Microsoft releases Windows 1.0

20th November 1985
Microsoft releases Windows 1.0

Announced more than 2 years earlier, on 20th November 1985 Microsoft finally releases Windows version 1.0.

Microsoft Windows was a new operating system with a graphical user interface. The aim was to replace the older text-based DOS operating system. Its major features included pull-down menus, tiled windows, mouse support, and application multitasking.

Windows 1.0 was received relatively poorly. Reviewers warned of slow performance, with the New York Times saying: "running Windows on a PC with 512K of memory is akin to pouring molasses in the Arctic. And the more windows you activate, the more sluggishly it performs". The Windows interface did not gain general acceptance until version 3.0.

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Images:

  • Windows 1.0 screenshots and packaging
    Credit: Microsoft. Images remain the copyright of the original copyright holder. Used under fair use policy for educational purposes only.


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