Parvej Husen Talukder: Created page with "{{Infobox OS|name=Microsoft Windows|logo=Microsoft Windows logo (2021).svg|developer=Microsoft|source_model=Closed-source (with some open-source components)|marketing_target=Personal computing, servers, embedded systems|license=Proprietary commercial software|family=Microsoft Windows|first_release_date={{Start date|1985|11|20}}|latest_release_version=Windows 11 (October 5, 2021)|website=[https://www.microsoft.com/windows Microsoft Windows Official Website]}} '''..."

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Created page with "{{Infobox OS|name=Microsoft Windows|logo=Microsoft Windows logo (2021).svg|developer=Microsoft|source_model=Closed-source (with some open-source components)|marketing_target=Personal computing, servers, embedded systems|license=Proprietary commercial software|family=Microsoft Windows|first_release_date={{Start date|1985|11|20}}|latest_release_version=Windows 11 (October 5, 2021)|website=[https://www.microsoft.com/windows Microsoft Windows Official Website]}} '''..."

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{{Infobox OS|name=Microsoft Windows|logo=Microsoft Windows logo (2021).svg|developer=[[Microsoft]]|source_model=Closed-source (with some open-source components)|marketing_target=Personal computing, servers, embedded systems|license=Proprietary commercial software|family=Microsoft Windows|first_release_date={{Start date|1985|11|20}}|latest_release_version=[[Windows 11]] (October 5, 2021)|website=[https://www.microsoft.com/windows Microsoft Windows Official Website]}}

'''Microsoft Windows''' is a family of proprietary graphical operating systems developed by [[Microsoft]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.microsoft.com/windows|title=Microsoft Windows Official Website|access-date=2024-12-14}}</ref> It was first introduced on November 20, 1985, as an extension of [[MS-DOS]] and has since evolved into a cornerstone of personal and enterprise computing.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/2526607/the-history-of-windows--an-annotated-timeline.html|title=The History of Windows: An Annotated Timeline|access-date=2024-12-14}}</ref>

== History ==
Microsoft Windows was initially released as a graphical user interface for MS-DOS, allowing users to interact with their computers through graphical elements like windows, icons, and menus. Its major milestones include:

* '''Windows 1.0''' (1985): The first version, limited in functionality but groundbreaking for its graphical interface.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/history|title=Windows History|access-date=2024-12-14}}</ref>
* '''Windows 95''' (1995): Introduced the [[Start menu]], [[taskbar]], and support for 32-bit applications.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/408893/microsoft-windows-95-turns-25-years-old.html|title=Windows 95 Turns 25|access-date=2024-12-14}}</ref>
* '''Windows XP''' (2001): Widely praised for its stability and user-friendly interface, it became one of the most successful versions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/windows-xp-20th-anniversary/|title=Windows XP 20th Anniversary|access-date=2024-12-14}}</ref>
* '''Windows 10''' (2015): Unified the operating system across devices and introduced the concept of "Windows as a Service."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-10-specifications|title=Windows 10 Overview|access-date=2024-12-14}}</ref>
* '''Windows 11''' (2021): The latest version, featuring a modernized interface and enhanced performance.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2021/06/24/introducing-windows-11/|title=Windows 11 Features and Release|access-date=2024-12-14}}</ref>

== Features ==
Microsoft Windows offers a variety of features, tailored to meet the needs of personal users, enterprises, and developers:

* '''Graphical User Interface''': A desktop-based interface with windows, icons, and menus.
* '''Start Menu''': Centralized access to programs, files, and settings, introduced in [[Windows 95]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/how-to-use-the-start-menu-in-windows-10-212982f7-18db-d1b3-4e13-f1ee1fe4825b|title=Using the Start Menu in Windows|access-date=2024-12-14}}</ref>
* '''Windows Update''': Automated updates for security patches and new features.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-update-faq-0998f2e3-b4ec-3b0c-9f36-9bbbd0c5d2a5|title=Windows Update FAQ|access-date=2024-12-14}}</ref>
* '''Backward Compatibility''': Support for older software and drivers.
* '''Security Features''': Includes [[Windows Defender]], BitLocker, and Windows Hello for biometric authentication.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-hello|title=Windows Hello Overview|access-date=2024-12-14}}</ref>

== Editions ==
Over the years, Microsoft has released various editions of Windows tailored for different user groups:

* '''Home''': For personal and household use.
* '''Pro''': Includes advanced features for professionals and small businesses.
* '''Enterprise''': Designed for large organizations with advanced security and management tools.
* '''Server''': Versions like Windows Server focus on enterprise-grade server environments.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsforbusiness|title=Windows for Business Overview|access-date=2024-12-14}}</ref>

== Hardware Compatibility ==
Microsoft Windows runs on a wide range of hardware, from personal computers and laptops to servers and embedded systems. It supports x86, x86-64, and ARM architectures, ensuring compatibility with diverse devices.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows|title=Windows System Requirements|access-date=2024-12-14}}</ref>

== Market Share ==
As of 2024, Microsoft Windows is the most widely used desktop operating system globally, with over 75% market share in personal computing.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/268237/global-market-share-held-by-operating-systems/|title=Operating System Market Share|access-date=2024-12-14}}</ref> Its dominance in enterprise and personal computing has made it a critical platform for software development and IT infrastructure.

== See Also ==

* [[Windows 10]]
* [[Windows 11]]
* [[Microsoft Office]]
* [[Microsoft Edge]]
* [[Windows Server]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.microsoft.com/windows Microsoft Windows Official Website]
* [https://support.microsoft.com/windows Windows Support Page]

Microsoft Windows - Revision history