time on Windows 2000, and it was the first operating system to
support hibernation.
o Windows 2000 later provided the base for Windows XP also.
o Extended support closed on July 13, 2010.

Versions of Windows- Windows XP

Release Date

It was introduced on 25 October 2001.

Features

o While the construction started on August 24, 2001, the official product
was issued on October 25, 2001.
o Windows eXPerience is often abbreviated as XP, Moreover Microsoft
Windows XP was code-named Whistler.
o The 64-bit version of Windows XP was launched on 28 March 2003 and
the Professional x64 version was launched on 24 April 2005.
o The two primary versions of Windows XP are; Windows XP Home
Edition(Full or upgrade and only 32-bit.) and Windows XP(Full or
upgrade and 32-bit or 64-bit) Professional.
o Windows XP was thought the best edition of Windows, it followed
Windows ME and gave consumer-friendly elements.
o New interface and multilingual support increased reliability compared
to earlier versions of Microsoft Windows.
o High-speed start-up.
o More conventional Graphical User Interface (GUI).
o Extended support ended on April 8, 2014.
Versions of Windows- Windows Vista

Release Date

Released to the public on January 30, 2007.

Features

o Windows Vista is recognized as the successor to Windows XP in

Microsoft’s Windows.
o It had an upgraded version of Graphical User Interface or can say a
completely new GUI unlike any previous version of Windows.
o Windows Vista was codenamed as “Longhorn.”
o Windows Media Player 11 and Internet Explorer 7 made their presence
for the first time on Windows Vista, combined with Windows Defender,
an anti-spyware program.
o It was the first operating system to practice DVD-ROM for installation.
o Windows Vista also gave some helpful features such as Windows DVD
Maker, speech recognition, and Photo Gallery.
o Extended support expired on April 11, 2017.

Versions of Windows- Windows 7

Release Date

It was formally published by Microsoft to the public on October 22, 2009.

Features

o It was introduced to overcome all difficulties that were faced by

Windows Vista.
o It was more stable, faster, and easy to use as compared to the earlier
versions.
o Faster start-up time.
o Extended hardware assistance.
o It was issued with user-friendly features and less dialogue box
overload.
o It supports multi-touch screen displays.
o Extended support ended on January 14, 2020.

Versions of Windows- Windows 8

Release Date

It was launched by Microsoft on 26 October 2012.

Features

o It was featured with new programming and technology that makes it

run faster than the previous versions.
o Came installed in new devices such as Laptops, Tablets, Mobile
phones, etc.
o It was issued with new features, such as a fast operating system,
support `q1\\\qr4aqexwaAQ1for the USB 3.0 devices, and Web
store.
o Internet Explorer 10 was included.
o The Web store in Windows 8 is a place from where one can download
several types of Windows applications.
o The task manager had been redesigned.
o Windows 8 is convenient to be installed either in 32-bit or 64-bit.
o New security features were included.
o Windows 8.1 was launched on October 17, 2013. It was relaunched
with the start button on the desktop that initiates the Start Screen.

Also, learn about Microsoft Office here.

Versions of Windows- Windows 10

Release Date

On 29 July 2015, Microsoft introduced Windows 10.

Features

o Windows 10 is the latest version of Microsoft Windows.

o It was planned for all Windows platforms across various devices, as
well as Windows tablets and Phones, including common applications.
o Along with Internet Explorer, a new Microsoft Edge browser for
Windows 10 users, was also included.
o Addresses faults in the user interface initially introduced in Windows 8.
o Cortana; the new voice assistant was also added to the Windows
search bar.
o It is provided with a virtual desktop system.

Also, learn about Computer Fundamentals here.

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More Features of Windows

Control Panel

The control panel of windows allows the user to configure and manage the
resources on their computer. For example, one can change settings for
video, audio, printers, keyboard, mouse, network connections, power-saving
options, installed applications, date and time, user accounts, and much
more.

File Explorer
File Explorer is also identified as Windows Explorer, where all the files and
folders on the computer are displayed. It allows the users to search for the
inserted removable disks like pen drives and CDs, survey for the data on the
hard drive, and SSD. Moreover, the content stored in the drives can be
renamed, deleted, searched, or even transferred.

Microsoft Paint

It is easy software to view, create, or edit an image. It allows several tools to

edit or draw images like resize, crop, and save an image with a distinct file
extension.

Taskbar

Windows are installed with a taskbar that illustrates currently opened

programs/tabs, it also enables users to access any particular programs.
Additionally, there is a notification area on the right side that shows volume,
battery, date and time, network, and other background running applications.

Start Menu

The start menu of Microsoft Windows is present on the left side of the
taskbar which displays programs and services that are installed on the
computer.

Internet browser

The internet browser assists the users to search for anything, view pages,
watch videos, do online shopping, play games, etc.

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