- The evolution of Windows has been marked by historical successes and failures, from Windows 95 to Windows 11.
- Windows XP, 7 and 10 stand out as the most highly rated versions by users and companies.
- The controversies have focused on security, interface changes, and high technical requirements.
Who hasn't had a strong opinion about a particular version of Windows at some point? From nostalgic fans who still yearn for the unmistakable Windows XP wallpaper, to those who have suffered (and rejected) the dreaded blue screens in Windows ME or Vista, each Microsoft release has left its mark on millions of users. Windows has evolved radically since 1985, going from simple graphical environments to becoming the dominant operating system for consumer and business computers worldwide.
Today, we are going to tour all versions of Windows, analyzing them from the most criticized to the most highly rated by the community, unraveling the reasons for their successes and failures, the controversies, the influence of the legendary rivalry with Apple, and how our expectations have changed generation after generation. If you've ever wondered if the myth of "good" and "bad" versions of Windows has any basis, here's your answer. Get comfortable, because this trip is packed with anecdotes, history, and a lot of everyday computing.
The Birth of Windows: The Jump from the Command Line
In the mid-80s, personal computers were almost exclusively the domain of geeks and engineers. Microsoft, founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975, wanted to change this., and his idea was simple: allow anyone to interact with the computer using windows, menus and mouse, without typing commands mysterious in the MS-DOS terminal. This is how the "Interface Manager" project, which would eventually become known worldwide as Windows, began.
The first Windows was released in 1985 and, although it may seem like a relic today, laid the foundation for what the modern user experience would be. Of course, it wasn't a complete operating system, nor was it guaranteed to be a success: it was more of an experimental attempt to improve MS-DOS's accessibility. Figures who would later make their mark on the company's history, such as Steve Ballmer, its future CEO, participated in its development.
The first versions: Windows 1.x and 2.x (1985-1987)
The first two versions of Windows They did not exactly stand out for their power or popularityWindows 1.0 was barely a graphical "layer" over MS-DOS, rudimentary in design and limited in capabilities. It allowed you to open programs like Paint, a rudimentary calculator, and little else. Its greatest contribution was (be careful) an electronic organizer and the ability to use a mouse, which at the time was a technological rarity.
With Windows 2.0 (1987), the first steps toward the modern desktop arrived: the ability to overlap windows, basic icon management, and the appearance of the first versions of Word and Excel. The change was subtle to the general public, but it did represent a technical advance. Despite everything, popularity remained low., and the interface was still very immature compared to that of Apple's Macintosh.
Windows 2.0 also saw the introduction of the first Control Panel and the appearance of version 2.1, a minor improvement that included MS Paint, but without major commercial impact.
The start of success: Windows 3.x and the democratization of computing (1990-1992)
The real revolution came with Windows 3.0 and the 3.1/3.11 Update. Now, millions of homes and businesses have truly begun to become familiar with desktops, icons, and the concept of simple multitasking. support for TrueType fonts and the first steps in network connectivity marked a qualitative leap; in addition, Microsoft added games such as Minesweeper and the Lonely, which undoubtedly helped many learn to use the mouse while playing.
Windows 3.x was the first version that had real commercial success, competing head-to-head with the Macintosh and truly popularizing the concept of a graphical operating system. This generation saw the consolidation of the graphical interface, although it still relied, technically, on the old MS-DOS core.
The leap to the mainstream: Windows 95 and the arrival of modernity
The launch of Windows 95, in August of that year, is the computer equivalent of the Beatles' arrival in the United States. A genuine mass phenomenon: for the first time, The Start menu, taskbar, and Plug and Play system were incorporated, which allowed you to connect peripherals without fighting (so much) with the driversThere was no more need to type commands or restart the computer to get the mouse working; everything was easier, more visual, and more "for everyone."
The marketing campaign was spectacular and, although Windows 95 had its list of bugs and limitations, changed the home computing experience foreverIn just a few months, it reached over 60% of the global PC market. It was also the first version to include Internet Explorer and allow web browsing, in addition to supporting the Microsoft file system. FAT32 and the first multimedia experiences.
Of course, not everything was rosy. Windows 95 suffered from stability problems and was plagued by crashes., especially before its successive Service Packs. Still, it was the foundation upon which the digital culture of an entire generation was built.
Windows 98: The PC connects to the world and the first criticisms emerge
Few operating systems have made as much of a mark as Windows 98This version, released three years later, improved interface and hardware management, becoming more stable and opening the system to new peripherals thanks to support for USB and DVDs. It also allowed for internet sharing between multiple computers and brought with it an improved version of Internet Explorer.
Despite these improvements, Windows 98 was also criticized for its slowness and security problems.. It was not uncommon to see the hated "blue screen of death" and the standard version was, at times, unreliable. Second Edition (SE) It fixed many bugs and is remembered as the most stable and robust of the 9x series.
The success was such that Windows 98 became the favorite system of gamers and computer enthusiasts of the time, with the definitive support of DirectX and the proliferation of games like Age of Empires or Half-Life.
The disaster: Windows Me (Millennium Edition, 2000)
If we look for the least popular version in the entire history of Windows, the Windows Me takes the cakeIts launch was an absolute fiasco due to a mixture of instability, recurring bugs and compatibility issuesAlthough it attempted to add features like system restore and improved multimedia, the user experience left much to be desired: frequent blue screens, installation freezes, and a very limited driver base.
User reaction was so negative that many quickly switched to Windows 98 SE or, shortly after, to XP as soon as it became available. Millennium became the classic example of a "bad" version of Windows, criticized even by Microsoft itself.
Professionalization: Windows 2000 and the NT branch
In parallel with the domestic evolution, Microsoft was perfecting a more secure and robust line for professional environments: the family Windows NT. Windows 2000 was the last before the unification of lines with XP, notable for its stability, improved hardware support, file system NTFS and especially greater security for businessesHowever, its hardware requirements were high for the time, and it never really took off among the general public, remaining a favorite in offices, banks, and servers.
The Turning Point: Windows XP and 2001st-Century Computing (XNUMX)
The arrival of Windows XP marked a before and after in the history of personal computing. Unified the stability of the NT branch with the flexibility and ease of use of consumer versions, so that for the first time, home users and businesses shared almost the same operating environment.
XP was the absolute king for more than a decade. Stable, flexible, fast and easy to useXP was massively adopted by homes, businesses, and public administrations around the world. Many of you will still remember that iconic wallpaper of green hills and blue sky, and its iconic green Start button.
The arrival of DirectX 8 and DirectX 9 made XP the reference platform for gaming, while new features such as remote desktop, Wi-Fi support, managing multiple users without logging out, and native multimedia applications (Movie Maker, Media Player) made many everyday tasks easier.
Its success was such that the move to new versions was resisted for years: even after the arrival of Windows 7 and Windows 10, XP remained in use well into the 2010s., although its support officially ended in 2014.
Windows Vista: A Broken Promise and a History of Controversy (2007)
After six years of XP reign, Microsoft launched Windows Vista, with a radical commitment to design and security. The spectacular interface Aero (transparencies, animations) and the reinforcement of the User Account Control (UAC) were its big new features. But, alas, Vista required very powerful hardware for its time., and most users noticed a significant drop in performance. Furthermore, driver and peripheral compatibility was conspicuously lacking.
Criticisms multiplied due to these shortcomings, the slowness, and the enormous number of UAC notifications, which drove even the most patient user crazy. Despite being the precursor to changes that later became established (a redesign of the Start menu, security improvements), Vista went down in history as one of the most poorly reviewed versions of Windows, and its memory is associated with frustration and slowdowns.
Redemption: Windows 7 and the Satisfaction Consensus (2009)
In just two years, Microsoft regained the trust of users with Windows 7, inheriting the best of Vista but much better polished. Fast, reliable, and compatible with much of the existing hardware, Windows 7 is considered by many to be the most well-rounded version in the history of Windows..
Among its main improvements, it highlights the redesigned taskbar, multi-touch support, file libraries, and optimized functionalities for computers. portable and netbooks. All without sacrificing performance and maintaining a visual experience tailored to new standards.
Windows 7 was widely adopted by all types of users and businesses, and its lifecycle extended until 2020, when Microsoft discontinued official support. Many computers continue to run on this platform, especially in environments where reliability is a priority.
Touch Stumble: Windows 8 and 8.1 (2012-2013)
Encouraged by the rise of tablets and touch screens, Microsoft decided to reinvent Windows in 2012 with Windows 8The result was a Metro interface based on tiles and mosaics, which, while attractive for touch devices, It was extremely confusing for mouse and keyboard users.The elimination of the classic Start button and menu was the final straw; many were unable to adapt or unwilling to.
Despite developments such as the Boot Ultra-fast, new security options and app store integration, The poor reception forced Microsoft to quickly release Windows 8.1, restoring the Start button and simplifying the experience. It wasn't enough: a large portion of the public stayed on Windows 7 until something better came along.
Reunification: Windows 10, the "for everyone" experience (2015)
Windows 10 represented a major change in philosophy for Microsoft. The idea was to combine the best of previous versions, offering an experience valid for both home and business users, and adaptable to touch and traditional devices.The Start menu is back, along with live tiles, virtual desktops, and a more polished interface.
Windows 10 also brought with it security improvements (Windows Hello, BitLocker), Cortana integration, the Edge browser, and, above all, a "Windows as a service" approach: updates are now continuous and free, which in principle benefits stability and security.
The Universal Apps (UWP) sought to incentivize developers, while advanced features like DirectX 12 and Xbox integration cemented Windows 10 as a go-to system. Despite some initial complaints about updates and data collection, it's now arguably the most widely used version of Windows, especially in educational settings.
The Final Leap: Windows 11 and the Quest for the Modern Experience (2021-2024)
After more than six years of Windows 10, it arrives Windows 11, the most recent and, at the same time, the most controversial version in recent times. The first thing that catches the eye is the visual redesign: Centered taskbar, rounded corners, revamped menus, and a clear commitment to minimalismThe Start menu has changed again, now without tiles, and the information widgets have been enhanced.
Among its technical innovations, the support for applications stands out. Android (although limited), improvements in performance and games (DirectStorage, Auto HDR), full integration of Microsoft Teams and a completely redesigned Microsoft Store. Plus, the hardware requirements are much stricter, highlighting the need for TPM 2.0 and systems with UEFI.
However, has not been spared from criticismSome users consider the interface changes to be more cosmetic than real improvements, and compatibility with older hardware is a serious issue. The general perception is that Windows 11, while innovative, hasn't represented the qualitative leap that was expected after the success of Windows 10.
"Weird" versions: Microsoft's curiosities and experiments
In addition to the mainstream versions, Microsoft has experimented with dozens of specific variants and editions of Windows, many of which are now genuine collector's items or curiosities for tech geeks:
- Windows CE for Dreamcast: Yes, SEGA's last console had a ported version of Windows, although almost no games actually took advantage of it.
- Windows 20th Anniversary Edition: An ultra-limited edition released only in Japan with Windows XP Professional and CD replicas of other versions, all very focused on collectors.
- China Government Edition: An edition ultra-lightly adapted to the Chinese government's security and privacy requirements, never before seen outside that country.
- Windows RT: A resounding failure, it attempted to bring Windows to the ARM ecosystem, but its incompatibility with x86 apps condemned it to oblivion.
- Windows Media Center Edition: A commitment to turning the PC into a multimedia center for the living room, limited by hardware and availability issues.
Windows 10 versions: dozen editions for every need
Windows 10 surprised everyone by going far beyond the classic Home, Pro, and Enterprise editions. Microsoft launched up to 12 different variants, each designed for very specific scenarios:
- Home and Pro: For home and professional use, including basic and advanced features (Cortana, BitLocker, Remote Desktop, etc.).
- Enterprise and Education: Focused on large companies and educational environments, with advanced security management, policy control, and volume licensing.
- IoT and Mobile: Designed for the "Internet of Things" and for the (now extinct) Windows Phones.
- Pro for Workstations and S: For advanced workstations and environments where only apps from the official app store are allowed.
- LTSB and Team: Editions for long-cycle devices, such as kiosks and interactive whiteboards (Surface Hub).
This extensive catalog reflects Microsoft's strategy of reaching every possible niche, although many of these versions are less well-known and have not had much impact on mainstream users.
Pattern of alternating between “good” and “bad” versions?
There is a widespread belief that Microsoft releases outstanding versions and then disappointing versionsAlthough there was no clear pattern in the early years, a certain alternation has been perceived since the beginning of the century:
- XP (good): Resounding success and longevity.
- Sight (bad): Serious problems and low acceptance.
- 7 (good): Great consensus and performance.
- 8/8.1 (bad): Confusing interface and user rejection.
- 10 (good): Stability and mass adoption.
- 11 (indefinite/bad): Visually appealing but with criticism and slow adoption.
This cycle seems to respond more to social perception and market response than to a predefined pattern, and reflects the difficulty of innovating without losing user trust.
Historical controversies: security, privacy, lawsuits and resistance to change
There have been numerous controversies surrounding Windows. The most notable are:
- Security issues: Viruses and vulnerabilities have been a constant problem, although Microsoft has improved over time.
- Problematic updates: They have caused data loss and crashes, especially with the switch to Windows as a Service in Windows 10.
- Antitrust lawsuits: Like the dispute over the integration of Internet Explorer, which almost led to the split of the giant.
- Privacy: Data collection in Windows 10 and 11 has sparked debate about user control.
- Resistance to innovation: Radical changes in the interface (Vista, 8, 11) have caused rejection among some users.
The Microsoft vs. Apple rivalry: two approaches, same users
Since ever, Microsoft and Apple have been involved in one of the most well-known rivalries in technology.Although Apple accused Microsoft of copying its interface, over time the two companies have learned to coexist and collaborate. Advertising campaigns and comparisons keep the conflict alive, but many users use products from both brands without any problems.
Why is Windows the absolute king?
Windows' dominance is explained not only by marketing, but by several key factors:
- Huge ecosystem of software and hardware: compatibility is complete.
- Agreements with manufacturers: Most computers come with Windows pre-installed.
- Adaptability to all niches: from home to business and gaming.
- Integration with other Microsoft services: Office, OneDrive, Teams…
These reasons, along with the familiarity acquired through decades of use, explain why Windows remains the benchmark operating system worldwide.
The future: Windows 12 and more AI?
Microsoft will continue to bet on the Artificial Intelligence and innovation in Windows. Features like Copilot, compatibility with various devices and cloud integration will be essential in future releases.
It is expected that Windows 12 is expected to be released in late 2024 or early 2025, with a deeper focus on AI, higher technical requirements, and an experience focused on productivity and security.
After almost forty years, Windows has gone from being an experimental project to becoming a fundamental pillar of digital society.Throughout its history, it has reflected the aspirations, successes, and failures of its time, adapting to industry changes and constant competition. Although a "perfect Windows" can never be defined, it has undeniably marked a before and after in our digital lives.
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