Microsoft's first graphical operating system, built on top of MS-DOS, introduced basic windowing capabilities, a simple GUI, and the infamous “Program Manager”.
Key features: tiled windows, program manager, MS-DOS file manager, basic games (Reversi). Limitations: No overlapping windows and limited graphics support.
Introduced overlapping windows, support for expanded memory, and introduced keyboard shortcuts.
New features: Overlapping windows with icons, support for VGA and higher resolutions, basic support for graphics drivers, and early versions of Microsoft Paint.
A major visual overhaul with better memory management, program manager improvements and the introduction of File Manager.
Features: 16‑color icons, support for up to 4 MiB memory, new multimedia extensions (MCI), and the first commercial success in the Windows line.
Introduced the Start menu, taskbar, and plug‑and‑play hardware support, marking the transition to a modern desktop OS.
Key innovations: 32‑bit architecture, built‑in Internet Explorer, support for long filenames, and integrated USB support. Windows 95 sold over 40 million copies in its first year.
Combined the consumer‐focused “Whistler” UI with the stability of the NT kernel.
Features: Luna visual style, improved security (Windows Firewall), fast user switching, and enhanced multimedia support. XP remained supported for over 12 years.
Microsoft’s “Windows as a Service” model, unifying desktop, tablet, and Xbox experiences.
Highlights: Continuum, Cortana, Edge browser, universal Windows apps, and a steady cadence of feature updates every six months.
Redesigned UI with centered Start menu, improved window management, and deeper integration with Microsoft Teams.
Key improvements: New Snap Layouts, Widgets, DirectStorage for gaming, and a refreshed Microsoft Store.