Are you researching the history of Microsoft Windows versions? This article contains a complete list of all Microsoft Windows Versions and the date of release.
Windows is a Microsoft operating system, the de-facto standard perfect for home, educational, and business computers.
MS Windows is a GUI-based OS that was introduced in November 1985 and ever since then, it has been released in several versions since then, as shown in the table below.
Microsoft company started with the partnership of Bill Gates and Paul Allen in the year 1975.
Bill Gates and Paul Allen co-developed Xenix which is a version of Unix. The Microsoft company was incorporated in the year 1981.
In the world today, Windows is the most used operating system for PC. And it is used by several brands to power their hardware.
The major advantage Windows has over most other operating systems is simplicity and flexibility.
Among other OS Microsoft Windows has the most friendly user interface. So many developers have developed amazing software out there for different purposes free of charge.
As new versions of Windows is being released, the operating system is getting more secure, and its loopholes and vulnerability are all being fixed.
We have seen the Windows version change from one to another. Below is the list of all the versions.
Microsoft Windows Versions, Editions, and Release Date
| NAME | RELEASE DATE | EDITION |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 | October 5, 2021 |
|
| Windows 10 | 29 July 2015 |
|
| Windows 8.1 | 17 October 2013 |
|
| Windows 8 | 26 October 2012 |
|
| Windows 7 | 22 October 2009 |
|
| Windows Vista | 30 January 2007 |
|
| Windows XP Professional x64 | 25 April 2005 | N/A |
| Windows XP | 25 October 2001 |
|
| Windows ME | 14 September 2000 | N/A |
| Windows 2000 | 17 February 2000 | Professional |
| Windows 98 | 25 June 1998 |
|
| Windows NT 4.0 | 24 August 1996 | Windows NT 4.0 Workstation |
| Windows 95 | 24 August 1995 |
|
| Windows NT 3.51 | 30 May 1995 | Windows NT 3.51 Workstation |
| Windows NT 3.5 | 21 September 1994 | Windows NT 3.5 Workstation |
| Windows 3.2 | 22 November 1993 | Simplified Chinese only |
| Windows for Workgroups 3.11 | November 1993 | N/A |
| Windows NT 3.1 | 27 July 1993 | Windows NT 3.1 |
| Windows 3.1 | April 1992 |
|
| Windows 3.0 | 22 May 1990 | N/A |
| Windows 2.11 | 13 March 1989 |
|
| Windows 2.10 | 27 May 1988 |
|
| Windows 2.03 | 9 December 1987 | N/A |
| Windows 1.04 | April 1987 | N/A |
| Windows 1.03 | August 1986 | N/A |
| Windows 1.02 | May 1986 | N/A |
| Windows 1.01 | 20 November 1985 | N/A |
Breakdown of Microsoft Windows Versions
Windows 1.0 – The Beginning
Released in November 1985, Windows 1.0 marked Microsoft’s first attempt at a graphical user interface for IBM-compatible PCs.
It introduced the concept of overlapping windows and icons, laying the foundation for future versions.
Windows 3.1 – The Rise of Graphical Interfaces
Windows 3.1, launched in April 1992, was a significant improvement, providing better stability and enhanced graphics.
It became immensely popular among users and developers.
Windows 95 – A Game-Changer
Windows 95, unveiled in August 1995, was a game-changer.
Its user-friendly interface, Start menu, and support for plug-and-play hardware made it a massive success.
Windows 98 – Enhancing the User Experience
Building on the success of Windows 95, Windows 98 arrived in June 1998.
It brought improvements in speed, stability, and support for USB devices.
Windows 2000 – A Leap in Stability
In February 2000, Windows 2000 was introduced as a business-oriented operating system.
It offered improved security, stability, and support for larger networks.
Windows XP – A Worldwide Favorite
Windows XP, released in October 2001, became a worldwide favorite.
Its user-friendly interface and robustness made it a staple in homes and businesses for years.
Windows Vista – The Ambitious Overhaul
While Windows Vista, launched in January 2007, faced mixed reviews, it aimed for a more secure and visually appealing experience.
However, it was later succeeded by a more popular version.
Windows 7 – A Return to Glory
Windows 7, released in October 2009, won back the hearts of users with its stability and enhanced features. It became the go-to choice for many.
Windows 8 – A Touch of Modernity
Windows 8, introduced in October 2012, brought a touch-centric approach to computing.
Its tile-based Start screen was a significant departure from previous versions.
Windows 10 – The Last of Its Kind
Windows 10, launched in July 2015, was touted as the “last” version of Windows.
It introduced regular updates rather than entirely new versions, focusing on continuous improvements.
Microsoft Windows 11 – A New Era
It took Microsoft a solid 6 years to release Windows 11 which was referred to as the Next Generation Windows OS.
After Microsoft released Windows 10 on 29 July 2015, six years later on October 5, 2021, the Windows 11 was released with lots of amazing features.
The new features in Microsoft Windows 11 include; Gaming in Auto HDR, Apps for Android, A New and Better Look, Widgets for Windows, Tablet Mode, and lots more.
Also, there are features present in Windows 10 but deprecated or/and removed in Windows 11.
The most amazing thing Microsoft did about the Windows 11 operating system is allowing Windows 10 users to easily upgrade to windows 11 without having glitches.
This is possible as long as the upgrading hardware meets the minimum requirements for Windows 11.
Windows Editions
Throughout its history, Windows has seen various editions tailored to different user needs, such as Home, Pro, Enterprise, and more. Each edition offers unique features and capabilities.
Advantages of Windows Operating System
- It is comparatively easy, especially when you compare it with other available OS.
- No special training is required to understand how to operate the Windows operating system.
- Windows operating system has wide support for games.
- Windows can run smoothly on most processors.
- The collection of software programs, applications, and games is relatively much more on Windows.
- The recent versions of the Windows operating system come with its own security, known as Windows Defender.
Languages Available in Windows
- Arabic (Saudi Arabia)
- Bulgarian (Bulgaria)
- Chinese (Taiwan)
- Chinese (PRC)
- Croatian (Croatia)
- Czech (Czech Republic)
- Danish (Denmark)
- Dutch (Netherlands)
- English (United States)
- English (United Kingdom)
- Estonian (Estonia)
- Finnish (Finland)
- French (Canada)
- French (France)
- German (Germany)
- Greek (Greece)
- Hebrew (Israel)
- Hungarian (Hungary)
- Italian (Italy)
- Japanese (Japan)
- Korean (Korea)
- Lithuanian (Lithuania)
- Latvian (Latvia)
- Norwegian, Bokmål (Norway)
- Polish (Poland)
- Portuguese (Portugal)
- Portuguese (Brazil)
- Romanian (Romania)
- Russian (Russia)
- Serbian (Latin, Serbia)
- Slovenian (Slovenia)
- Slovak (Slovakia)
- Spanish (Mexico)
- Spanish (Spain)
- Swedish (Sweden)
- Turkish (Turkey)
- Thai (Thailand)
- Ukrainian (Ukraine)
Conclusion
Microsoft Windows has come a long way from its humble beginnings, evolving into a versatile and ubiquitous operating system.
Its versions and editions have catered to the changing needs of users, making it a cornerstone of the digital age.
For the most up-to-date information on Microsoft Windows versions and editions, please refer to the official Microsoft website.
FAQs on Microsoft Windows Versions
- What is the latest version of Windows? As at the date this post was late updated Windows 11 is the latest version of Windows. However, newer versions will be released in the future.
- Can I still use older versions of Windows? Yes, you can use older versions of Windows, but Microsoft may no longer provide security updates and support for some of them. It’s advisable to use a supported version for security reasons.
- What are the key differences between Windows editions? The differences between Windows editions often include features such as advanced security options, domain connectivity, and remote desktop capabilities. The specific features vary between editions.
- How can I upgrade to a newer version of Windows? You can upgrade to a newer version of Windows through the official Microsoft website or using the Windows Update feature in your current operating system.
- Is Windows the most widely used operating system globally? Yes, Windows has been one of the most widely used operating systems worldwide for personal computers, although the popularity of other operating systems like macOS and Linux has also grown over the years.
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