Showing posts with label Windows Operating System. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Windows Operating System. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

Windows Operating System Versions, Editions, and End of Support Dates

I can certainly provide you with a list of Microsoft Windows versions, their edition names, and approximate end-of-support dates up until my last update. Please note that these dates might have changed, so it's recommended to verify the information from a reliable source.

Windows 1.0

Release: November 20, 1985

Editions: Single version

End of Support: Discontinued

Brief History: Windows 1.0 was the first graphical user interface-based operating system from Microsoft. It had a simple interface with overlapping windows and mouse support.

Windows 2.0

Release: December 9, 1987

Editions: Single version

End of Support: Discontinued

Brief History: Windows 2.0 introduced improvements over its predecessor, including overlapping windows, keyboard shortcuts, and expanded application support.

Windows 3.x

Release: April 6, 1992

Editions: Standard, Extended, Workgroups

End of Support: Discontinued

Brief History: These versions introduced significant UI improvements, better memory management, and enhanced multimedia support.

Windows 95

Release: August 24, 1995

Editions: 95, 95 OSR1, 95 OSR2

End of Support: December 31, 2001

Brief History: Windows 95 brought the Start menu, taskbar, and a more user-friendly interface. OSR1 and OSR2 were updated versions with bug fixes and additional features.

Windows 98

Release: June 25, 1998

Editions: 98, 98 SE

End of Support: July 11, 2006

Brief History: Windows 98 and Windows 98 SE introduced improved hardware and software support, along with the inclusion of Internet Explorer 4.0 and Windows Update.

Windows Me (Millennium Edition)

Release: September 14, 2000

Editions: Me

End of Support: July 11, 2006

Brief History: Windows Me focused on multimedia and home networking improvements, but it was criticized for instability and compatibility issues.

Windows 2000

Release: February 17, 2000

Editions: Professional, Server, Advanced Server, Datacenter Server

End of Support: July 13, 2010

Brief History: Windows 2000 brought stability and improved networking capabilities for both business and server use.

Windows XP

Release: October 25, 2001

Editions: Home, Professional, Media Center, Tablet PC

End of Support: April 8, 2014

Brief History: Windows XP became one of the most widely used Windows versions, introducing a more modern interface, improved stability, and enhanced multimedia capabilities.

Windows Vista

Release: January 30, 2007

Editions: Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, Ultimate

End of Support: April 11, 2017

Brief History: Windows Vista featured a new interface and security enhancements, but it faced criticism for performance issues.

Windows 7

Release: October 22, 2009

Editions: Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Ultimate

End of Support: January 14, 2020

Brief History: Windows 7 improved on Vista's shortcomings, introducing better performance, improved interface, and enhanced compatibility.

Windows 8

Release: October 26, 2012

Editions: 8, 8 Pro, 8 Enterprise

End of Support: January 10, 2023

Brief History: Windows 8 introduced a touch-oriented interface and app store, but it received mixed reviews. 

Windows 8.1

Release: October 17, 2013

Editions: 8.1, 8.1 Pro, 8.1 Enterprise

End of Support: January 10, 2023

Brief History: Windows 8.1 addressed some issues and brought back the Start button.

Windows 10

Release: July 29, 2015

Editions: Multiple editions including Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education

End of Support: October 14, 2025

Brief History: Windows 10 marked a shift to a "Windows as a Service" model, receiving regular feature updates and improvements over time.

Windows 11

Release: October 5, 2021

Editions: Multiple editions including Home, Pro, Pro for Workstations, Pro Education, Education, Enterprise, SE

End of Support: October 8, 2024

Brief History: Windows 11, introduced with a redesigned Start menu, rounded corners, enhanced snap controls, Widgets integration, and a revamped Windows setup, builds on its predecessor with modern interface tweaks and streamlined user experiences.


Please verify end of support dates from a reliable source as they might have changed since my last update.

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