X

Microsoft Windows 1.0, where it all began (pictures)

It's been almost 30 years since Microsoft launched the first version of the prolific Windows operating system, launched on November 20, 1985.

James Martin
James Martin is the Managing Editor of Photography at CNET. His photos capture technology's impact on society - from the widening wealth gap in San Francisco, to the European refugee crisis and Rwanda's efforts to improve health care. From the technology pioneers of Google and Facebook, photographing Apple's Steve Jobs and Tim Cook, Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg and Google's Sundar Pichai, to the most groundbreaking launches at Apple and NASA, his is a dream job for any documentary photography and journalist with a love for technology. Exhibited widely, syndicated and reprinted thousands of times over the years, James follows the people and places behind the technology changing our world, bringing their stories and ideas to life.
James Martin
Windows1.0.png
1 of 13 Screenshot by Remember the dot

Windows 1.0, where it all began

Microsoft Windows 1.0, seen here, was released in November 1985. Unfortunately for Microsoft, it failed to inspire -- especially when compared with the more user-friendly graphical user interface developed by Apple for the Macintosh.
Windows_2.0.png
2 of 13 Microsoft

Windows 2.0

Windows 2.0 was released two years later, in December 1987. The best that can be said for this incarnation was that Windows remained a work in progress.
Windows_3.0_workspace.png
3 of 13 Microsoft/Wikipedia user Tyomitch

Windows 3.0

The 1990 Windows 3.0 desktop workspace. Apparently, three's a charm! The adage about Microsoft needing three times to get it right was never more true. It offered better multitasking of older MS-DOS-based apps through the introduction of virtual memory. For the first time, Windows also garnered serious support from the software development community.
Windows_958.png
4 of 13 Microsoft

Windows 95

Behold, the Start button -- a move that would stick around for years to come following its appearance in Windows 95.
5 of 13 Microsoft

Windows NT

Windows NT was the first 32-bit version of Windows.
Windows98.png
6 of 13 CNET

Windows 98

Released on June 25, 1998, Microsoft called Windows 98 the first version of Windows designed specifically for consumers. Windows 98 was also the last version based on MS-DOS.
Windows_2000_Explorer.png
7 of 13 Microsoft/Wikipedia user Astroview120mm

Windows 2000

Windows 2000 was a renamed version of Windows NT that added extra speed and stability. It was aimed at large businesses.
WindowsME.png
8 of 13 Micorsoft/Wikipedia user Koman90

Windows ME

Windows Millennium Edition, or ME, was seen as a stop-gap release between Windows 98 and XP.
Windows_XP_SP3.png
9 of 13 Microsoft

Windows XP

Windows XP was one of the most popular versions of Windows, and ditched the plain gray color scheme for blues and greens.
Windows_Vista.png
10 of 13 CNET

Windows Vista

Windows Vista brought numerous improvements but also required beefier hardware and came with some stringent security that soured consumers and businesses alike.
Windows_7.png
11 of 13 CNET

Windows 7

Windows 7 brought a more refined look and a trimmed-down user interface.
windows8.jpg
12 of 13 Microsoft

Windows 8

Microsoft made an aggressive move with Windows 8, which was released in October 2012. The new interface and tiled Start screen came with a steep learning curve that prompted a backlash from some users.
Windows_8-1_Start_screen_610x343.png
13 of 13 Microsoft

Windows 8.1

Windows 8.1 brings a handful of new features that make the OS work better on smaller tablets and let desktop users boot straight to the "desktop" mode.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos