What was Microsoft’s greatest Windows working system of all time?
If you’re like us, you might have…opinions. Even for those who’re not the sort to parse by means of all the little particulars that separated Windows 98 from Windows 95, say, you actually had a favourite Windows OS that you just grew up with, cherished, after which fumed when Microsoft changed it with one thing totally different.
Likewise, you had variations of Windows that you just most likely detested. Maybe you even (gulp) tried Linux? (Nah.)
But rating every model of Windows? As in, selecting a winner? That’s the place the enjoyable lies. I’ve ranked each main client model of Windows, from worst to greatest. As Microsoft celebrates its 50th anniversary, see for those who agree with what I’ve picked.
Windows 2.0 (1987)
Although I grew up with Windows, I’ve no reminiscence of Windows 2.0, and I’m unsure you do, both. (A YouTube video gives a tour of Windows 2.0, for those who’re .)
History tells us that Windows 2.0 took Windows 1.0’s tiled purposes and permits them to overlap each other, which might be a comparatively large deal for the tiny, low-resolution screens of the 1980s. Add to that early variations of Word and Excel, and Windows PCs have been of their infancy as productiveness PCs. Another key improve: the Control Panel, which offered Windows settings earlier than Windows Settings was Settings, if you realize what I imply.
Microsoft
Windows 2.0 arrange Windows 3.0 by permitting a protected mode kernel that allowed multitasking of MS-DOS purposes, however Windows purposes all shared a digital MS-DOS machine. Microsoft engineers have been additionally ensnared within the OS/2 mission with IBM, which can have additionally lessened Windows 2.0’s affect.
Windows ME (2000)
Windows Millenium Edition (Windows ME) paralleled Windows 2000 as a consumer-first working system nonetheless tied to the legacy of MS-DOS, however didn’t precisely overwhelm customers with its new client options like Windows Movie Maker and up to date variations of Windows Media Player and the Windows DVD Player. Windows ME wasn’t actually steady and didn’t carry out particularly effectively, both, which made the included System Restore a extra vital characteristic than you may in any other case suppose. (ME additionally mechanically downloaded and put in updates.)
Windows ME left help in June 2002, a fast exit after launching in Sept. 2000. Windows XP launched on Oct. 25, 2001 on the steady Windows NT kernel, which meant that ME’s lifespan was about one yr. in 2006, PCWorld characterised Windows ME as “Windows Mistake Edition” and included it within the 25 worst tech products of all time.
Windows 1.0 (1985)
Iconic! Windows 1.0 marked the transition from the text-based world of MS-DOS into the visible world of the GUI, which had taken off with 1983’s launch of the Apple Lisa. Naturally, Windows 1.0 necessitated a mouse, bringing that pointing system much more into the mainstream. While MS-DOS was only a single-tasked OS, Windows additionally used preemptive or cooperative multitasking for packages to launch their sources in order that different packages to make use of them.
Microsoft
Windows 1.0 was the required first step, the one which launched generations of iteratively enhancing visible computing and recognized Microsoft-centric PCs as “Windows” PCs. But it was nonetheless rudimentary — the “windows” have been simply tiled, for instance. Overlapping home windows debuted in Windows 2.0.
Windows 8 (2012-2013)
We might have separated Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 into separate objects, too, however that might have pressured me to jot down about Windows 8, twice. That’s insupportable, so I’m jamming all my distaste for Windows 8/8.1 right into a single entry.
What all of us hated about Windows 8/8.1 was the godawful “Modern” pill interface that Microsoft pressured upon us, and the awkward tablet-esque app expertise that accompanied it. Windows 8 additionally included Charms, the quasi-taskbar that appeared when transferring to the right-hand facet of the interface. (Live Tiles labored splendidly, finally, on Windows Phones, and I liked the implementation into Windows 10’s Start menu, too.)
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Windows 8.1 allowed you in addition on to the desktop, although it wasn’t actually the true desktop that we’re all used to — despite the fact that the Start button was there, it nonetheless introduced you again to the Modern tiles until you configured it to indicate you a listing of apps. Start did mean you can shut down your PC straight from the Start button, nevertheless.
All I recall about Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 was making an attempt to maintain it collectively till the primary previews of Windows 10 debuted in 2015. Thank goodness Windows 8.1 lastly ended help in 2023 and was banished without end. But why didn’t Windows 8 give way to Windows 9?
Windows 2000 (2000)
Windows 2000 was basically an experiment: give enterprise or energy customers their very own working system, and let customers (with Windows ME) have their very own, as effectively. It ran on the Windows NT kernel — which, if it wasn’t initially designed for workstations and servers, we’d most likely name out as an honorary point out.
As Wikipedia notes, Windows 2000 was designed to be steady and safe. On that final level, nevertheless, it wasn’t; parts of the supply code leaked to the Internet, and Windows 2000 was attacked by way of Code Red and Nimda.
Windows 2000 mainly took Windows 98 options similar to Internet Explorer and introduced them on to the Windows NT kernel, together with FAT32 help, Windows Media Player, Internet Connection Sharing, and extra. Windows File Protection was a brand new characteristic, together with USB 2.0 system help and the power to drop into hibernation.
Windows 3.0 (1990)
Windows 3.0 started life as a skunkworks mission to run Windows purposes in separate protected reminiscence segments whereas sustaining backwards compatibility with MS-DOS, utilizing what former Windows president Steven Sinofsky called “hacks” to Intel’s {hardware} just like the “PrestoChangeoSelector.” It was so spectacular that Microsoft backed it with a $3 million launch.
Microsoft
Windows 3.0 seemed considerably cooler, including to its attraction, with help as much as 256 colours. Under-the-hood enhancements similar to the power to share information between purposes complemented the introduction of the File Manager and Program Manager, in addition to the power to run in several “modes” to help older Intel 286 processors in addition to the extra fashionable 386 by way of an “enhanced” mode.
As you could recall, Windows 3.0 didn’t appeal to video games, because the overwhelming majority of video games on the time ran beneath DOS. That’s a bit ironic, on condition that Windows 3.0 with Multimedia Extensions (1991) added a Media Control Interface for sound and graphics playing cards, in addition to the Media Player program. But the actual irony is that Windows 3.0 launched Windows Solitaire, which remains to be the grand daddy of all time-wasters.
Windows 3.1 (1992)
The query that we requested whereas placing collectively this record: ought to Windows 3.1 be thought-about separate and distinct from Windows 3.0? For the needs of this record, sure — there’s sufficient to attract distinctions between the 2. (We’ll disagree about Windows 8 and Windows 8.1, although.)
Much of our record focuses on standalone iterations of the Windows working system. A key exception is Windows 3.1, which actually reworked Windows and Windows PCs into multimedia machines. As a fanatic, Windows 3.1 is the model of Windows 3.0/3.1 that I contemplate to be the extra essential. It’s still a Microsoft milestone.
IDG
Windows 3.1 launched the period of screensavers, MIDI information (performed again by way of Media Player), SVGA graphics, Sound Recorder, and a distribution methodology on CD-ROM. This launch even noticed Microsoft ship Video for Windows. Underneath the hood, Windows 3.1 additionally launched the Windows registry, with drag-and-drop file administration and even fast formatting. TrueType scalable fonts have been included, as effectively.
It’s simple to give attention to Windows 3.0 and Windows 3.1 as two variations of the identical OS, however they weren’t; Microsoft even charged extra. Microsoft bought Windows 3.0 for $149, however provided Windows 3.0 for $50 for individuals who owned a earlier license, Wikipedia noted. Microsoft charged the identical $149 for a retail copy of Windows 3.1.
Windows 98 (1998)
It’s not honest to name Windows 98 a service pack for Windows 95, however this 1998 client working system was very influenced by Windows 95. Its chief options have been help for the rising customary of DVD-ROMs, in addition to its help for early USB {hardware}. But Windows 98 basically served as a gateway to the Internet for Windows, with the Active Desktop permitting lively Web content material to be added to the desktop and Internet Explorer 4.0 debuting.
Wikipedia
Windows 98 was additionally the primary time we noticed Windows Update be added to Windows, permitting patches to be pushed to consumer PCs, and Windows Cleanup, which set the stage for Storage Sense to de-clutter the consumer’s onerous drive and allow extra usable house.
Windows 98 was a minor launch of Windows. But as a follow-on to Windows 95, it ranks decently in consequence.
Windows Vista (2007)
Windows Vista wasn’t the worst of Microsoft’s working programs, aesthetically. Vista (the primary Windows OS to ship on a DVD-ROM) featured the glassy look of Windows Aero, and shipped with a superbly serviceable Start menu, taskbar, and the brand new Windows Sidebar that mainly served as a repository for Windows widgets.
Microsoft was decided to make Vista safe, nevertheless, and the notorious User Access Controls (UAC) proved to be its undoing. UACs annoyingly popped up often, asking customers whether or not they in truth wished to take an motion that Windows may deem unsafe. (Users, simply desirous to get on with it, would simply maintain approving them.) BitLocker drive encryption additionally debuted on the premium editions, whereas Backup and Restore helped shield consumer information. Microsoft debuted ReadyBoost to mainly flip flash drives and out there system RAM into cache, however customers complained that Vista ran sluggish anyway.
Microsoft
Vista demanded good {hardware}, was a ache to make use of, and required a number of service packs, one in every of which allowed customers to alter the desktop search program due to antitrust considerations raised by Google. Microsoft has a status for delivery alternating dangerous than good working programs, and Vista’s place between Windows XP and Windows 7 simply perpetuated that.
Windows 7 (2009)
Like Windows 10, Windows 7 was primarily an apology of kinds for its predecessor, Windows Vista. Based upon Windows NT, the Windows 7 working system considerably boosted efficiency when it comes to boot and shutdown occasions, whereas minimizing the fixed interruptions that Vista’s UACs launched.
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Windows 7 maintained and expanded upon the visible themes that Windows Vista launched. Right-clicking launched “jump lists,” which stay as we speak. The Taskbar (with the power to pin apps) was a big improve, and File Explorer added “libraries” which saved the consumer’s paperwork, movies, music and extra. BitLocker, Windows Defender, and Security Essentials added further safety. The OS additionally was the primary to acknowledge the ability of SSDs, with a selected TRIM command to optimize them, in addition to digital onerous disks.
Windows 7 was the place Microsoft began to get a little bit loopy when it comes to varied editions of the working system, together with Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Ultimate, and Enterprise, all differentiated by totally different characteristic units. You additionally obtained to decide on: did you desire a 32-bit copy or a model for the newest IA-64 processors? (Read our Windows 7 review.)
Windows XP (2001)
Microsoft’s greatest variations of Windows don’t attempt to do an excessive amount of, serving as a unified basis for enterprise productiveness customers and customers alike. Windows XP did simply that — mainly taking Windows 2000’s reliance on the steady Windows NT kernel and including client options, or, alternatively, taking Windows Me and making use of a little bit of sanity to it.
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To some, Windows XP’s Start menu — an easy record of apps and capabilities — nonetheless stays one of the best ever. Ditto for the background wallpaper, Bliss. XP didn’t add that a lot: ClearType rendered fonts higher on LCD shows, prefetching sped up boot occasions and helped allow quick consumer switching. Remote Assistance and Remote Desktop started making life simpler for kin requested to do tech help.
For the time, there was an enormous black mark: Windows Product Activation, which meant that Windows would basically not perform with out the correct code. That led to a brand new technology of complications for folks shopping for or constructing or upgrading PCs. But XP still remained immensely popular even years later, as a result of it simply labored.
Windows 11 (2021)
Like Windows 10, Windows 11 has existed lengthy sufficient that the working system has developed far past its roots. Microsoft’s code all the time evolves, true, however Windows 11 felt prefer it started as a helpful place to repurpose some of its unused Windows 10X concepts, leaving me really feel like Windows 11 began life as an unnecessary replacement for Windows 10.
And it was! The Start menu and Taskbar nonetheless aren’t nice, whereas the Widget menu is mainly a set of the digital crap you discover on the backside of tech media internet pages. And who can overlook the fiasco of Windows 11’s {hardware} necessities? But 4 years on, I like what Microsoft Snap and the Settings menus are evolving into. Microsoft dumped Teams Chat, and the {hardware} points have gone away.
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Today, Windows 11 is nearly a separate OS, predicated (considerably, however not totally) on AI. But there’s nonetheless an absence of cohesion. Copilot was an integral a part of the working system, with the power to truly change Settings; now it’s not, and Copilot is an app that may be ignored or reviewed (or within the case of the Copilot keyboard key) repurposed. AI options inside Paint and Photos vary from the bizarre Cocreator to the underappreciated, sensible AI instruments in Photos. Recall was an unlimited scandal and now’s largely forgotten.
I hate to say it, however Windows 11’s AI focus mainly is asking for Windows 12: an working system designed for AI from the bottom up. (Put down your pitchforks, please!) Sure, Windows is all the time evolving, however Windows 11 nonetheless seems like Microsoft is making it up on the fly.
Windows 95 (1995)
With Windows 95, Windows went mainstream. Suddenly, Windows was crossing the edge from an OS that folks had to make use of — or that nerds loved tinkering with — into one thing that mainstream America nearly thought was cool. Of course, a few of that was as a result of advertising; the Rolling Stones’ “Start Me Up” proved to be an ideal match, although the “You make a grown man cry” lyric by no means made it in. Even the startup sound got here from the keyboard of Brian Eno.
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Though you may entry MS-DOS, Windows 95 marked a clear break from the MS-DOS period, working in 32-bit mode. (Today, you may run Windows 95 in your browser.)
Of course, Windows 95’s iconic characteristic was the Start menu, adopted by the introduction of the Taskbar and what was then generally known as the Notification space. While it didn’t embody Microsoft’s Internet Explorer, later variations did. Windows 95 additionally launched the idea of “plug and play.” Just set up the brand new {hardware}, and it really works!
Windows 10 (2015)
For all of you who suppose that Windows 95 ought to sit atop our record for its profound cultural affect — completely not. Windows 10 nonetheless instructions over 58 p.c of the worldwide market, despite the fact that it’s staring down the tip of help in October 2025. Consumers nonetheless find it irresistible, and Windows 10 nonetheless affords probably the most fashionable, enticing, and cohesive interface in existence.
Mark Hachman / Foundry
Yes, Windows 10 launched the redesigned Start menu, with the brilliant, daring, adjustable Live Tiles that might be pushed round like a magic sq. puzzle to create the association you wished.
But for me, it’s the little belongings you’ve forgotten about. Sure, Windows 10 requires a license, but it surely was a free improve, and yours for all times. In 2019, the free Windows Security/Windows Defender grew to become so good that you may stop paying for antivirus software. And whats up, Windows Hello? Biometric identification mainly spelled the tip of the password, and who doesn’t need that? Even Microsoft Edge grew to become ok that you just didn’t have to rush out and substitute it with Google Chrome.
Windows 10 grew to become the muse of an ecosystem of Windows units that each one ran on a typical platform. Sure, Windows Phones — a cult basic to at the present time — died as a consequence of lack of apps. Windows Mixed Reality by no means even began taking off.
On the PC, although, Windows 10 was welcoming, personable, and really a lot yours. Windows was Cortana’s Jen Taylor, cheerily providing to assist. Windows Spotlight, the Xbox app, the Start menu: the world was vivid, the world was hopeful, and your fashionable PC wished you to make use of it. Windows was by no means higher than this.