Stranger Things time-warps PCs with Windows 1.11 app

Microsoft tweeted about the release of Windows 1.0 last week, leaving many to wonder why exactly the software company was promoting its original operating system from 34 years ago. As predicted and hinted, this blast from the '80s past is a crossover with Stranger Things season 3. 

Microsoft  released its Windows 1.11 app on Monday. It's a Stranger Things-inspired "fan experience" that looks like the original Windows OS. Users can explore the PC app to unlock content and Easter eggs from the third season of the Netflix show, which is set in 1985 -- the same year as the release of Windows 1.0.

For those who want an in-person Stranger Things experience, Microsoft Stores will start offering on July 20 a STEM-inspired Camp Know Where, the name of the summer camp that Dustin attends prior to the events of season 3. One of Microsoft's workshops, Rule the Arcade, will teach fundamentals of coding that enables attendees to make their own game. The other workshop called Strange-ify Your World will allow participants to make a Stranger Things-inspired mini-movie using 3D modeling, Windows Ink and special effects. 

For gamers, Microsoft will be giving away a Stranger Things 3 Collectible Arcade Cabinet, an Xbox One X and a 12-month membership for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on its Xbox Twitter and Facebook page. 

Stranger Things season 3 launched July 4. Like Microsoft, Coke, Nike, Schwinn and other companies have resurrected products from the 1980s to coincide with the show's new season.