Microsoft Windows
 | |
| Developer | Microsoft |
|---|---|
| OS family | Windows NT |
| Working state | Active |
| Source model | Closed source |
| Initial release | November 20, 1985 |
| Latest release | 26H1 (Build 28000) / February 10, 2026 |
| Kernel type | Hybrid |
| License | Proprietary software |
| Official website | windows |
Microsoft Windows is an operating system for computers made by the United States-based company Microsoft. Windows is the most popular operating system, being used by almost 51% of desktop and laptop computers.[1] Versions are available all over the world especially in the European Union, United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
History
[change | change source]The first version of Windows, Windows 1.0, came out on November 20, 1985. The newest version, Windows 11, came out October 5, 2021. Most personal computers made after 2015 come with Windows 10. However, some older or cheaper personal computers may come with Windows 8.1 or Windows 7.
Windows makes it easier to run programs, also called applications, than MS-DOS did. DOS required typed commands to make the computer do something. However, DOS required correct syntax of each command. Making mistakes caused the computer to usually give an error message and do nothing.
Windows 365
[change | change source]In July 2021, Microsoft announced it would start giving out subscriptions to virtualized Windows desktops as part of a new Windows 365 service in the following month. The service allows cross-platform usage, aiming to make the operating system available for both Apple and Android users. It is a separate service and offers serveral editions including Windows 365 Frontline, Windows 365 Boot, and the Windows 365 app. The subscription service is accessible through any operating system with a web browser. The service is Microsoft's attempt at capitalizing on the growing trend, fostered during the COVID-19 pandemic, for businesses to adopt a hybrid remote work environment, in which employees split their time between the office and home. As the service is accessible through web browsers, Microsoft is able to bypass the need to publish the service through Google Play or the Apple App Store. Microsoft announced the availability of Windows 365 to the business and enterprise customers on August 2, 2021.
Design
[change | change source]Users control their Windows computer by its graphical user interface (GUI). It only needs a keyboard or a mouse to work. In later versions, a touch screen works as well. However, using both a keyboard and a mouse makes many tasks easier. By clicking a few buttons on the screen, Windows helps keep your files safe, and easier to change and move. Versions of Windows after 2005 make it even easier for some users with disabilities because these versions have touch screens. Tablet computers such as Microsoft Surface use Windows.
Programs
[change | change source]The following programs are included with Windows:
- Notepad – to write simple documents, typically using words/text.
- Photos – to view and edit pictures.
- Paint – to make simple drawings or change pictures.
- Microsoft Edge – to use the Internet to look at web pages and download files.
- Windows Media Player – to play music, videos, and DVD's.
Windows has several kinds of applications available. Popular applications include games, word processors, or additional programs like Eudora. Adding new applications to Windows is called "installing". Applications can be bought or purchased on a CD or DVD. Applications can also be downloaded from the Internet. Some internet applications can be downloaded for free, and others can be bought using the internet.
Versions
[change | change source]| Release date | Product name | Notes | Last IE |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 20, 1985 | Windows 1.0 | Unsupported since December 31, 2001 | |
| December 9, 1987 | Windows 2.x | Unsupported since December 31, 2001 | |
| May 22, 1990 | Windows 3.x | Unsupported since December 31, 2001 | |
| April 6, 1992 | Windows 3.1 | Unsupported since December 31, 2001 | |
| August 24, 1995 | Windows 9x | Unsupported (Windows 95 mainstream support ended on December 31, 2000 and extended support ended on December 31, 2001, for Windows 98, mainstream support ended on June 30, 2002, mainstream support for Windows ME ended on December 31, 2003 and extended support for both operating systems ended on July 11, 2006) | 6 |
| November 17, 1996 | Windows CE | Windows Embedded CE 6.0: Mainstream support ended on April 9, 2013; Unsupported as of April 10, 2018
Windows Embedded Compact 7: Mainstream support ended on April 12, 2016; Unsupported as of April 13, 2021 Windows Embedded Compact 2013: Mainstream support ended on October 9, 2018; Unsupported as of October 10, 2023 |
6-7 |
| February 17, 2000 | Windows 2000 | Mainstream support ended on June 30, 2005;
Unsupported as of July, 13, 2010[2] |
6 |
| September 14, 2000 | Windows ME | Mainstream support ended on December 31, 2003;
Unsupported as of July 11, 2006 |
6 |
| October 25, 2001 | Windows XP | Mainstream support ended on April 14, 2009;
Unsupported as of April 8, 2014 |
8 |
| April 24, 2003 | Windows Server 2003 | Mainstream support ended on July 13, 2010;
Unsupported as of July 14, 2015 |
8 |
| November 6, 2006 (volume licensing) January 30, 2007 (retail) |
Windows Vista | Mainstream support ended on April 10, 2012;
Unsupported as of April 11, 2017 |
9 |
| July 2007 | Windows Home Server | Unsupported as of January 8, 2013 | 8 |
| February 2008 | Windows Server 2008 | Mainstream support ended on January 13, 2015;
Unsupported since January 14, 2020. Volume licensing customers could purchase extended security updates (ESU) until January 10, 2023 (January 9, 2024 for Azure customers). |
9 or Edge |
| July 2009 | Windows Server 2008 R2 | Mainstream support ended on January 13, 2015;
Unsupported since January 14, 2020. Volume licensing customers could purchase extended security updates (ESU) until January 10, 2023 (January 9, 2024 for Azure customers). |
10-11 or Edge |
| October 22, 2009 | Windows 7 | Mainstream support ended on January 13, 2015;
Unsupported since January 14, 2020 for home users. Volume licensing customers could purchase extended security updates (ESU) until January 10, 2023. |
11 or Edge |
| October 26, 2012 | Windows 8 | All editions except Windows Embedded 8 Standard:
Unsupported as of January 12, 2016. Updates to apps using the Windows Store are no longer available as of July 1, 2019. Windows Embedded 8 Standard: Mainstream support support ended on July 10, 2018; extended support ended on July 11, 2023. |
11 or Edge |
| August 26, 2012 | Windows RT | Windows RT 8: Unsupported as of January 12, 2016
Windows RT 8.1: Mainstream support ended on January 9, 2018; Unsupported as of January 10, 2023. |
11 or Edge |
| October 17, 2013 | Windows 8.1 | All editions except Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry:
Mainstream support ended on January 9, 2018; Unsupported as of January 10, 2023. Updates to apps using the Windows Store are no longer available as of June 30, 2023. Windows Embedded 8.1 Industry: Mainstream support ended on July 10, 2018; extended support ended on July 11, 2023. |
11 or Edge |
| September 4, 2012 | Windows Server 2012 | Mainstream support ended on October 9, 2018;
Unsupported as of October 10, 2023. Volume licensing customers can purchase extended security updates (ESU) until October 13, 2026. |
11 or Edge |
| November 25, 2013 | Windows Server 2012 R2 | Mainstream support ended on October 9, 2018;
Unsupported as of October 10, 2023. Volume licensing customers can purchase extended security updates (ESU) until October 13, 2026. |
11 or Edge |
| July 29, 2015 | Windows 10 | Mainstream support ended on October 13, 2020;
Unsupported as of October 14, 2025 |
11 or Edge |
| October 12, 2016 | Windows Server 2016 | Mainstream support ended on January 11, 2022;
Supported until January 12, 2027 |
11 or Edge |
| October 2, 2018 | Windows Server 2019 | Mainstream support ended on January 9, 2024;
Supported until January 9, 2029 |
11 or Edge |
| October 5, 2021 | Windows 11 | All editions except Windows 11 IoT Enterprise and Windows 11 IoT Enterprise for ARM:
Mainstream support until January 12, 2027; Supported until January 13, 2032. Windows 11 IoT Enterprise and Windows 11 IoT Enterprise for ARM: Mainstream support ended on October 8, 2024; Supported support until December 31, 2031. |
11 (disabled by default) or Edge |
| August 18, 2021 | Windows Server 2022 | Mainstream support until October 13, 2026;
Supported until October 14, 2031 |
11 (disabled by default) or Edge |
| November 1, 2024 | Windows Server 2025 | Mainstream support until November 13, 2029;
Supported until November 14, 2034 |
11 (disabled by default) or Edge |
Criticism
[change | change source]Many users complain that Windows makes problems for them. Some users complain that Windows made their computers slower when they changed from DOS. Many people also complain about problems that make their computer less safe to use, even though Microsoft tries to fix these problems. Many computer viruses are made to infect computers running Windows since it is such a popular operating system. Windows was the most popular operating system until recently (today mobile operating systems such as Android are more popular).[source?]
References
[change | change source]- ↑ "Desktop Operating System Market Share Worldwide". StatCounter Global Stats. Retrieved 14 November 2025.
- ↑ "Microsoft Support Lifecycle". Microsoft. May 4, 2005. Retrieved 2007-03-25.
Other websites
[change | change source]- The Microsoft Windows website
- The Windows Team Blog – Official blog of the Windows Team at Microsoft
