Editing Microsoft Windows (section)

== History ==
{{Main|Microsoft Windows version history}}
{{See also|List of Microsoft Windows versions}}

The term ''Windows'' collectively describes any or all of several generations of [[Microsoft]] [[operating system]] products. These products are generally categorized as follows:

=== Early versions ===
{{Main|Windows 1.0|Windows 2.0|Windows 2.1}}

The history of Windows dates back to 1981 when Microsoft started work on a program called "Interface Manager". The name "Windows" comes from the fact that the system was one of the first to use graphical boxes to represent programs; in the industry, at the time, these were called "windows" and the underlying software was called "windowing software."<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Edwards |first=Benj |date=2022-02-07 |title=Why Is Windows Called Windows? |url=https://www.howtogeek.com/781573/why-is-windows-called-windows/ |access-date=2024-09-03 |website=How-To Geek |language=en}}</ref> It was announced in November 1983 (after the [[Apple Lisa]], but before the [[Macintosh 128K|Macintosh]]) under the name "Windows", but [[Windows 1.0]] was not released until November 1985.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A history of Windows |url=http://windows.microsoft.com/en-in/windows/history#T1=era0 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611182917/http://windows.microsoft.com/en-in/windows/history#T1=era0 |archive-date=June 11, 2016 |access-date=2023-01-07 |website=Microsoft Windows |language=en-US}}</ref> Windows 1.0 was to compete with [[Apple Inc.|Apple]]'s operating system, but achieved little popularity. Windows 1.0 is not a complete operating system; rather, it extends [[MS-DOS]]. The shell of Windows 1.0 is a program known as the [[MS-DOS Executive]]. Components included [[Windows Calculator|Calculator]], Calendar, [[Cardfile]], [[ClipBook Viewer|Clipboard Viewer]], Clock, [[Control Panel (Windows)|Control Panel]], [[Windows Notepad|Notepad]], [[Microsoft Paint|Paint]], [[Reversi]], [[Terminal emulator|Terminal]] and [[Microsoft Write|Write]]. Windows 1.0 does not allow overlapping windows. Instead, all windows are [[tiling window manager|tiled]]. Only modal dialog boxes may appear over other windows. Microsoft sold as included Windows Development libraries with the C development environment, which included numerous windows samples.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Microsoft C 5.0: C Language Reference Guide |publisher=Microsoft |year=1987 |pages=250–267}}</ref>

[[Windows 2.0]] was released in December 1987, and was more popular than its predecessor. It features several improvements to the user interface and memory management.<ref>{{Cite news |title=A legacy of Windows, part 1: Windows 1-2-3 – TechRepublic |language=en |work=TechRepublic |url=http://www.techrepublic.com/article/a-legacy-of-windows-part-1-windows-1-2-3/ |url-status=live |access-date=March 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170327170048/http://www.techrepublic.com/article/a-legacy-of-windows-part-1-windows-1-2-3/ |archive-date=March 27, 2017}}</ref> Windows 2.03 changed the OS from tiled windows to overlapping windows. The result of this change led to [[Apple Computer, Inc. v. Microsoft Corp.|Apple Computer filing a suit against Microsoft]] alleging infringement on Apple's copyrights (eventually settled in court in Microsoft's favor in 1993).<ref>{{Cite web |year=2006 |title=The Apple vs. Microsoft GUI Lawsuit |url=http://lowendmac.com/orchard/06/apple-vs-microsoft.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080304145809/http://lowendmac.com/orchard/06/apple-vs-microsoft.html |archive-date=March 4, 2008 |access-date=March 12, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Apple Computer, Inc. v. MicroSoft Corp., 35 F.3d 1435 (9th Cir. 1994) |url=http://home.earthlink.net/~mjohnsen/Technology/Lawsuits/appvsms.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214033452/http://home.earthlink.net/~mjohnsen/Technology/Lawsuits/appvsms.html |archive-date=December 14, 2007 |access-date=March 12, 2008}}</ref> Windows 2.0 also introduced more sophisticated [[keyboard shortcut]]s and could make use of [[expanded memory]].

[[Windows 2.1]] was released in two different versions: [[Windows/286]] and [[Windows/386]]. Windows/386 uses the [[virtual 8086 mode]] of the [[Intel 80386]] to multitask several DOS programs and the [[paging|paged memory model]] to emulate expanded memory using available [[extended memory]]. Windows/286, in spite of its name, runs on both [[Intel 8086]] and [[Intel 80286]] processors. It runs in [[real mode]] but can make use of the [[high memory area]].<ref name="infoworld-19880704">{{cite magazine |last1=Patton |first1=Carole |last2=Mace |first2=Scott |title=Windows Gets More Memory With Upgrade |magazine=[[InfoWorld]] |date=4 July 1988 |volume=10 |issue=27 |page=1 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4z4EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA1 |access-date=9 January 2024 |issn=0199-6649 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109100230/https://books.google.com/books?id=4z4EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA1 |archive-date=9 January 2024 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In addition to full Windows packages, there were runtime-only versions that shipped with early Windows software from third parties and made it possible to run their Windows software on MS-DOS and without the full Windows feature set.

The early versions of Windows are often thought of as graphical shells, mostly because they ran on top of MS-DOS and used it for [[file system]] services.<ref name="Evolution">{{Cite web |title=Windows Evolution |url=http://news.soft32.com/windows-evolution_1629.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080208174626/http://news.soft32.com/windows-evolution_1629.html |archive-date=February 8, 2008 |publisher=Soft32.com News}}</ref> However, even the earliest Windows versions already assumed many typical operating system functions; notably, having their own [[executable file format]] and providing their own [[device driver]]s (timer, graphics, printer, mouse, keyboard and sound). Unlike MS-DOS, Windows allowed users to execute multiple graphical applications at the same time, through [[Nonpreemptive multitasking|cooperative multitasking]]. Windows implemented an elaborate, segment-based, software virtual memory scheme, which allows it to run applications larger than available memory: code segments and [[resource (Windows)|resources]] are swapped in and thrown away when memory became scarce; data segments moved in memory when a given application had relinquished processor control.

=== Windows 3.x ===
{{Main|Windows 3.0|Windows 3.1}}
[[File:Windows 3.0 workspace.png|thumb|upright=1.15|left|Windows 3.0, released in 1990]]

[[Windows 3.0]], released in 1990, improved the design, mostly because of [[virtual memory]] and loadable virtual device drivers ([[VxD]]s) that allow Windows to share arbitrary devices between multi-tasked DOS applications.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}} Windows 3.0 applications can run in [[protected mode]], which gives them access to several megabytes of memory without the obligation to participate in the software virtual memory scheme. They run inside the same address space, where the segmented memory provides a degree of protection. Windows 3.0 also featured improvements to the user interface. Microsoft rewrote critical operations from [[C (programming language)|C]] into [[Assembly language|assembly]]. Windows 3.0 was the first version of Windows to achieve broad commercial success, selling 2&nbsp;million copies in the first six months.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chronology of Personal Computer Software |url=http://www.islandnet.com/~kpolsson/compsoft/soft1991.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120211132458/http://www.islandnet.com/~kpolsson/compsoft/soft1991.htm |archive-date=February 11, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Microsoft Company |url=http://www.thocp.net/companies/microsoft/microsoft_company.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080514211138/http://www.thocp.net/companies/microsoft/microsoft_company.htm |archive-date=May 14, 2008}}</ref>
[[File:Microsoft Windows for Workgroups 3.11 mit 9 Setup HD-Disketten.jpg|thumb|Versions before Windows 95 had to be installed from [[floppy disk]]s by end users (or in professional environments with a network installation); here Windows for Workgroups with nine 3.5-inch-disks to be inserted sequentially.]]
Windows 3.1, made [[general availability release|generally available]] on March 1, 1992, featured a facelift. In October 1992, Windows for Workgroups, a special version with integrated [[peer-to-peer networking]] features, was released. It was sold along with Windows 3.1. Support for Windows 3.1 ended on December 31, 2001.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Windows 3.1 Standard Edition Support Lifecycle |url=http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/?LN=en-us&p1=3078&x=10&y=11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112112159/http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/?LN=en-us&p1=3078&x=10&y=11 |archive-date=January 12, 2012 |access-date=January 3, 2011}}</ref>

Windows 3.2, released in 1994, is an updated version of the Chinese version of Windows 3.1.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Microsoft Windows Simplified Chinese 3.2 Upgrade Is Available |url=http://support.microsoft.com/kb/129451 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061108051648/http://support.microsoft.com/kb/129451 |archive-date=November 8, 2006 |website=Microsoft Support |publisher=Microsoft}}</ref> The update was limited to this language version, as it fixed only issues related to the complex writing system of the Chinese language.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 30, 2003 |title=Microsoft Windows Simplified Chinese 3.2 Upgrade Is Available |url=http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;129451 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524050602/http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;129451 |archive-date=May 24, 2011 |access-date=September 4, 2009 |publisher=Microsoft}}</ref> Windows 3.2 was generally sold by computer manufacturers with a ten-disk version of [[MS-DOS]] that also had [[Simplified Chinese characters]] in basic output and some translated utilities.{{citation needed|date=December 2024}}

=== Windows 9x ===
{{Main|Windows 9x|Windows 95|Windows 98|Windows Me}}
The next major consumer-oriented release of Windows, [[Windows 95]], was released on August 24, 1995. While still remaining MS-DOS-based, Windows 95 introduced support for native [[32-bit application]]s, [[plug and play]] hardware, [[preemptive multitasking]], [[long file name]]s of up to 255 characters, and provided increased stability over its predecessors. Windows 95 also introduced a redesigned, [[Object-oriented design|object oriented]] user interface, replacing the previous [[Program Manager]] with the [[Start menu]], [[taskbar]], and [[Windows Explorer]] [[Windows shell|shell]]. Windows 95 was a major commercial success for Microsoft; Ina Fried of [[CNET]] remarked that "by the time Windows 95 was finally ushered off the market in 2001, it had become a fixture on computer desktops around the world."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fried |first=Ina |date=August 25, 2010 |title=Windows 95 turns 15: Has Microsoft's OS peaked? |url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/web/08/25/cnet.microsoft.windows/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100826141242/http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/web/08/25/cnet.microsoft.windows/index.html |archive-date=August 26, 2010 |access-date=August 22, 2012 |publisher=CNET/CNN Tech}}</ref> Microsoft published four OEM Service Releases (OSR) of Windows 95, each of which was roughly equivalent to a [[service pack]]. The first OSR of Windows 95 was also the first version of Windows to be bundled with Microsoft's [[web browser]], [[Internet Explorer]].<ref name="apr96ms">{{Cite web |date=April 30, 1996 |title=Microsoft Internet Explorer Web Browser Available on All Major Platforms, Offers Broadest International Support |url=https://news.microsoft.com/1996/04/30/microsoft-internet-explorer-web-browser-available-on-all-major-platforms-offers-broadest-international-support/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080115072757/http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/1996/apr96/iemompr.mspx |archive-date=January 15, 2008 |access-date=February 14, 2011 |website=News Center |publisher=Microsoft |location=[[San Jose, California]]}}</ref> Mainstream support for Windows 95 ended on December 31, 2000, and extended support for Windows 95 ended on December 31, 2001.<ref name="Windows 95 Support Lifecycle">{{Cite web |title=Windows 95 Support Lifecycle |url=http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/?p1=7864 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121122121129/http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/?p1=7864 |archive-date=November 22, 2012 |access-date=January 3, 2011 |publisher=Microsoft}}</ref>

Windows 95 was followed up with the release of [[Windows 98]] on June 25, 1998, which introduced the [[Windows Driver Model]], support for [[Universal Serial Bus#Overview|USB composite devices]], support for [[ACPI]], [[hibernation (computing)|hibernation]], and support for [[multi-monitor]] configurations. Windows 98 also included integration with [[Internet Explorer 4]] through [[Active Desktop]] and other aspects of the [[Windows Desktop Update]] (a series of enhancements to the Explorer shell which was also made available for Windows 95). In May 1999, Microsoft released [[Windows 98 Second Edition]], an updated version of Windows 98. Windows 98 SE added [[Internet Explorer 5.0]] and [[Windows Media Player]] 6.2 amongst other upgrades. Mainstream support for Windows 98 ended on June 30, 2002, and extended support for Windows 98 ended on July 11, 2006.<ref name="Windows 98 Standard Edition Support Lifecycle">{{Cite web |title=Windows 98 Standard Edition Support Lifecycle |url=http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/?p1=6513 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121122120808/http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/?p1=6513 |archive-date=November 22, 2012 |access-date=January 3, 2011 |publisher=Microsoft}}</ref>

On September 14, 2000, Microsoft released [[Windows Me]] (Millennium Edition), the last DOS-based version of Windows. Windows Me incorporated visual interface enhancements from its Windows NT-based counterpart [[Windows 2000]], had faster boot times than previous versions (which however, required the removal of the ability to access a [[real mode]] DOS environment, removing compatibility with some older programs),<ref name="FastBoot1">{{Cite web |date=December 4, 2001 |title=Improving "Cold Boot" Time for System Manufacturers |url=http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/archive/fast-boot.mspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100213120324/http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/archive/fast-boot.mspx |archive-date=February 13, 2010 |access-date=August 26, 2010 |publisher=Microsoft}}</ref> expanded [[multimedia]] functionality (including Windows Media Player 7, [[Windows Movie Maker]], and the [[Windows Image Acquisition]] framework for retrieving images from scanners and digital cameras), additional system utilities such as [[System File Protection]] and [[System Restore]], and updated [[home network]]ing tools.<ref name="pcw-me">{{Cite magazine |title=Windows Millennium Edition: All About Me |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/17791/article.html |url-status=dead |magazine=PC World |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801115257/http://www.pcworld.com/article/17791/article.html |archive-date=August 1, 2013 |access-date=May 21, 2013}}</ref> However, Windows Me was faced with criticism for its speed and instability, along with hardware compatibility issues and its removal of real mode DOS support. ''[[PC World]]'' considered Windows Me to be one of the worst operating systems Microsoft had ever released, and the fourth worst tech product of all time.<ref name="WinMEbad">{{Cite web |date=May 26, 2006 |title=The 25 Worst Tech Products of All Time |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/535838/worst_products_ever.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230107210308/https://www.pcworld.com/article/535838/worst_products_ever.html |archive-date=January 7, 2023 |access-date=January 7, 2023 |website=[[PC World]] |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]}}</ref>

=== Windows NT ===
{{Main|Windows NT}}

==== Version history ====

===== Early versions (Windows NT 3.1/3.5/3.51/4.0/2000) =====
{{Main|Windows NT 3.1|Windows NT 3.5|Windows NT 3.51 |Windows NT 4.0|Windows 2000}}
[[File:Windows Logo (1992-2001).svg|thumb|Windows logo (1995–2001)]]
In November 1988, a new development team within Microsoft (which included former [[Digital Equipment Corporation]] developers [[Dave Cutler]] and [[Mark Lucovsky]]) began work on a revamped version of [[IBM]] and Microsoft's [[OS/2]] operating system known as "NT OS/2". NT OS/2 was intended to be a secure, [[multi-user]] operating system with [[POSIX]] compatibility and a modular, [[Software portability|portable]] kernel with [[preemptive multitasking]] and support for multiple processor architectures. However, following the successful release of [[Windows 3.0]], the NT development team decided to rework the project to use an extended [[32-bit computing|32-bit]] port of the [[Windows API]] known as Win32 instead of those of OS/2. Win32 maintained a similar structure to the Windows [[API]]s (allowing existing Windows applications to easily be [[Porting|ported]] to the platform), but also supported the capabilities of the existing NT [[Kernel (operating system)|kernel]]. Following its approval by Microsoft's staff, development continued on what was now Windows NT, the first 32-bit version of Windows. However, IBM objected to the changes, and ultimately continued OS/2 development on its own.<ref name="insident">{{Cite book |last=Custer |first=Helen |url=https://archive.org/details/insidewindowsnt00cust |title=Inside Windows NT |publisher=Microsoft Press |year=1993 |isbn=1-55615-481-X |location=Redmond |url-access=registration}}</ref><ref name="thurrott-nt" />

Windows NT was the first Windows operating system based on a [[hybrid kernel]]. The hybrid kernel was designed as a modified [[microkernel]], influenced by the [[Mach (kernel)|Mach microkernel]] developed by [[Richard Rashid]] at Carnegie Mellon University, but without meeting all of the criteria of a pure microkernel.

The first release of the resulting operating system, [[Windows NT 3.1]] (named to associate it with [[Windows 3.1]]) was released in July 1993, with versions for desktop [[workstation]]s and [[server (computing)|servers]]. [[Windows NT 3.5]] was released in September 1994, focusing on performance improvements and support for [[Novell]]'s [[NetWare]], and was followed up by [[Windows NT 3.51]] in May 1995, which included additional improvements and support for the [[PowerPC]] architecture. [[Windows NT 4.0]] was released in June 1996, introducing the redesigned interface of [[Windows 95]] to the NT series. On February 17, 2000, Microsoft released [[Windows 2000]], a successor to NT 4.0. The Windows NT name was dropped at this point in order to put a greater focus on the Windows brand.<ref name="thurrott-nt">{{Cite web |last=Thurrott |first=Paul |date=January 24, 2003 |title=Windows Server 2003: The Road To Gold – Part One: The Early Years |url=http://www.winsupersite.com/reviews/winserver2k3_gold1.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050101005634/http://www.winsupersite.com/reviews/winserver2k3_gold1.asp |archive-date=January 1, 2005 |access-date=May 28, 2012}}</ref>

===== Windows XP =====
{{Main|Windows XP}}
[[File:Windows logo variant (2003).svg|thumb|A variation of the 2001–2006 Windows logo from 2003 using the [[Segoe]] typeface instead of the [[Franklin Gothic]] typeface. This variation was mainly used for branding purposes.]]
The next major version of Windows NT, [[Windows XP]], was released to manufacturing (RTM) on August 24, 2001, and to the general public on October 25, 2001. The introduction of Windows XP aimed to unify the consumer-oriented [[Windows 9x]] series with the architecture introduced by Windows NT, a change which Microsoft promised would provide better performance over its DOS-based predecessors. Windows XP would also introduce a redesigned user interface (including an updated Start menu and a "task-oriented" [[File Explorer|Windows Explorer]]), streamlined multimedia and networking features, [[Internet Explorer 6]], integration with Microsoft's [[Microsoft account|.NET Passport]] services, a "[[Windows XP#Backwards compatibility|compatibility mode]]" to help provide [[backwards compatibility]] with software designed for previous versions of Windows, and [[Windows Remote Assistance|Remote Assistance]] functionality.<ref name="cnet-xpreview">{{Cite web |title=Windows XP review |url=http://reviews.cnet.com/windows/microsoft-windows-xp-home/4505-3672_7-6534881.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130526024030/http://reviews.cnet.com/windows/microsoft-windows-xp-home/4505-3672_7-6534881.html |archive-date=May 26, 2013 |access-date=May 24, 2013 |website=CNET}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=March 12, 2002 |title=Windows XP Program Compatibility Wizard |url=https://www.serverwatch.com/guides/windows-xp-program-compatibility-wizard/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211113012030/https://www.serverwatch.com/guides/windows-xp-program-compatibility-wizard/ |archive-date=November 13, 2021 |access-date=November 13, 2021 |website=ServerWatch}}</ref>

At retail, Windows XP was marketed in two main [[Stock keeping unit|editions]]: the "Home" edition was targeted towards consumers, while the "Professional" edition was targeted towards business environments and [[power user]]s, and included additional security and networking features. Home and Professional were later accompanied by the "[[Windows Media Center|Media Center]]" edition (designed for [[home theater PC]]s, with an emphasis on support for [[DVD]] playback, [[TV tuner card]]s, [[Digital video recorder|DVR]] functionality, and remote controls), and the "Tablet PC" edition (designed for mobile devices meeting its [[Microsoft Tablet PC|specifications]] for a [[tablet computer]], with support for [[stylus]] pen input and additional pen-enabled applications).<ref>{{Cite news |last=David Coursey |date=October 25, 2001 |title=The 10 top things you MUST know about Win XP |work=[[ZDNet]] |url=http://review.zdnet.com/4520-6033_16-4206552.html |url-status=dead |access-date=July 22, 2008 |archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20090403131228/http://review.zdnet.com/4520-6033_16-4206552.html |archive-date=April 3, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=David Coursey |date=August 31, 2001 |title=Your top Windows XP questions answered! (Part One) |url=http://review.zdnet.com/4520-6033_16-4206367.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071219121319/http://review.zdnet.com/4520-6033_16-4206367.html |archive-date=December 19, 2007 |access-date=January 3, 2011 |website=[[ZDNet]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive|CNET Networks]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=September 3, 2002 |title=A Look at Freestyle and Mira |url=http://www.winsupersite.com/article/showcase/a-look-at-freestyle-and-mira.aspx |access-date=January 3, 2011 |website=Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows |publisher=Penton}}{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Mainstream support for Windows XP ended on April 14, 2009. Extended support ended on April 8, 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Windows XP Professional Lifecycle Support |url=http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/?p1=3223 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130227071350/http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/?p1=3223 |archive-date=February 27, 2013 |access-date=January 3, 2011}}</ref>

After Windows 2000, Microsoft also changed its release schedules for server operating systems; the server counterpart of Windows XP, [[Windows Server 2003]], was released in April 2003.<ref name="thurrott-nt" /> It was followed in December 2005, by Windows Server 2003 R2.

===== Windows Vista =====
{{Main|Windows Vista}}

After a lengthy [[development of Windows Vista|development process]], [[Windows Vista]] was released on November 30, 2006, for volume licensing and January 30, 2007, for consumers. It contained a number of [[Features new to Windows Vista|new features]], from a redesigned shell and user interface to significant [[Technical features new to Windows Vista|technical changes]], with a particular focus on [[Security and safety features new to Windows Vista|security features]]. It was available in a number of [[Windows Vista editions|different editions]], and has been subject to [[Criticism of Windows Vista|some criticism]], such as drop of performance, longer boot time, criticism of new UAC, and stricter license agreement. Vista's server counterpart, [[Windows Server 2008]] was released in early 2008.

===== Windows 7 =====
{{Main|Windows 7}}
On July 22, 2009, [[Windows 7]] and [[Windows Server 2008 R2]] were released to manufacturing (RTM) and released to the public three months later on October 22, 2009. Unlike its predecessor, Windows Vista, which introduced a large number of new features, Windows 7 was intended to be a more focused, incremental upgrade to the Windows line, with the goal of being compatible with applications and hardware with which Windows Vista was already compatible.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nash |first=Mike |date=October 28, 2008 |title=Windows 7 Unveiled Today at PDC 2008 |url=https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2008/10/28/windows-7-unveiled-today-at-pdc-2008/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081101011844/http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windows7/archive/2008/10/28/windows-7-unveiled-today-at-pdc-2008.aspx |archive-date=November 1, 2008 |access-date=November 11, 2008 |website=Windows Experience Blog |publisher=Microsoft}}</ref> Windows 7 has [[multi-touch]] support, a redesigned [[Windows shell]] with an updated [[taskbar]] with revealable [[Features new to Windows 7#Jump lists|jump lists]] that contain shortcuts to files frequently used with specific applications and shortcuts to tasks within the application,<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Kiriaty |first1=Yochay |last2=Goldshtein |first2=Sasha |date=2009 |title=Windows 7 Taskbar APIs |url=https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/archive/msdn-magazine/2009/brownfield/windows-7-taskbar-apis |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821123232/https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/archive/msdn-magazine/2009/brownfield/windows-7-taskbar-apis |archive-date=August 21, 2021 |access-date=August 21, 2021 |website=docs.microsoft.com |language=en-us}}</ref> a home networking system called [[Features new to Windows 7#HomeGroup|HomeGroup]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=LeBlanc |first=Brandon |date=October 28, 2008 |title=How Libraries & HomeGroup Work Together in Windows 7 |url=https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2008/10/28/how-libraries-homegroup-work-together-in-windows-7/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081102042853/http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windowsexperience/archive/2008/10/28/how-libraries-amp-homegroup-work-together-in-windows-7.aspx |archive-date=November 2, 2008 |access-date=November 11, 2008 |website=Windows Experience Blog |publisher=Microsoft}}</ref> and performance improvements.
<!--{{anchor|Multilingual support: IMEs and LIPs}}-->

===== Windows 8 and 8.1 =====
{{Main|Windows 8|Windows 8.1}}
[[File:Windows logo and wordmark - 2012-2015.svg|thumb|Windows logo (2012–2015)]]
[[Windows 8]], the successor to Windows 7, was released generally on October 26, 2012. A number of significant changes were made on Windows 8, including the introduction of a user interface based around Microsoft's [[Metro (design language)|Metro design language]] with optimizations for [[multi-touch|touch-based]] devices such as [[tablet computer|tablets]] and all-in-one PCs. These changes include the [[Start menu#Third version|Start screen]], which uses large tiles that are more convenient for touch interactions and allow for the display of continually updated information, and a new class of [[application software|apps]] which are designed primarily for use on touch-based devices. The new Windows version required a minimum resolution of 1024×768 pixels,<ref name="zdnet-smallertab">{{Cite web |title=New Windows 8 hardware specs hint at 7-inch tablets and a Microsoft Reader |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/new-windows-8-hardware-specs-hint-at-7-inch-tablets-and-a-microsoft-reader/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204160922/http://www.zdnet.com/new-windows-8-hardware-specs-hint-at-7-inch-tablets-and-a-microsoft-reader-7000013271/ |archive-date=December 4, 2014 |access-date=March 29, 2013 |publisher=ZDNet}}</ref> effectively making it unfit for [[netbook]]s with 800×600-pixel screens.

Other changes include increased integration with [[cloud computing|cloud services]] and other online platforms (such as [[social networking service|social networks]] and Microsoft's own [[OneDrive]] (formerly SkyDrive) and [[Xbox Live]] services), the [[Windows Store]] service for software distribution, and a new variant known as [[Windows RT]] for use on devices that utilize the [[ARM architecture family|ARM architecture]], and a new keyboard shortcut for [[screenshot]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Paul |first=Ian |date=July 5, 2021 |title=How to Take Screenshots in Windows 10, 8, and 7 |url=https://www.lifewire.com/take-screenshot-windows-7-8-10-4049964 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319081530/https://www.lifewire.com/take-screenshot-windows-7-8-10-4049964 |archive-date=March 19, 2022 |access-date=August 11, 2021}}</ref><ref name="pcw-testdrivertm">{{Cite web |last=Case |first=Loyd |title=Test Driving Windows 8 RTM |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/460667/windows_8_install_and_test_drive_welcome_to_microsofts_brave_new_world.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230107205229/https://www.pcworld.com/article/460667/windows_8_install_and_test_drive_welcome_to_microsofts_brave_new_world.html |archive-date=January 7, 2023 |access-date=January 7, 2023 |website=PC World |publisher=IDG}}</ref><ref name="bi-windows8">{{Cite web |last=Rosoff |first=Matt |title=Here's Everything You Wanted To Know About Microsoft's Upcoming iPad Killers |url=http://articles.businessinsider.com/2012-02-09/tech/31040510_1_steven-sinofsky-pcs-microsoft-first |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130122030754/http://articles.businessinsider.com/2012-02-09/tech/31040510_1_steven-sinofsky-pcs-microsoft-first |archive-date=January 22, 2013 |access-date=February 10, 2012 |website=[[Business Insider]]}}</ref><ref name="bw-win8editions">{{Cite web |date=April 16, 2012 |title=Announcing the Windows 8 Editions |url=http://windowsteamblog.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2012/04/16/announcing-the-windows-8-editions.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120418070243/http://windowsteamblog.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2012/04/16/announcing-the-windows-8-editions.aspx |archive-date=April 18, 2012 |access-date=April 17, 2012 |publisher=Microsoft}}</ref><ref name="bw8-buildingarm">{{Cite web |title=Building Windows for the ARM processor architecture |url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2012/02/09/building-windows-for-the-arm-processor-architecture.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121126020149/http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2012/02/09/building-windows-for-the-arm-processor-architecture.aspx |archive-date=November 26, 2012 |access-date=November 21, 2012 |publisher=Microsoft}}</ref><ref name="verge-talkswin8">{{Cite web |date=May 17, 2012 |title=Microsoft talks Windows Store features, Metro app sandboxing for Windows 8 developers |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/5/17/3026590/microsoft-windows-8-developers-windows-store-sandboxing |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910150803/http://www.theverge.com/2012/5/17/3026590/microsoft-windows-8-developers-windows-store-sandboxing |archive-date=September 10, 2012 |access-date=September 8, 2012 |website=[[The Verge]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]]}}</ref><ref name="pcw-building">{{Cite news |last=Miller |first=Michael |title=Build: More Details On Building Windows 8 Metro Apps |work=PC Magazine |url=http://forwardthinking.pcmag.com/show-reports/287736-build-more-details-on-building-windows-8-metro-apps |url-status=dead |access-date=February 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217202913/http://forwardthinking.pcmag.com/show-reports/287736-build-more-details-on-building-windows-8-metro-apps |archive-date=February 17, 2012}}</ref> An update to Windows 8, called [[Windows 8.1]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Windows 8.1 now available! |url=http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2013/10/17/windows-8-1-now-available.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019035341/http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2013/10/17/windows-8-1-now-available.aspx |archive-date=October 19, 2013 |access-date=October 31, 2013 |website=blogs.windows.com}}</ref> was released on October 17, 2013, and includes features such as new live tile sizes, deeper [[OneDrive]] integration, and many other revisions. [[Windows 8]] and [[Windows 8.1]] have been subject to some criticism, such as the removal of the [[Start menu]].

===== Windows 10 =====
{{Main|Windows 10}}
[[File:Windows wordmark darkblue 2015.svg|thumb|Windows logo (2015–2021)]]
On September 30, 2014, Microsoft announced [[Windows 10]] as the successor to Windows 8.1. It was released on July 29, 2015, and addresses shortcomings in the user interface first introduced with Windows 8. Changes on PC include the return of the Start Menu, a [[virtual desktop]] system, and the ability to run Windows Store apps within windows on the desktop rather than in full-screen mode. [[Windows 10]] is said to be available to update from qualified [[Windows 7]] with SP1, [[Windows 8.1]] and [[Windows Phone 8.1]] devices from the Get Windows 10 Application (for [[Windows 7]], [[Windows 8.1]]) or [[Windows Update]] ([[Windows 7]]).<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 30, 2014 |title=Announcing Windows 10 – Windows Blog |url=http://blogs.windows.com/bloggingwindows/2014/09/30/announcing-windows-10/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910084428/https://blogs.windows.com/bloggingwindows/2014/09/30/announcing-windows-10/ |archive-date=September 10, 2015 |access-date=September 30, 2014 |df=mdy-all}}</ref>

In February 2017, Microsoft announced the migration of its Windows source code repository from [[Perforce]] to [[Git]]. This migration involved 3.5 million separate files in a 300-gigabyte repository.<ref name="PBright" /> By May 2017, 90 percent of its engineering team was using Git, in about 8500 commits and 1760 Windows builds per day.<ref name="PBright">{{Cite web |last=Bright |first=Peter |date=May 24, 2017 |title=Windows switch to Git almost complete: 8,500 commits and 1,760 builds each day |url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/05/90-of-windows-devs-now-using-git-creating-1760-windows-builds-per-day/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170524171707/https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/05/90-of-windows-devs-now-using-git-creating-1760-windows-builds-per-day/ |archive-date=May 24, 2017 |website=[[Ars Technica]] |publisher=[[Condé Nast]]}}</ref>

In June 2021, shortly before Microsoft's announcement of Windows 11, Microsoft updated their lifecycle policy pages for Windows 10, revealing that support for their last release of Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025.<ref name="Windows10HomeAndProLifecycle">{{Cite web |title=Window 10 Home and Pro Lifecycle |url=https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/products/windows-10-home-and-pro |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610190436/https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/products/windows-10-home-and-pro |archive-date=June 10, 2021 |access-date=July 2, 2021 |publisher=[[Microsoft]]}}</ref><ref name="Windows10EntAndEduLifecycle">{{Cite web |title=Window 10 Enterprise and Education Lifecycle |url=https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/products/windows-10-enterprise-and-education |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701160716/https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/products/windows-10-enterprise-and-education |archive-date=July 1, 2021 |access-date=July 2, 2021 |publisher=[[Microsoft]]}}</ref> On April 27, 2023, Microsoft announced that version 22H2 would be the last of Windows 10.<ref name="winroadmapupdate">{{Cite web |last=Leznek |first=Jason |date=April 27, 2023 |title=Windows client roadmap update |url=https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-it-pro-blog/windows-client-roadmap-update/ba-p/3805227 |access-date=May 1, 2023 |website=Microsoft |archive-date=September 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230903135714/https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-it-pro-blog/windows-client-roadmap-update-april-2023/ba-p/3805227 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Bowden |first=Zack |date=April 27, 2023 |title=Windows 10 is finished — Microsoft confirms 'version 22H2' is the last |work=Windows Central |url=https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-10/windows-10-is-finished-microsoft-confirms-version-22h2-is-the-last |access-date=May 1, 2023 |archive-date=September 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230903135717/https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-10/windows-10-is-finished-microsoft-confirms-version-22h2-is-the-last |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Windows logo and wordmark - 2021.svg|thumb|Windows logo (2021–present)]]

===== Windows 11 =====
{{Main|Windows 11}}
On June 24, 2021, [[Windows 11]] was announced as the successor to Windows 10 during a livestream. The new operating system was designed to be more user-friendly and understandable. It was released on October 5, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cox |first=George |title=Windows 11 release date is October 5 |url=https://www.thespectrum.com/story/news/local/mesquite/2021/09/13/pc-periodicals-windows-11-release-date-october-5/8316090002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218183810/https://www.thespectrum.com/story/news/local/mesquite/2021/09/13/pc-periodicals-windows-11-release-date-october-5/8316090002/ |archive-date=February 18, 2023 |access-date=September 18, 2021 |website=The Spectrum |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=June 24, 2021 |title=Microsoft announces Windows 11, with a new design, Start menu, and more |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/6/24/22546791/microsoft-windows-11-announcement-features-updates |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624150725/https://www.theverge.com/2021/6/24/22546791/microsoft-windows-11-announcement-features-updates |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=June 24, 2021 |website=The Verge |language=en}}</ref> {{As of|2022|05|post=,}} Windows 11 is a free upgrade to Windows 10 users who meet the system requirements.<ref name="windows11specs">{{Cite web |title=Windows 11 Specs and System Requirements |url=https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11-specifications |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531013104/https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11-specifications |archive-date=May 31, 2022 |access-date=May 31, 2022 |publisher=Microsoft}}</ref>

==== Windows 365 ====
{{See also|Azure Virtual Desktop}}
{{distinguish|Microsoft 365|Windows/386}}
In July 2021, Microsoft announced it will start selling subscriptions to virtualized Windows desktops as part of a new ''Windows 365'' service in the following month. The new service will allow for [[Cross-platform software|cross-platform usage]], aiming to make the operating system available for both Apple and Android users. It is a separate service and offers several variations including Windows 365 Frontline, Windows 365 Boot, and the Windows 365 app.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=April 6, 2023 |title=Microsoft's Windows 365 Cloud PCs get more flexible, LG TV integration, and more |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/4/6/23672363/microsoft-windows-365-frontline-lg-tv-integration-features |website=[[The Verge]] |access-date=June 2, 2023 |archive-date=September 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230903135720/https://www.theverge.com/2023/4/6/23672363/microsoft-windows-365-frontline-lg-tv-integration-features |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[subscription service]] will be accessible through any [[operating system]] with a [[web browser]]. The new service is an attempt at capitalizing on the growing trend, fostered during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], for businesses to adopt a hybrid [[remote work]] environment, in which "employees split their time between the office and home". As the service will be accessible through web browsers, Microsoft will be able to bypass the need to publish the service through [[Google Play]] or the [[App Store (Apple)|Apple App Store]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Foley |first=Mary Jo |date=July 14, 2021 |title=Microsoft brings Windows to the cloud with Windows 365 and Cloud PC |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-brings-windows-to-the-cloud-with-windows-365-and-cloud-pc/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728074255/https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-brings-windows-to-the-cloud-with-windows-365-and-cloud-pc/ |archive-date=July 28, 2021 |access-date=July 14, 2021 |website=ZDNet}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Tilley |first=Aaron |date=July 14, 2021 |title=Microsoft Aims to Put Windows in Hands of Apple, Android Users Through Hybrid Work |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/microsoft-aims-to-put-windows-in-hands-of-apple-android-users-through-hybrid-work-11626274801 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728132315/https://www.wsj.com/articles/microsoft-aims-to-put-windows-in-hands-of-apple-android-users-through-hybrid-work-11626274801 |archive-date=July 28, 2021 |issn=0099-9660}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Higgins |first=Tim |date=June 23, 2021 |title=Apple's Fight for Control Over Apps Moves to Congress and EU |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/apples-fight-for-control-over-apps-moves-to-congress-and-eu-11624440601 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728075524/https://www.wsj.com/articles/apples-fight-for-control-over-apps-moves-to-congress-and-eu-11624440601 |archive-date=July 28, 2021 |issn=0099-9660}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Microsoft unveils Windows 365, a Windows 10 PC in the cloud |url=https://www.engadget.com/windows-365-cloud-virtual-pc-150022333.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728080818/https://www.engadget.com/windows-365-cloud-virtual-pc-150022333.html |archive-date=July 28, 2021 |access-date=July 15, 2021 |website=Engadget |date=July 14, 2021 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Windows 365 Cloud PC {{!}} Microsoft |url=https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-365 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728090712/https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-365 |archive-date=July 28, 2021 |access-date=July 15, 2021 |website=www.microsoft.com |language=en-us}}</ref>

Microsoft announced Windows 365 availability to business and enterprise customers on August 2, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hill |first=Paul |date=August 2, 2021 |title=Microsoft announces the general availability of Windows 365 |url=https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-announces-the-general-availability-of-windows-365/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802173719/https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-announces-the-general-availability-of-windows-365/ |archive-date=August 2, 2021 |access-date=August 2, 2021 |website=Neowin}}</ref>

==== Multilingual support ====
{{see also|Multilingual User Interface}}

Multilingual support has been built into Windows since Windows 3.0. The language for both the keyboard and the interface can be changed through the Region and Language Control Panel. Components for all supported input languages, such as [[Input Method Editor]]s, are automatically installed during Windows installation (in Windows XP and earlier, files for East Asian languages, such as Chinese, and files for right-to-left scripts, such as Arabic, may need to be installed separately, also from the said Control Panel). Third-party IMEs may also be installed if a user feels that the provided one is insufficient for their needs. Since Windows 2000, English editions of Windows NT have East Asian IMEs (such as Microsoft Pinyin IME and Microsoft Japanese IME) bundled, but files for East Asian languages may be manually installed on Control Panel.

Interface languages for the operating system are free for download, but some languages are limited to certain editions of Windows. [[Language Interface Pack]]s (LIPs) are redistributable and may be downloaded from Microsoft's Download Center and installed for any edition of Windows (XP or later){{snd}}they translate most, but not all, of the Windows interface, and require a certain base language (the language which Windows originally shipped with). This is used for most languages in emerging markets. Full Language Packs, which translate the complete operating system, are only available for specific editions of Windows (Ultimate and Enterprise editions of Windows Vista and 7, and all editions of Windows 8, 8.1 and RT except Single Language). They do not require a specific base language and are commonly used for more popular languages such as French or Chinese. These languages cannot be downloaded through the Download Center, but are available as optional updates through the [[Windows Update]] service (except Windows 8).

The interface language of installed applications is not affected by changes in the Windows interface language. The availability of languages depends on the application developers themselves.

[[Windows 8]] and [[Windows Server 2012]] introduce a new Language Control Panel where both the interface and input languages can be simultaneously changed, and language packs, regardless of type, can be downloaded from a central location. The PC Settings app in [[Windows 8.1]] and [[Windows Server 2012 R2]] also includes a counterpart settings page for this. Changing the interface language also changes the language of preinstalled [[Windows Store]] apps (such as Mail, Maps and News) and certain other Microsoft-developed apps (such as Remote Desktop). The above limitations for language packs are however still in effect, except that full language packs can be installed for any edition except Single Language, which caters to emerging markets.

==== Platform support ====
Windows NT included support for several platforms before the [[x86]]-based [[personal computer]] became dominant in the professional world. [[Windows NT 4.0]] and its predecessors supported [[PowerPC]], [[DEC Alpha]] and [[MIPS architecture|MIPS]] R4000 (although some of the platforms implement [[64-bit computing]], the OS treated them as 32-bit). Windows 2000 dropped support for all platforms, except the third generation x86 (known as [[IA-32]]) or newer in 32-bit mode. The client line of the Windows NT family still ran on IA-32 up to [[Windows 10]]<ref name="windows11specs" /> (the server line of the Windows NT family still ran on IA-32 up to [[Windows Server 2008]]).

With the introduction of the Intel Itanium architecture ([[IA-64]]), Microsoft released new versions of Windows to support it. Itanium versions of [[Windows XP]] and [[Windows Server 2003]] were released at the same time as their mainstream x86 counterparts. Windows XP 64-Bit Edition (Version 2003), released in 2003, is the last Windows client operating system to support Itanium. Windows Server line continues to support this platform until [[Windows Server 2012]]; Windows Server 2008 R2 is the last Windows operating system to support Itanium architecture.

On April 25, 2005, Microsoft released [[Windows XP Professional x64 Edition]] and Windows Server 2003 x64 editions to support [[x86-64]] (or simply x64), the 64-bit version of x86 architecture. [[Windows Vista]] was the first client version of Windows NT to be released simultaneously in IA-32 and x64 editions. As of 2024, x64 is still supported.

An edition of Windows 8 known as [[Windows RT]] was specifically created for computers with [[ARM architecture family|ARM architecture]], and while ARM is still used for Windows smartphones with Windows 10, tablets with Windows RT will not be updated. Starting from [[Windows 10 Fall Creators Update]] (version 1709) and later includes support for ARM-based PCs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bott |first=Ed |date=October 7, 2019 |title=Windows 10 on Arm: What you need to know before you buy a Surface Pro X |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-10-on-arm-what-you-need-to-know-before-you-buy-a-surface-pro-x/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701045005/https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-10-on-arm-what-you-need-to-know-before-you-buy-a-surface-pro-x/ |archive-date=July 1, 2021 |access-date=June 14, 2021 |website=[[ZDNet]]}}</ref>

=== Windows CE ===
{{Main|Windows CE|Windows Phone}}

Windows CE (officially known as ''Windows Embedded Compact''), is an edition of Windows that runs on [[Handheld PC|minimalistic computers]], like satellite navigation systems and some mobile phones. Windows Embedded Compact is based on its own dedicated kernel, dubbed Windows CE kernel. Microsoft licenses Windows CE to [[OEM]]s and device makers. The OEMs and device makers can modify and create their own user interfaces and experiences, while Windows CE provides the technical foundation to do so.

Windows CE was used in the [[Dreamcast]] along with Sega's own proprietary OS for the console. Windows CE was the core from which [[Windows Mobile]] was derived. Its successor, [[Windows Phone 7]], was based on components from both [[Windows Embedded CE 6.0|Windows CE 6.0 R3]] and [[Windows Embedded Compact 7|Windows CE 7.0]]. [[Windows Phone 8]] however, is based on the same NT-kernel as Windows 8.

Windows Embedded Compact is not to be confused with [[Windows XP Embedded]] or [[Windows NT 4.0 Embedded]], modular editions of Windows based on Windows NT kernel.

=== Xbox OS ===
{{Main|Xbox system software}}
Xbox OS is an unofficial name given to the version of Windows that runs on [[Xbox]] consoles.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Anand Lal Shimpi |title=The Xbox One – Mini Review & Comparison to Xbox 360/PS4 |url=http://www.anandtech.com/show/7528/the-xbox-one-mini-review-hardware-analysis |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012063931/http://www.anandtech.com/show/7528/the-xbox-one-mini-review-hardware-analysis |archive-date=October 12, 2014 |access-date=October 21, 2014 |website=anandtech.com}}</ref> From [[Xbox One]] onwards it is an implementation with an emphasis on virtualization (using [[Hyper-V]]) as it is three operating systems running at once, consisting of the core [[operating system]], a second implemented for games and a more Windows-like environment for applications.<ref name="xboxonethreesystems">{{Cite web |title=Xbox One: Hardware and software specs detailed and analyzed – Three operating systems in one |url=http://www.extremetech.com/gaming/156467-xbox-one-hardware-and-software-specs-detailed-and-analyzed |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131116221155/http://www.extremetech.com/gaming/156467-xbox-one-hardware-and-software-specs-detailed-and-analyzed |archive-date=November 16, 2013 |access-date=December 1, 2013 |publisher=ExtremeTech}}</ref>
Microsoft updates Xbox One's OS every month, and these updates can be downloaded from the Xbox Live service to the Xbox and subsequently installed, or by using offline recovery images downloaded via a PC.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How to use the Offline System Update Diagnostic Tool on Xbox One |url=http://support.xbox.com/xbox-one/system/offline-system-update-diagnostic-tool |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427233154/https://support.xbox.com/xbox-one/system/offline-system-update-diagnostic-tool |archive-date=April 27, 2021 |access-date=November 30, 2013 |website=Xbox Official Site |publisher=Microsoft}}</ref> It was originally based on NT 6.2 (Windows 8) kernel, and the latest version runs on an NT 10.0 base. This system is sometimes referred to as "Windows 10 on Xbox One".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Xbox One Is "Literally a Windows Device" |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-one-is-literally-a-windows-device/1100-6430425/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151227060719/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-one-is-literally-a-windows-device/1100-6430425/ |archive-date=December 27, 2015 |website=GameSpot}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=New Xbox One Update Will Make Some Functionality 50 Percent Faster |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-xbox-one-update-will-make-some-functionality-5/1100-6430524/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202102914/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-xbox-one-update-will-make-some-functionality-5/1100-6430524/ |archive-date=February 2, 2016 |website=GameSpot}}</ref>
Xbox One and [[Xbox Series X and Series S|Xbox Series]] operating systems also allow limited (due to licensing restrictions and testing resources) backward compatibility with previous generation hardware,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tom Warren |date=June 16, 2015 |title=Xbox One dashboard update includes a huge new design and Cortana |url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/6/15/8786501/microsoft-xbox-one-dashboard-update-features |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708210651/https://www.theverge.com/2015/6/15/8786501/microsoft-xbox-one-dashboard-update-features |archive-date=July 8, 2017 |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media}}</ref> and the Xbox 360's system is backwards compatible with the original Xbox.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Eric Qualls |title=Xbox 360 and Xbox Games Backwards Compatibility |url=http://xbox.about.com/od/xbox360faqs/f/x360bcfaq.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928070914/http://xbox.about.com/od/xbox360faqs/f/x360bcfaq.htm |archive-date=September 28, 2015 |website=About.com Tech}}</ref>