Microsoft Windows OS History

MS DOS

Jul 1, 1980

SourceIBM approaches Microsoft about a project code-named "Chess." Microsoft then started creating a new operating system, naming it MS-DOS.

Windows 1.0

Nov 20, 1983

SourceIn 1983 Microsft announced that they were developing Windows which at the time was going to be a GUI for MS-DOS.

Windows 1.0

Nov 20, 1985

SourceWindows 1.0 finally ships on November 20, 1985

Windows 2.0

Dec 9, 1987

Windows 2.0 was released on December 9, 1987 ans was more popular than 1.0. Windows 2.0 came with Excel and Word for Windows.

Windows 3.0 and 3.1

May 22, 1990

SourceMicrosoft announced Windows 3.0. Shortly after, they announced Windows 3.1 in 1992. Program Manager, File Manager and Pring Manager were new additions in windows 3.0. Together, they sold 10 million copies.

Windows 95

Aug 24, 1995

SourceSourceMicrosoft launches Windows 95. "Windows 95 was designed for increased compatibility and ultimate user-friendliness." Windows 95 introduced the Start menu, minimize, maximize, and close buttons on each window, and Internet Explorer.

Windows xp

Oct 25, 2001

Windows xp was released on October 25, 2001. It was designed for ease and stability. Windows xp was available in 25 languages and became one of Microsoft's best selling products. Many consumers and businesses still continue to use Windows xp today.

Windows Vista

Nov 8, 2006

SourceWindows Vista launched in 2006 with strong security features. It had high system requirements and suffered issues with performance and security. Windows Vista was considered a "flop"

Windows 7

Jul 22, 2009

Windows 7 is released.

Windows 8

Aug 1, 2012

Windows 8 is released