Windows is one of the most popular and influential operating systems in the world, powering billions of devices from desktops to laptops, tablets to phones, and even gaming consoles to smart watches. But how did it start, and how did it evolve over time? In this blog, we will take a look at the history of Windows, from its humble beginnings as a graphical shell for MS-DOS to its latest incarnation as a modern and versatile platform for all kinds of applications.
Windows 1.0: The first step
Windows 1.0 was released in November 1985, and was Microsoft’s first attempt at a graphical user interface (GUI) in 16-bit. It ran on top of MS-DOS, which relied on command-line input, and required a mouse to operate. It was notable because it introduced some features that are still present in Windows today, such as scroll bars, drop-down menus, icons, and dialog boxes. It also included some applications that are still familiar to us, such as Notepad, Calculator, Paint, and Write.
However, Windows 1.0 was not very well received by critics and users alike. It was slow, limited, and incompatible with many existing software and hardware. It also faced legal challenges from Apple, who accused Microsoft of copying their Macintosh GUI. Despite these drawbacks, Windows 1.0 was an important milestone for Microsoft, as it marked the beginning of their journey to create a user-friendly and powerful operating system.
Windows 2.0: The improvement
Windows 2.0 was released in December 1987, and was a significant improvement over Windows 1.0. It allowed windows to overlap each other, and introduced the ability to minimize or maximize windows instead of “iconizing” or “zooming”. It also supported more colors and higher resolutions, and added keyboard shortcuts for common tasks. It also introduced two applications that are still widely used today: Word and Excel.
Windows 2.0 was more successful than Windows 1.0, as it sold over one million copies and attracted more developers to create applications for it. However, it also faced more legal troubles from Apple, who sued Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard for infringing their GUI patents. The lawsuit lasted for several years, until Microsoft eventually won the case in 1994.
Windows 3.0: The breakthrough
Windows 3.0 was released in May 1990, and was the first version of Windows to achieve widespread popularity and commercial success. It was the first version to run on a 386 processor, which enabled it to use virtual memory and run multiple applications at once. It also supported 16 colors and up to 640×480 pixels resolution, which made it more appealing to graphics and multimedia users. It also included some new features such as Program Manager, File Manager, Control Panel, and Solitaire.
Windows 3.0 sold over 10 million copies in its first two years of release, and became a serious competitor to Apple’s Macintosh and other GUI-based systems. It also spawned several variants, such as Windows 3.1, which added support for TrueType fonts and sound cards; Windows for Workgroups, which added networking capabilities; and Windows NT, which was a more stable and secure version designed for professional users.
Windows 95: The revolution
Windows 95 was released in August 1995, and was the first version of Windows to be a standalone operating system that did not require MS-DOS. It was also the first version to feature the iconic Start menu, taskbar, and desktop that we still use today. It also introduced some new features such as Plug and Play, which automatically detected and installed new hardware; long file names, which allowed up to 255 characters instead of eight; and Internet Explorer, which integrated web browsing into the operating system.
Windows 95 was a huge success for Microsoft, as it sold over 40 million copies in its first year of release, and became the dominant operating system in the market. It also ushered in a new era of computing, as it made personal computers more accessible and user-friendly for the masses.
Windows XP: The peak
Windows XP was released in October 2001, and was the result of merging the consumer-oriented Windows 9x line with the professional-oriented Windows NT line. It was also the first version of Windows to use product activation, which required users to register their copy of Windows with Microsoft or face reduced functionality. It also introduced some new features such as Luna theme, which gave Windows a more colorful and rounded look; Fast User Switching, which allowed multiple users to log on without logging off; and Remote Desktop, which allowed users to access their computer from another location.
Windows XP was the most successful version of Windows ever, as it sold over 400 million copies by 2006, and remained the most widely used operating system until 2012. It also received several updates and service packs, which added new features and security enhancements, such as Windows Firewall, Windows Media Player, and Windows Defender.
Windows Vista: The disappointment
Windows Vista was released in January 2007, and was the first version of Windows to use the Aero theme, which gave Windows a more transparent and glossy look. It also introduced some new features such as User Account Control, which prompted users for permission before making changes that could affect the system; Windows Sidebar, which displayed widgets on the desktop; and Windows Search, which allowed users to search for files and applications faster.
However, Windows Vista was also the most criticized version of Windows ever, as it faced many problems and complaints from users and critics alike. It was slow, buggy, incompatible, and resource-hungry, which made it perform poorly on many existing computers. It also faced security issues, such as the infamous “Vista Capable” lawsuit, which accused Microsoft of misleading consumers about the minimum requirements for running Vista. As a result, many users opted to stick with Windows XP or switch to other operating systems.
Windows 7: The redemption
Windows 7 was released in October 2009, and was the first version of Windows to use the Superbar, which combined the taskbar and the Quick Launch toolbar into one. It also introduced some new features such as Aero Snap, which allowed users to resize and arrange windows by dragging them to the edges of the screen; Aero Shake, which allowed users to minimize all windows except the one they were shaking; and Aero Peek, which allowed users to preview the desktop by hovering over the Show Desktop button.
Windows 7 was a huge improvement over Windows Vista, as it fixed many of its flaws and enhanced its performance and stability. It was also well received by users and critics alike, as it sold over 100 million copies in its first six months of release, and became the most popular operating system in the world by 2011.
Windows 8: The change
Windows 8 was released in October 2012, and was the first version of Windows to use the Metro theme, which gave Windows a more flat and minimalist look. It also introduced some new features such as Start screen, which replaced the Start menu with a full-screen interface of tiles that displayed live information; Charms bar, which provided quick access to settings and functions; and Windows Store, which allowed users to download apps from a curated marketplace.
Windows 8 was a radical change for Windows, as it aimed to create a unified experience across different devices, such as PCs, tablets, and phones. However, it also faced a lot of backlash from users and critics alike, as it removed or altered many familiar features and functions that they were used to. It also suffered from low adoption rates, as many users preferred to stay with Windows 7 or wait for the next version of Windows.
Windows 10: The present
Windows 10 was released in July 2015, and was the first version of Windows to use a service model, which meant that it would receive continuous updates and improvements instead of major releases. It also introduced some new features such as Cortana, which was a personal assistant that could perform tasks and answer questions; Edge, which was a new web browser that replaced Internet Explorer; and Continuum, which allowed users to switch between desktop and tablet modes depending on their device.
Windows 10 was a compromise between Windows 7 and Windows 8, as it brought back some of the features that were removed or changed in Windows 8, such as the Start menu and the windowed apps. It also aimed to create a more consistent and seamless experience across different devices and platforms, such as Xbox One and HoloLens. It also offered a free upgrade for existing users of Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 for the first year of its release.
Windows 11: The future
Windows 11 was released in October 2021, and was the first version of Windows to use a centered taskbar design, which aligned with other operating systems such as Chrome OS and macOS. It also introduced some new features such as Widgets, which delivered a personalized feed of news, weather, traffic, sports, and stock market data; Snap assist, which helped users organize their windows in a snap; and PC Game Pass, which let users play hundreds of high-quality PC games with friends.
Windows 11 was a fresh update for Windows, as it improved its look, performance, security, and compatibility. It also aimed to create a more intuitive and productive experience for users across different devices . It also offered a free upgrade for eligible devices running on Windows 10.
Conclusion
Windows has come a long way since its inception in 1985. It has gone through many changes and challenges over the years, but it has also achieved many successes and innovations. It has shaped the way we use computers and technology today, and it will continue to do so in the future.
I hope you enjoyed this blog about the evolution of Windows. If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to share them below. Thank you for reading!