Microsoft releases Windows 3.0

22nd May 1990
Microsoft releases Windows 3.0

On 22nd May 1990, Microsoft releases the third version of the Windows operating system, Windows 3.0. This version of Windows made various improvements to the GUI, including small icons to represent applications in menus rather than the simple text used in previous releases.

Windows 3.0 was the first Windows release to receive critical acclaim and sell well.

At launch, the full version of Microsoft Windows 3.0 was priced at $149.95, and the upgrade version was $79.95.

Related information:

• Centre for Computing History: Microsoft
• Centre for Computing History: Microsoft Windows 3.0

Images:

• Screenshot of the Windows 3.0 workspace
  Credit: Microsoft. Images remain the copyright of the original copyright holder. Used under fair use policy for educational purposes only.

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