Who Owns Windows?

Windows was introduced by Microsoft on November 20, 1985, as a graphical operating environment for MS-DOS. The development of Windows was driven by Microsoft's recognition that graphical user interfaces (GUIs), pioneered by Xerox PARC and popularized by Apple's Macintosh (1984), represented the future of personal computing. Windows 1.0 provided a graphical overlay for MS-DOS, allowing users to navigate using a mouse and windows-based interface rather than typing commands.

Windows 2.0 (1987) introduced overlapping windows and improved graphics support. The real breakthrough came with Windows 3.0 (1990) and Windows 3.1 (1992), which were the first versions to achieve widespread commercial success. Windows 3.1 sold millions of copies and established Windows as the dominant PC operating system, displacing competing GUI environments and cementing Microsoft's position in the personal computing market.

Windows 95, released on August 24, 1995, was a landmark product launch. The release was accompanied by a massive marketing campaign, including the use of the Rolling Stones' "Start Me Up" as the advertising theme. Windows 95 introduced the Start menu, taskbar, and the concept of plug-and-play hardware support, fundamentally changing how users interacted with their computers. The launch was a cultural event, with consumers lining up at midnight to purchase copies.

Windows 98 (1998) and Windows ME (2000) continued the consumer Windows line, while Windows NT (1993) and Windows 2000 (2000) served the enterprise market. Windows XP (2001) unified the consumer and enterprise lines into a single operating system, becoming one of the most successful and long-lived versions of Windows. Windows XP was so popular that many users and businesses resisted upgrading for over a decade.

Windows Vista (2007) was widely criticized for its performance issues and compatibility problems, leading to a significant backlash. Windows 7 (2009) was Microsoft's response, delivering a refined and well-received operating system that restored consumer confidence. Windows 7 became one of the best-selling versions of Windows.

Windows 8 (2012) attempted to unify the PC and tablet experience with a touch-oriented interface, but was poorly received by traditional PC users who found the removal of the Start menu disorienting. Windows 8.1 (2013) partially restored traditional features in response to user feedback.

Windows 10 (2015) represented a significant shift in Microsoft's approach, offering a free upgrade to Windows 7 and 8.1 users and introducing the concept of "Windows as a service" with continuous updates. Windows 10 restored the Start menu and combined traditional desktop features with modern touch-oriented elements. It became the most widely used version of Windows.

Windows 11 (2021) introduced a redesigned interface with centered taskbar, rounded corners, and improved integration with Microsoft Teams and other Microsoft services. Windows 11 also introduced stricter hardware requirements, including TPM 2.0 support, which prevented some older PCs from upgrading.