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: