The Windows operating system from Microsoft is not just software, but actually a symbol of the evolution of computer technology. Since 1985, when the world first saw Windows 1.0, this system has gone through an incredible journey of transformation and adaptation.

Each new version of Windows was not just an update of the previous one, but a reflection of the growing power of computers. From simple graphical add-ons for MS-DOS to the full-fledged, feature-rich systems we know today, each version of Windows has been a step in the direction of continuous technological progress.

In this article, we will dive into each era of this fascinating journey and see how the Windows operating system has changed and what role it plays in the world of computer technology. From its humble beginnings with Windows 1.0 in 1985 to today’s Windows 11, it has come a long way to become one of the most popular operating systems in the world.

Early years

Windows 1.0 (1985)

Windows 1.0 was released on November 20, 1985 as a response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces. This version was not a standalone operating system, but rather a graphical shell for MS-DOS (a disk-based operating system with a textual interface) that allowed users to perform tasks in a more visually intuitive environment.

There was support for windows (although they could not overlap), simple graphic tools such as Paint, calculator, calendar, and notepad. Menus and scrolling were also innovations.

Windows 2.0 (1987)

On December 9, 1987, Windows 2.0 was released, bringing significant improvements. This version already allowed you to overlap windows, which was a big step in the development of the interface. Support for extended memory and shortcut keys has significantly improved the user experience. Windows 2.0 has also become more popular among users thanks to support for programs such as Excel and Word.

Windows 3.0 (1990)

A big breakthrough. Windows 3.0, introduced on May 22, 1990, was Microsoft’s first major success in the world of graphical operating systems. With its release, Windows became really popular for the first time. The introduction of improved graphics, support for 16 colors, improved memory management, and the introduction of an application programming interface (API) that allowed developers to write more stable and efficient programs.

We also introduced games, such as Sapper and Solitaire.

Transition to Modernity

Windows 95 (1995)

Released in August 1995, Windows 95 became a real technological phenomenon. It was the first version of Windows with the now well-known Start menu, which immediately became an iconic element of the interface. The whole system was aimed at broader integration with the Internet, which marked a new era in digital communication.

Windows 98 (1998)

Windows 98, which was released in June 1998, continued to develop the interface and features of its predecessor. The main feature of this version was USB support, which was a big step forward in the development of peripherals.

Windows 98 also offered improved support for the Internet and Web-integrated capabilities, making it more convenient for users who actively used the Internet.

Windows ME (2000)

Windows Millennium Edition (ME), released in September 2000, was the last operating system based on MS-DOS. This version was aimed at home users with improvements in multimedia, and included features such as System Restore and Auto Update. However, due to some technical problems and limited stability, Windows ME was often criticized and did not gain wide popularity among users.

The early versions of Windows not only marked the beginning of a new era in user interfaces, but also became the foundation for the future development of this operating system. They played a key role in the transition from text commands to the graphical interface. Each of these versions has contributed to the modern face of operating systems, laying the foundation for future generations of Windows.