Definition of a Batch File in DOS:

A batch file in DOS is a text file containing a sequence of

commands that are executed automatically, in the order they appear,
by the command-line interpreter (COMMAND.COM).
Key Features:
 File extension: .bat or .cmd
 Used to automate repetitive tasks
 Each line contains a DOS command (e.g., echo, copy, del, etc.)
 Executes commands sequentially
Example of a Simple Batch File (example.bat):
Explanation of Commands:
 @echo off – hides the command being executed (cleans output)
 echo – prints a message
 dir – lists files in the current directory
 pause – waits for user to press a key before closing
Uses of Batch Files in DOS:
 Automating software installations
 Running multiple commands with a single file
 Creating backups
 Setting environment variables
 Managing files (copying, deleting, renaming)
Let me know if you'd like a real-life use case or a more advanced
example!
 Chapter 2
GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE USING WINDOW

A Graphical User Interface (GUI) is a user-friendly visual interface

that enables users to interact with electronic devices through graphical
elements such as icons, buttons, and windows, rather than relying on
text-based commands. This approach simplifies user interaction by
allowing direct manipulation of visual components, making
technology more accessible and intuitive.
Key Components of a GUI
1. Windows: Rectangular areas on the screen that display
information or applications. Users can move, resize, minimize,
or close these windows.
2. Icons: Small graphical representations of programs, files, or
functions. Clicking an icon typically initiates the associated
action or opens the corresponding application.
3. Menus: Lists of options or commands presented to the user.
These can be:
o Menu Bars: Horizontal lists at the top of a window.
o Pull-Down Menus: Menus that appear when a menu bar
item is clicked.
o Context Menus: Menus that appear upon right-clicking an
element, offering options relevant to that specific item.
4. Buttons: Clickable elements that perform specific actions when
activated.
5. Toolbars: Collections of buttons or icons grouped together,
providing quick access to commonly used functions.
6. Tabs: Interface elements that allow users to switch between
different views or documents within the same window.
7. Scroll Bars: Vertical or horizontal bars that enable users to
navigate through content that extends beyond the visible area of
a window.
8. Pointers/Cursors: Visual indicators, often controlled by a
mouse or touchpad, that allow users to select and interact with
elements on the screen.
 9. Widgets/Controls: Interactive components like checkboxes,
radio buttons, sliders, and text fields that facilitate user input and
interaction.

GUI Concepts and Design Principles

 WIMP Paradigm: An acronym for Windows, Icons, Menus,

and Pointers, representing the foundational elements of
traditional GUIs.
 Direct Manipulation: A design principle where users interact
directly with objects on the screen, such as dragging a file to a
folder, enhancing intuitiveness.
 Model–View–Controller (MVC): A software architectural
pattern that separates an application into three interconnected
components:
o Model: Manages the data and business logic.
o View: Handles the display and presentation to the user.
o Controller: Processes user input and interacts with the
model.
 Context-Sensitive Interfaces: Interfaces that adapt based on the
current context or user actions, providing relevant options and
reducing clutter.
 Post-WIMP Interfaces: Advanced interfaces that go beyond
traditional WIMP elements, incorporating touch, gesture, voice,
and other natural user interactions.

Examples of GUI Applications

 Operating Systems: Microsoft Windows, macOS, and various

Linux desktop environments like GNOME and KDE. Web
Browsers: Applications like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox,
and Safari that provide GUI-based navigation of the
internetProductivity Software: Applications such as Microsoft
Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Adobe Creative
Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator).
 Mobile Applications: Smartphone and tablet apps that utilize
touch-based GUIs for user interaction.
Evolution and Future of GUIs
The concept of GUIs originated in the 1970s at Xerox's Palo Alto
Research Center (PARC), leading to the development of interfaces
that replaced complex command-line inputs with visual elements.
This innovation was popularized by Apple's Macintosh in the 1980s
and later adopted widely across various platforms.
Modern advancements are pushing GUIs into new realms,
incorporating technologies like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality
(AR), and gesture-based interactions. Devices like Apple's Vision Pro
exemplify this shift, offering immersive experiences that blend digital
content with the physical world.

What Is a “Window” (in computing)?

A window is a graphical control element—typically a rectangular
region on the screen that displays part of a program’s interface,
content, or data. Windows can overlap, be resized, moved, minimized,
or closed, and may contain toolbars, menus, and panels depending on
the application context
Rooted in early GUI research at Stanford and later Xerox PARC,
windows became a foundational metaphor in the graphical user
interfaces of modern systems—embodied in the WIMP model
(Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointers)

Why the Windows OS Is So Popular

1. Familiarity & Market Penetration

With over 1.4 billion active devices globally and holding roughly 70–
75% of the desktop market, Windows is the most widely adopted OS
on PCs Its ubiquity means most users grow up using it, creating
comfort and reducing the learning curve
2. Extensive Software Ecosystem
Almost every major application—from Microsoft Office and Adobe
Creative Suite to countless industry-specific tools—runs on Windows.
It also dominates PC gaming platforms thanks to DirectX and wide
developer support
3. Broad Hardware Compatibility
Windows supports a vast range of hardware platforms: x86, x64,
ARM, and hundreds of permuted peripherals. The plug-and-play
model and automatic driver updates simplify setup for users across
the globe
4. Enterprise Reach and Business Support
Windows is entrenched in corporate environments through features
like Active Directory, Group Policy, Azure integration, and
standardized desktop applications. This deep enterprise support
reinforces its dominance
5. User-Friendly Interface & Customization
From the Start menu to the taskbar, File Explorer, and virtual
desktops, Windows emphasizes intuitive design. Personalization
options (themes, layout, language settings) allow users to tailor their
experience
6. Security and Reliability
Modern Windows includes built-in antivirus (Defender), firewall,
BitLocker drive encryption, Windows Hello biometric login, and
secure boot enforcement. Frequent updates and strong legacy support
help maintain user confidence and backward compatibility
Core Features of Windows Operating System
• Efficient Resource Management
WWindows employs preemptive multitasking, memory and CPU
scheduling, storage and file system management. These allow
simultaneous applications without performance conflicts
• Graphical User Interface (GUI)
TThe familiar desktop environment includes the Start menu, taskbar,
windows, and file navigation via File Explorer—making it accessible
and approachable for new users
• Multitasking and Productivity Tools
FFeatures like Snap Layouts, Virtual Desktops, and Snap Groups in
Windows 11 enable efficient workspace organization. These are
especially helpful for users juggling many windows and tasks
• Integrated Ecosystem & Cloud Services
TTight integration with Microsoft Office, Teams, OneDrive, and
Microsoft Store makes it easier to stay productive and collaborative
across devices
• Accessibility & International Support
WWindows provides tools like Narrator, Magnifier, Speech
Recognition, and language packs via the Multilingual User Interface.
Regional settings adapt keyboards, date formats, and layouts to global
users
• Virtualization & Legacy Support
FFeatures like Hyper-V and Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)
allow users to run virtual machines or Linux environments side-by-
side. Backward compatibility ensures older software still runs on
newer OS versions
• Hardware Flexibility
WWindows supports a wide variety of devices—from low-cost
laptops to high-end gaming rigs—and works on both desktops and
touch-enabled tablets or 2-in-1 devicet
Latest Developments (Windows 11 / August 2025)
 *AI Integration Enhancements: Copilot Vision, AI agent
integration in Settings, photo relighting in Photos app, object
selection in Paint, and improved screenshot tools are being
gradually rolled out—mainly for Copilot+ device users*System
Resilience Improvements: Quick Machine Recovery helps
recover systems from boot loops; the traditional BSOD is
redesigned to a simplified black screen with recovery options
 *Security & Productivity Updates: Click-to-Do AI
capabilities, expanded Narrator image descriptions, private
activity dashboards, and enhanced notification management on
secondary displays are part of the recent update stream

Windows 2.0 (Released December 9, 1987)

Origin & Context
 Launched as the successor to Windows 1.0, Windows 2.0
introduced major GUI enhancements like overlapping windows
and desktop icons—elements absent from its predecessor It
shipped in two editions: a basic real-mode version for 8086/286
processors, and Windows/386, supporting Intel 386’s protected
mode for better multitasking and memory use
 Early lawsuits from Apple over GUI similarities were dismissed
in Microsoft’s favor
Uses & Significance
  Bundled with GUI versions of Word and Excel, it began to
establish Windows as an interface for mainstream software
 The introduction of PageMaker for Windows marked its first
major third-party desktop publishing title—expanding its appeal
beyond just Microsoft’s own applications
Key Features
 Overlapping and resizable windows, keyboard shortcuts,
desktop icons, and VGA-16-color support
 Real-mode and protected-mode variants, supporting the High
Memory Area on 286-class systems

Windows 3.0 (Released May 1990)

Origin & Context
 A fundamental redesign that transformed Windows into a
commercially viable environment with a richer GUI and
improved performance—it sold ~10 million copies in two years
Uses & Significance
 Targeted both home and business users—its affordability and
compatibility contrasted sharply with more expensive
alternatives like OS/2 Strong third-party developer interest led
to a boom in Windows applications, accelerating its market
dominance
Key Features
 Visually appealing 3D-style GUI, full icon-based Program
Manager, File Manager, Task List, and a redesigned Control
Panel
 Support for Intel 286/386 processors enabling protected memory
and virtual memory, better multitasking, and improved stability
 New utility programs: Recorder (macro tool), Notepad,
Paintbrush, Calculator, Solitaire, and Help system
 Up to 256-color VGA support with Palette Manager to prioritize
active window colors

Windows 3.1 (Released April 1992)

Origin & Context
  Introduced in early 1992 (codename "Janus"), Windows 3.1
built upon 3.0’s foundation, improving stability and multimedia
support.
Uses & Significance
 Became the standard platform preinstalled on consumer PCs;
sold millions of copies quickly and brought widespread adoption
Enabled Windows to become a viable desktop publishing
platform, thanks to scalable fonts and improved typography
Key Features
 TrueType fonts introduced Arial, Times New Roman, Courier
New—scalable and rotatable for desktop publishing
 Multimedia: Sound Recorder, Media Player (MIDI/AVI),
screensavers, and event sounds
 Object Linking & Embedding (OLE) for drag-and-drop
between applications, plus improved File Manager with
drag-and-drop and split-view
 Introduced the Windows Registry, Dr. Watson diagnostics,
Calendar support, new Control Panel tweaks, quick floppy
formatting tools, and better printer management
 Required at least an 80286 CPU (no real mode), increased
memory ceiling (~256 MB), Win32s compatibility, WinG
graphics API, support for Advanced Power Management

Windows 3.11 (Released December 1993)

Origin & Context
 Not a full version but a refinement update to 3.1—released as
Windows 3.11 formally in late 1993
Uses & Significance
 Served as a service-pack style update that improved stability and
performance.
 Workgroups variants (3.1/WFW and 3.11/WFW) added built-in
networking, enabling peer-to-peer file and printer sharing with
protocols like NetBEUI and IPX/SPX
Key Features
 Consolidated bug fixes and patches for 3.1; enhancements
mainly in under-the-hood performance
  Windows for Workgroups 3.11 brought network client
support, remote access tools (RAS), VFAT support for long
filenames in Windows, ADMINCFG for network configuration,
and improved Print Manager; supported as both networked and
standalone setups

Release
Version Notable Uses Key Features
Year
Overlapping windows,
Early GUI support for
Windows 2.0 1987 icons, VGA colors,
Word, Excel
protected mode
Broad 3D GUI, virtual
Windows 3.0 1990 consumer/business memory, Program/File
adoption Manager, Solitaire
TrueType fonts, OLE,
Desktop publishing,
Windows 3.1 1992 multimedia apps,
stable mass market
registry, Win32s
Networking support
Small refinements; (WFW), VFAT long
Windows 3.11 1993
networked PCs names, remote access
tools

Windows 95 (Released August 1995)

Origin & Context
WWindows 95 marked a breakthrough in Microsoft’s strategy by
merging MS-DOS and Windows into a semi-standalone hybrid OS.
Its redesigned GUI (internally part of a project called "Cairo")
introduced the Start menu, taskbar, and Explorer interface—laying the
foundation for modern Windows design
Uses & Impact
TThis release was aimed squarely at mainstream users—leveraging
aggressive marketing (including usage of The Rolling Stones’ “Start
Me Up” song and shipping with Encarta encyclopedia)—and
popularizing PCs as multimedia machines in homes worldwide
Key Features
  *Start menu & Taskbar: Intuitive central navigation elements
for launching apps, documents, and system tools
 *Plug and Play hardware support: Automated device
detection and installation — vastly simplifying user setup
 *Long filenames (up to 255 chars) via VFAT extensions,
replacing the restrictive 8.3 naming scheme
 *Windows Explorer replaced File Manager; added My
Computer, Recycle Bin, and context menus for enhanced
usability
 *Preemptive multitasking & 32-bit virtual device drivers
(VxDs) for better performance alongside legacy 16-bit support

Windows 98 (Released June 1998; SE in 1999)

Origin & Context
BBuilt on the Windows 95 codebase, Windows 98 refined the
consumer experience with deeper web integration and added support
for emerging technologies like USB, DVD, and FAT32 storage
Uses & Impact
DDesigned for home and small-office users, Windows 98 emphasized
multimedia entertainment and Internet capabilities, evolving into an
entry point for everyday computing and web usage
Key Features
 *Internet Explorer integrated into the shell; introduced
Active Desktop, web-aware Explorer UI, personalized infotips,
folder web views, and Quick Launch toolbar
 *Support for modern hardware: USB, multiple monitors,
AGP graphics, DVD drives, FAT32 file system for larger
partitions, and MMX enhancement for multimedia performance
 *System maintenance & support tools: Windows Maintenance
Wizard, System File Checker, Windows Update, power
management, and improved accessibility wizards
 *Interface polish: Gradient title bars, slide animations in
menus/tooltips, and CAB file compression support in Explorer
 *Folder customization: Users could apply HTML-based
backgrounds and customized views to folders
Windows NT (First version: NT 3.1, Released July 1993)
Origin & Context
DDesigned from scratch for enterprise and mission-critical
computing, Windows NT (New Technology) was built on a clean,
fully 32-bit architecture. It was architected under Dave Cutler’s
leadership, drawing inspiration from systems like VAX/VMS, Mach,
and OS/2
Uses & Impact
AAimed at servers and workstations, NT provided robustness, strong
security, and multiuser support. It powered large organizations and
ultimately became the foundation for all modern Windows releases—
from Windows 2000 and XP onward
Key Features
 *True 32-bit hybrid kernel with preemptive multitasking,
threading, virtual memory, symmetric multiprocessing (SMP),
and support for various CPU architectures (x86, RISC, Itanium,
ARM etc.
 *NTFS file system: Supports access control lists (ACLs),
journaling, encryption, compression, large file/volume support
—designed for enterprise reliability and security
 *Advanced networking: Built-in TCP/IP, NetBEUI, IPX/SPX
protocols; multi-user remote terminal support and file/printer
sharing; Active Directory introduced later in the NT family
 *Multiuser and workstation/server models: Separate
workstation and server editions; robust security and stability
designed for professional environments
 Target Origin /
Version Release Key Features
Audience Kernel
Start menu,
Hybrid 16/32- taskbar,
Home /
Windows 95 Aug 1995 bit plug-and-play,
general users
(DOS-based) long filenames,
Explorer UI
Internet
integration,
Home /
Jun 1998 Enhanced FAT32,
Windows 98 multimedia
(SE 1999) Win95 base USB/DVD
users
support,
maintenance tools
NTFS, SMP,
Windows NT Workstation Pure 32-bit networking,
Jul 1993
3.1 / server NT kernel multithreading,
multiuser security

Windows 95 transformed MS-DOS-based computing into a modern

GUI-driven experience with groundbreaking user-friendly features.
Windows 98 built on that foundation, adding deeper Internet and
hardware support during the rapid rise of multimedia PCs.
Windows NT introduced enterprise-grade stability and file system
resilience, laying the groundwork for all future mainstream Windows
versions.

Windows 2000 (Released February 2000)

 Origin & Uses: Built on the NT kernel (Windows NT 5.0, codename

“Janus”), Windows 2000 was aimed at businesses, technical users, and
SMBs, bridging NT’s stability with consumer usability
  Features:

o Integrated Active Directory, enabling unified domain

authentication and centralized network management

o Support for USB, FAT32, NTFS 3.0, improved plug-and-play, and

broader hardware compatibility

o GUI enhancements in Explorer (personalized menus, balloon

notifications, search pane, Active Desktop preview panes)

o System tools: Microsoft Installer, Windows File Protection,

Management Console, Recovery Console, Encrypting File System,
VPN support

 Significance: Praised for unmatched stability compared to Windows

98/ME, Windows 2000 was considered a “rock-solid” OS and
foundational to future consumer editions.

Windows ME (Millennium Edition, Released September 2000)

 Origin & Uses: The last DOS-based Windows aimed at home users,
particularly focused on multimedia and digital media tasks

 Features:

o UI enhancements: personalized menus, auto-complete, toolbars,

integrated search in Explorer, shortcut tooltips, icon overlays

o Media tools: Windows Movie Maker, DVD player, Windows

Media Player 7 with CD burning and skins support

o Networking: updated TCP/IP stack, Home Networking Wizard,

Universal Plug and Play (UPnP), Net Crawler to discover network
shares automatically

o Accessibility: On-Screen Keyboard, improved Mouse settings, and

support from previous Windows versions
Windows XP (Released October 2001)

 *Origin & Uses: Merged the consumer-friendly interface of Windows

98/ME with the robust NT kernel; widely adopted by home and
professional users internationally

 Features:

o IImproved accessibility and assistive-technology support

(Magnifier, Narrator, speech recognition) built-in at launch

o BBroad hardware/software support and long-term stability made it

a global standard for over a decade

Windows Vista (Released January 2007)

 *Origin & Uses: Built on the NT kernel as a successor to XP with major

visual and architectural updates; less popular due to hardware demands.-
Features:

o PPower-saving Away Mode for media recording/streaming while

appearing off

o *Windows HotStart (also Direct Media Mode) allowed PCs to

boot directly into a specific multimedia app

o VVisual improvements with Aero Glass, new search indexing,

side-bar gadgets, and enhanced security controls.

Windows 7 (Released October 2009)

 *Origin & Uses: An iteration on Vista, fixing usability and performance

issues while maintaining compatibility; widely adopted in both consumer
and enterprise environments

 Features:

o EEnhanced Aero UI with redesigned taskbar (pinning, jump lists),

Action Center, and less intrusive User Account Control

o NNew HomeGroup networking and Libraries for simpler file

organization. - SSupport for multitouch input, improved
 performance, and updated versions of core apps like IE8 and Media
Center

Windows 8 (Released October 2012) & 8.1 (Update 2013)

 **Origin & Uses: Microsoft pivoted toward touch-friendly devices

(tablets/convertibles), introducing a radically new interface that mixed
desktop and app tiles. Features:

o **Metro UI / Start screen with dynamic live tiles and tile groups;
no traditional Start menu initiallyGlGlobal search accessible by
simply typing—search charmed across apps, settings, and files like
Windows To Go (portable OS on USB), Windows Live syncing
for account-based personalization across PC - **Improved
security with built-in Windows Defender and tightly controlled
Windows Store apps WiWindows 8.1 reintroduced the Start
button, boot-to-desktop option, and multi-app snapping
improvement

Windows 10 (Released July 29, 2015)

 Origin & Uses: Designed to address Windows 8 criticisms, blending

familiar desktop elements with modern enhancements; received
continuous updates via Microsoft's “Windows as a Service” model
Features:

Hybrid UI that unifies conventional desktop with live tiles, Action

Center, Task View / virtual desktops, and integrated search bar -
BuiBuilt-in Microsoft Edge browser, transition to Chromium-
based Edge, Cortana assistant, and Wi-Fi Sense connectivity
options**SSecurity via Windows Defender (real-time
antimalware, ransomware protection), biometric Windows Hello,
DirectX 12 support, and Game Bar overlays for gamers
DelDelivered telemetry-based public feedback via the Insider
Program, frequent feature updates, and cross-platform device aim
Marked by its longevity, flexibility, and role as the bridge between
legacy desktop workflows and modern cloud/multi-device
requirements; official support ends in October 2025
Version Release Target Audience Key Innovations
Windows 2000 Feb 2000 SMB / enterprise Active Directory, NTFS, stability,
 Version Release Target Audience Key Innovations
MMC, Recovery Console
Home users / Movie Maker, improved Explorer,
Windows ME Sep 2000
multimedia UPnP, Net Crawler
Home & NT kernel + consumer UI,
Windows XP Oct 2001
enterprise hybrid accessibility, long-term support
Business + Aero UI, search indexing, energy
Vista Jan 2007
consumers tools (Away Mode, HotStart)
Improved general Aero refinements, Action Center,
Windows 7 Oct 2009
OS HomeGroup, multitouch
2012 / Tablet / hybrid Metro UI, live tiles, Windows
Windows 8/8.1
2013 devices Store, portability features
All consumer Start menu revival, continuous
Windows 10 Jul 2015
platforms updates, Edge, security, gaming

Windows 7 – Detailed Overview

Definition:

Windows 7 is an operating system developed by Microsoft as part of the Windows NT

family. It was officially released to the general public on October 22, 2009, and served as
the direct successor to Windows Vista.

It was designed to be:

 Faster
 More stable
 More user-friendly
 Compatible with a wider range of hardware and software than Vista

Key Benefits of Windows 7:

Benefit Explanation

Windows 7 is significantly faster and more efficient than Windows Vista.

Speed & Performance
Faster boot times and smoother performance were major improvements.

Improved User Enhanced taskbar (Superbar), window previews, and drag-to-snap features
Interface made multitasking easier.

Stability & Far more stable and compatible with drivers, software, and hardware than
Compatibility Vista.
 Benefit Explanation

Built-in Windows Defender, improved User Account Control (UAC), and

Enhanced Security
BitLocker in some editions.

Native support for multi-touch, laying groundwork for touchscreen laptops

Touchscreen Support
and tablets.

Better Power
Great for laptops—helped extend battery life with smarter resource usage.
Management

Network &
Made file and printer sharing on home networks much easier.
HomeGroup Setup

Key Features of Windows 7:

1. Revamped Taskbar (Superbar)

 Allows pinning apps, thumbnail previews, jump lists for recent files, and grouped
icons.

2. Aero Peek, Snap, Shake

 Peek: See through windows to your desktop.

 Snap: Drag windows to edges to auto-resize.
 Shake: Grab a window and shake to minimize others.

3. Libraries

 A new way to organize files (Documents, Pictures, Music) across multiple folders.

4. HomeGroup

 Simple file and printer sharing between Windows 7 PCs on the same home network.

5. Improved Search

 Faster, integrated search from Start Menu or Explorer.

6. Device Stage

 Central place to manage connected devices (printers, cameras, phones).

7. Action Center

 Combines alerts and notifications for security and maintenance tasks.

8. Windows Touch (in supported hardware)

 Multi-touch input support for touchscreen devices.

9. XP Mode (Professional & Ultimate Editions)

 Allows older applications to run in a Windows XP virtual environment.

10. BitLocker and BitLocker To Go

 Full disk encryption for hard drives and USB drives (Ultimate/Enterprise editions).

Editions of Windows 7:
Edition Target Audience Key Features

Starter Low-end PCs, Netbooks Basic UI, no Aero, limited personalization

Home Basic Emerging markets Partial Aero, limited networking features

Home Premium Home users Aero, Media Center, full media capabilities

Professional Small businesses XP Mode, domain join, backup & restore

Enterprise Large organizations BitLocker, advanced networking, volume licensing

Ultimate Power users All features from other editions

Common Uses of Windows 7:

For Home Users:

 General computing: web browsing, video streaming, photo editing, games

 Media playback and recording with Windows Media Center
 Easy networking for sharing files, media, and printers

For Business Users:

 Reliable platform for productivity applications like Microsoft Office

 Support for remote desktop, domain join, and group policies
 Compatibility with legacy software via XP Mode

For Education:

 Cost-effective and reliable for schools, labs, and universities

 Easy device management for shared computers
For Gamers:

 Excellent support for DirectX 11

 Improved performance and compatibility for games

For Developers/IT Pros:

 Stable environment for software testing

 Virtualization and debugging tools

Security Improvements in Windows 7:

 User Account Control (UAC): Less intrusive than Vista, but still secure
 Windows Defender: Built-in antispyware
 Action Center: Monitors antivirus, updates, and firewall
 BitLocker: Data protection for sensitive environments (Ultimate/Enterprise)

Performance Highlights:

 Faster startup/shutdown than Vista

 Lower memory usage
 Better support for SSDs and multi-core processors
 Improved GPU acceleration

End of Support:

 Mainstream Support Ended: January 13, 2015

 Extended Support Ended: January 14, 2020
 ESU (Extended Security Updates) for businesses ended January 2023

Windows 7 is now considered obsolete for security-critical environments but may still be
used in legacy systems.

Summary Table:
Category Details

Name Windows 7

Developer Microsoft

Release Date October 22, 2009

 Category Details

Kernel Windows NT

Architecture x86 (32-bit) and x64 (64-bit)

Predecessor Windows Vista

Successor Windows 8

Main Editions Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Ultimate, Enterprise

End of Support January 14, 2020 (Extended: 2023 for ESU customers)