Bootscreen msw95

History of Microsoft Operating Systems

By jp_bikes

  • Microsoft Windows 1.0

    Microsoft Windows 1.0
    Microsofts first operating system was released in 1985. The splash screen was fairly basic, and featured their "Blibbet" logo. This would soon evolve into the most used operating system in the world.

  • Microsoft Windows 2.03

    Microsoft Windows 2.03
    Microsofts releases Windows 2.03 in 1986. The splash screen is still simple and featured their "Pacman" logo. It got this name from the cutout in the 'o' in Microsoft.

  • Microsoft Windows 3.0

    Microsoft Windows 3.0
    Microsofts third operating system was released in 1990. This is the last logo type only splash screen, and featured their "Pacman" logo. This system introduced the file and program manager.

  • Microsoft Windows 3.11

    Microsoft Windows 3.11
    Windows 3.11 was an improvement of Windows 3, and released in 1993. The splash screen now included a symbol in the logo. This revision allowed computers to communicate over a network.

  • Microsoft Windows 95

    Microsoft Windows 95
    Released in 1995, windows 95 brought together many of the technologies pioneered on earlier systems. The splash screen finally ditched the solid dark background for a sky. The new symbol is solidified into Microsoft history.

  • Microsoft Windows 1998

    Microsoft Windows 1998
    Windows 98 was an improvement on Windows 95, and released in 1998. The splash screen was very similar to the previous. This is the first operating system designed for consumers.

  • Microsoft Windows ME

    Microsoft Windows ME
    Microsofts Windows ME, Millenium Edition, was the first os of the 21st century. The splash screen fas friendlier and brighter, designed to appeal to more consumers. This operating system was desinged with improvements on home media in mind.

  • Microsoft Windows XP

    Microsoft Windows XP
    Windows XP quickly replaced Windows ME. The splash screen became streamlined, featuring a dark background with bright colors for the logo.This os brought advanced computing to the desktop.

  • Microsoft Windows Vista

    Microsoft Windows Vista
    The time between Windows Vista and XP was the longest gap between operating systems thus far, around five years. The splash screen features a more modern look, with better shading and lighting. Vista was largely considered a failure however and features on of the lowest user populations of any Microsoft os.

  • Microsoft Windows 7

    Microsoft Windows 7
    Window 7 is one of the most popular operating systems to date, and also the last before Windows 8 changes the design style completely. The splash screen is more streamlined than ever, and ditches the big logos of the past. Windows 7 is the last operating system released before the minimal, modern look of windows 8 and 10.