Window
The first version of Microsoft Windows, Windows 1.0, was released on November 20, 1985. It
was a graphical operating environment that ran on top of MS-DOS.
Here’s a quick timeline of major Windows versions:
Windows 1.0 – 1985
Windows 3.0 – 1990 (first commercially successful version)
Windows 95 – 1995 (introduced the Start menu)
Windows XP – 2001 (very popular and long-lasting)
Windows 7 – 2009
Windows 10 – 2015
Windows 11 – 2021
💻 Tablets
Windows 8 and later were designed with touchscreen support.
Devices like the Microsoft Surface series run full Windows.
Some tablets run Windows on ARM, which has some limitations with older apps.
2-in-1 Devices / Convertibles
Laptops that turn into tablets (e.g., Lenovo Yoga, Surface Book).
Full Windows experience with touch and keyboard support.
Embedded Devices (Industrial PCs, ATMs, POS Systems)
Run specialized versions like Windows Embedded, IoT, or CE.
Used in medical devices, kiosks, manufacturing, etc.
📱 Smartphones (Discontinued)
Windows Phone and Windows 10 Mobile ran on smartphones, but Microsoft
discontinued them.
Virtual Machines / Cloud Devices
Windows runs on virtual machines (VMware, VirtualBox, Hyper-V).
Available as Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop in the cloud.
User Interface Features
Start Menu: Central hub for apps, files, and settings.
Taskbar & System Tray: Quick access to apps and notifications.
Virtual Desktops: Multiple desktops to organize work.
Snap Layouts & Snap Groups: Easily arrange windows side-by-side.
🔹 Productivity & Utility
File Explorer: Manage files and folders easily.
Search Bar: Quickly find apps, files, or settings.
Clipboard History: Access recent clipboard items (Windows + V).
Action Center (Windows 10) or Notification Center (Windows 11): View and manage
notifications and quick settings.
Widgets (Windows 11): Quick info like weather, news, and calendar.
🔹 Security Features
Windows Defender Antivirus: Built-in malware protection.
BitLocker: Disk encryption for data protection.
Windows Hello: Face or fingerprint login (biometric).
Secure Boot & TPM 2.0: Hardware-level security (required for Windows 11).
System Features
Windows Update: Regular patches and updates.
Settings App & Control Panel: Manage system configurations.
Compatibility Mode: Run older software.
Task Manager: Monitor system performance and processes.
🔹 Gaming & Entertainment
Xbox Game Bar: Record and monitor gameplay.
DirectX 12: High-performance gaming graphics.
HDR & Auto-HDR (Windows 11): Enhanced visuals for supported monitors.
🔹 Connectivity & Integration
Microsoft Store: Download apps and games.
OneDrive: Cloud storage integration.
Nearby Sharing: Share files with nearby Windows devices.
Remote Desktop: Access your PC from another device.
Q/A
When was the window first found?
Name 2 devices that Windows can run on?
Name two Windows features.