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Microsoft Windows is one of the most widely used operating systems in the world, with a history spanning decades. Initially released in 1985, it has evolved through many major updates, shaping the way personal computers are used. Below is a comprehensive version history of Microsoft Windows, highlighting key features and changes introduced in each major release.

Windows 11 is the latest version of Microsoft Windows, designed with a focus on modern user experiences, performance improvements, and better integration with cloud services.

• New user interface. Introduced a refreshed user interface with rounded corners, redesigned icons, and a centered taskbar for a modern aesthetic.
• Snap layouts and Snap groups. Added Snap layouts and Snap groups, allowing users to organize open windows more efficiently.
• Android apps support. Brought support for running Android apps through the Microsoft Store using the Windows Subsystem for Android (WSA).
• Enhanced gaming experience. Improved gaming performance with technologies like DirectStorage and AutoHDR, bringing better gaming experiences to PCs.
• Integrated Microsoft Teams. Integrated Microsoft Teams directly into the taskbar for easier access to meetings and collaboration.

Official documentation: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11

Windows 10 was a major update that combined the best features of Windows 7 and Windows 8, offering a more unified user experience across devices. It was also the first Windows version to be offered as a service with regular feature updates.

• Start menu returns. Reintroduced the Start menu, blending the traditional menu with modern live tiles from Windows 8.
• Microsoft Edge. Introduced Microsoft Edge, a new browser designed to replace Internet Explorer, with a focus on performance and security.
• Cortana. Added Cortana, Microsoft's digital assistant, which was integrated into the taskbar for quick access to voice commands and search features.
• Virtual desktops. Added support for Virtual desktops, allowing users to create multiple desktops for better organization of tasks and applications.
• Windows as a Service (WaaS). Introduced the Windows as a Service model, providing continuous updates and support instead of periodic major releases.

Official documentation: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-10

Windows 8.1 was a response to criticism of Windows 8, refining the user experience and improving usability for desktop users.

• Start button returns. Brought back the Start button, though it did not reintroduce the traditional Start menu but instead directed users to the Start screen.
• Boot to desktop. Allowed users to boot directly to the desktop, bypassing the controversial Start screen, making it more user-friendly for traditional PC users.
• More customization. Added more customization options for the Start screen, including more tile sizes and better background choices.
• Improved apps. Enhanced the built-in apps, such as Mail, People, and Calendar, making them more functional and user-friendly.
• Enhanced SkyDrive integration. Provided better integration with SkyDrive (now OneDrive), making it easier to sync files to the cloud.

Official documentation: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-8-1

Windows 8 introduced a radical redesign, focusing on touch-screen devices and offering a modern interface, but it faced significant criticism for its departure from the traditional desktop experience.

• Metro UI. Introduced the Metro UI (later rebranded to Modern UI), designed for touch-enabled devices, featuring live tiles instead of icons.
• Start screen replaces Start menu. Replaced the traditional Start menu with the Start screen, which offered a full-screen experience with live tiles for accessing apps.
• Windows Store. Introduced the Windows Store, allowing users to download and install apps designed specifically for the Windows Modern UI.
• Improved performance. Included performance enhancements, faster boot times, and better resource management compared to previous versions.
• Charms bar. Introduced the Charms bar, a hidden menu accessed from the edge of the screen, offering quick access to settings, search, and other functions.

Official documentation: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-8

Windows 7 was a highly successful release, praised for its improved performance, stability, and a return to a more traditional desktop experience following the unpopular Windows Vista.

• Aero Snap. Introduced Aero Snap, allowing users to quickly resize windows by dragging them to the edges of the screen.
• Improved taskbar. Redesigned the taskbar with larger icons and improved functionality, including the ability to pin applications and preview open windows.
• Libraries. Introduced Libraries in Windows Explorer, allowing users to manage and organize files more efficiently across different folders.
• HomeGroup. Added HomeGroup, simplifying file and printer sharing between computers on a home network.
• Better performance. Offered improved performance, particularly on lower-end systems, and had lower hardware requirements than Windows Vista.

Official documentation: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-7

Windows Vista introduced many new features, including a redesigned user interface and improved security, but it faced criticism for its resource demands and compatibility issues.

• Aero Glass UI. Introduced the Aero Glass interface, which offered translucent window borders and visual enhancements, giving the system a modern look.
• User Account Control (UAC). Added User Account Control (UAC), a security feature designed to prevent unauthorized changes to the system, though it became notorious for its frequent prompts.
• Windows Defender. Included Windows Defender as a built-in anti-spyware tool, improving the overall security of the operating system.
• Improved search. Enhanced the search functionality with Windows Search, allowing users to quickly find files, apps, and settings.
• New networking tools. Introduced new networking tools like the Network and Sharing Center and better support for wireless networks.

Official documentation: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-vista

Windows XP was one of the most popular and longest-lasting versions of Windows, combining the stability of the Windows NT line with the user-friendly interface of Windows 98.

• Luna theme. Introduced the Luna theme, a colorful and rounded user interface that modernized the look of Windows.
• Fast user switching. Added fast user switching, allowing multiple users to be logged in simultaneously without closing applications.
• Remote Desktop. Introduced Remote Desktop, allowing users to remotely control their PCs over a network or the internet.
• Improved stability. Built on the Windows NT kernel, offering better stability and security than previous consumer-oriented versions of Windows.
• System Restore. Introduced System Restore, allowing users to roll back system files and settings to a previous state in case of issues.

Official documentation: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-xp

Windows 2000 was designed for both client and server use, based on the Windows NT architecture, and included several features aimed at improving stability, security, and networking capabilities.

• NTFS improvements. Improved support for the NTFS file system, offering better security and performance for large file systems.
• Active Directory. Introduced Active Directory, a directory service for managing users, computers, and resources in a network.
• Plug and Play. Enhanced support for Plug and Play, making it easier to add new hardware devices without requiring extensive configuration.
• Improved networking. Offered better networking capabilities with enhanced support for TCP/IP, VPNs, and wireless networks.
• System File Protection. Introduced System File Protection, preventing critical system files from being overwritten by unauthorized programs.

Official documentation: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-2000

Windows Millennium Edition (ME) was intended as the last consumer-focused release based on the Windows 9x line. It was known for its multimedia enhancements but faced criticism for instability and performance issues.

• System Restore. Introduced System Restore to allow users to revert their system to a previous state in case of errors.
• Windows Movie Maker. Added Windows Movie Maker, allowing users to create and edit videos with basic tools.
• Enhanced multimedia features. Improved multimedia support with better integration of Windows Media Player and expanded support for digital cameras and scanners.
• Removal of DOS. Removed real-mode MS-DOS access, speeding up boot times but reducing backward compatibility with older applications.

Official documentation: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-me

Windows 98 was an evolutionary update of Windows 95, with better hardware support and improved multimedia capabilities.

• USB support. Introduced full support for USB devices, making it easier to connect peripherals like printers, scanners, and external storage.
• Internet Explorer 4.0. Integrated Internet Explorer 4.0 more deeply into the system, with new web-integrated features like Active Desktop.
• Windows Update. Added Windows Update, providing a built-in tool for downloading and installing system updates and security patches.
• Enhanced hardware support. Improved support for newer hardware, including AGP graphics cards and larger hard drives.
• System File Checker. Introduced System File Checker to help restore corrupted system files.

Official documentation: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-98

===Windows

95 (August 1995)===

Windows 95 was a landmark release that introduced a new user interface and marked the transition from the older Windows 3.x architecture to the Windows 9x series.

• Start menu and taskbar. Introduced the Start menu and taskbar, revolutionizing how users interacted with the system and launching applications.
• Plug and Play. Added Plug and Play support, making it easier to add and configure hardware without manual setup.
• 32-bit architecture. Moved to a 32-bit architecture, improving system performance and stability compared to earlier versions.
• Long file names. Allowed the use of long file names, removing the old 8.3 character limitation from MS-DOS-based systems.
• Integrated MS-DOS. Combined Windows with an underlying MS-DOS layer, allowing compatibility with older applications while providing a modern graphical interface.

Official documentation: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-95

Windows 3.1 was an update to the Windows 3.0 interface, introducing several usability and performance enhancements.

• TrueType fonts. Added support for TrueType fonts, making Windows a more capable platform for desktop publishing.
• Improved multimedia support. Enhanced multimedia capabilities, including support for sound cards and CD-ROM drives.
• File Manager and Program Manager. Introduced improved versions of the File Manager and Program Manager, streamlining file and application management.
• Improved performance. Offered better memory management and overall performance improvements compared to Windows 3.0.

Official documentation: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-3-1

Windows 3.0 was the first version to gain significant traction, offering a more polished graphical interface and support for a wider range of hardware.

• Graphical interface. Introduced a more user-friendly graphical interface, with icons, windows, and the ability to run multiple programs at once.
• 386 Enhanced mode. Added support for the Intel 386 processor, allowing Windows to run multiple MS-DOS applications simultaneously in separate memory spaces.
• Program Manager and File Manager. Introduced the Program Manager and File Manager for easier application and file management.
• Expanded memory support. Improved support for expanded memory, making it more suitable for running larger applications.

Official documentation: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-3-0

Since its inception in 1985, Microsoft Windows has evolved significantly, introducing new technologies, modern user interfaces, and enhanced security features. From the revolutionary Windows 95 Start menu to the modern, cloud-integrated Windows 11, each release has brought major changes in how users interact with their computers. Windows continues to be a dominant force in the personal computing space, shaping the evolution of the desktop operating system with innovations in interface design, performance optimization, and cloud integration.