All Microsoft Windows Versions Ever Released: History, Features, and Release Dates

📅 04 Jul 2025 📂 General 👁 850 views

Microsoft Windows has evolved dramatically since its first release in the 1980s. From simple graphical interfaces to today’s advanced operating systems with AI integration, Windows has transformed how the world uses computers. Here’s a detailed timeline of all major Windows versions, their release dates, and key features.

? 1. Windows 1.0 – Released: November 20, 1985

First GUI on top of MS-DOS
Mouse support, basic apps (Notepad, Calculator)

? 2. Windows 2.0 – Released: December 9, 1987

Overlapping windows, improved graphics
First use of keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl+C

? 3. Windows 3.0 / 3.1 – Released: May 22, 1990 / April 6, 1992

Enhanced memory, File Manager
First popular version with commercial success

? 4. Windows 95 – Released: August 24, 1995

Start Menu, Taskbar introduced
Plug-and-Play support, 32-bit OS

? 5. Windows 98 / 98 SE – Released: June 25, 1998 / May 5, 1999

Internet Explorer integration
Better USB support, system tools

? 6. Windows ME (Millennium Edition) – Released: September 14, 2000

System Restore, Windows Movie Maker
Stability issues affected popularity

? 7. Windows 2000 (NT 5.0) – Released: February 17, 2000

Business-focused OS
NTFS file system, Active Directory

? 8. Windows XP – Released: October 25, 2001

Combined consumer & business versions
Enhanced UI, fast performance, long-lasting support

? 9. Windows Vista – Released: January 30, 2007

Aero Glass UI, better security
Heavy resource usage made it less popular

?10. Windows 7 – Released: October 22, 2009

Fast, stable, widely adopted
Better UI, multi-touch, improved taskbar

?11. Windows 8 / 8.1 – Released: October 26, 2012 / October 17, 2013

Metro (tile-based) interface
Introduced Windows Store, touch support
8.1 restored Start button

?12. Windows 10 – Released: July 29, 2015

Unified OS for PC, tablet, Xbox
Cortana, Edge browser, Windows Hello
Constant updates, no “Windows 11” expected originally

?13. Windows 11 – Released: October 5, 2021

Centered Start Menu, Snap Layouts
Android app support, modern UI
Improved performance and security

✅ Key Benefits Across Windows Evolution:

Graphical interface revolution (Windows 1.0 onwards)
Enhanced plug-and-play and multitasking (Windows 95)
Widespread internet and media integration (Windows 98–XP)
Security advancements and enterprise tools (Windows 2000–10)
Touch and hybrid device support (Windows 8–11)
Cloud and AI integration (Windows 10–11)

? Summary Table:

Version	Release Date	Key Feature Highlights
Windows 1.0	Nov 20, 1985	First GUI on DOS
Windows 3.1	Apr 6, 1992	File Manager, true success
Windows 95	Aug 24, 1995	Start menu, plug-and-play
Windows XP	Oct 25, 2001	Modern UI, reliable, long support
Windows 7	Oct 22, 2009	Performance, usability, stability
Windows 10	Jul 29, 2015	Cortana, Edge, cross-device integration
Windows 11	Oct 5, 2021	Centered UI, Android apps, Snap Layouts