This article is about the desktop-oriented operating system for computers. For other Windows-branded products and brands, see Microsoft Windows (disambiguation).
Windows 3.0 was the version that first introduced Program Manager (predecessor of Start Menu and Taskbar), which made it popular because it was easier to use than 1.0 and 2.0. This logo was seen on some software boxes to denote compatibility with Windows 3.0,[1] but rarely seen anywhere on actual OEM products for Windows 3.0 itself. This logo was also used for the Guided Tour in the Microsoft Windows 3.0 Working Model[2]. Windows 3.0's support ended on December 31, 2001.
Windows 3.1[]
1992–2008, 2000–2001[]
Designer:
Jeff Boettcher[3] Jonathan D. Cowles[4] Julie Wong[4]
Typography:
Times New Roman (modified)
Launched:
April 18, 1992
Windows 3.1 was an updated version of Windows 3.0, with several enhancements to the still DOS-based platform, including improved system stability, expanded support for multimedia, Truetype fonts, and workgroup networking. This logo made a surprise appearance on the Windows ME compatibility. Support for the Windows 3.1x line of operating systems ended on December 31, 2001, except for WFW 3.11 embedded, in which support ended on November 1, 2008.
On Twitter, Microsoft cites Jeff Boettcher as the designer of the original Windows flag.[3] Jonathan D. Cowles, art director at Microsoft from 1991 to 1994, cites himself as designer of the original Windows flag, under the supervision of Boettcher and Julie Wong.[4] The logo was commissioned by Brad Silverberg, a Senior VP at Microsoft. According to Silverberg, the right part of the logo is a window, while the left part of the logo conveys motion. He explained that despite the goal to depict "a window with cool motion effects", the final design ended up resembling a flag; of all the candidates, it was the one he liked the most.[5]
Windows 95–98[]
1995–2004[]
Designer:
Unknown
Typography:
ITC Franklin Gothic Book / Heavy
Launched:
July 14, 1995
Windows 95 was released on August 24, 1995, with several new features, mainly the graphical user interface, the Start Menu, Windows Explorer, and the taskbar; it was the first operating system in the 9x family. MSN was also launched on the same day. Windows 95 also introduced a redesigned shell based around a desktop metaphor; the desktop was repurposed to hold shortcuts to applications, files and folders, reminiscent of Mac OS. Extended support ended on December 31, 2001 (mainstream support ended on December 31, 2000).
Windows XP was released to manufacturing on August 24, 2001, later for general availability on October 25, 2001, being the first version of the consumer edition based on NT, and introduced a new look and feel to the desktop and the majority of the system in general, with its Luna theme and several new features. It was known to be the longest-supported version of Windows, and was one of the most popular versions of the operating system.
It was also the last version to have support for MS-DOS. Extended support ended on April 8, 2014 (mainstream support ended on April 14, 2009).
Microsoft overhauled their logo again to fit in with the new Metro design language on Windows 8, which removed the colors to become all blue and introduced a slightly modified Segoe font. This logo was unveiled on Windows 8 Consumer Preview, released in February 29, 2012. This logo was designed by Pentagram.
Windows 8 was released to manufacturing on August 1, 2012, later for general availability on October 26, 2012, and introduced features such as the new Start screen, the Charms, apps, and touchscreen support for devices such as the new Surface tablet. However, it received a mixed reception, with many criticizing it as being unintuitive compared to its predecessor and questioning Microsoft's push to expand the Windows line to touchscreen devices. Windows 8 is known for being the shortest-supported version of Windows, having had its support end on January 12, 2016 (to regain support, users are recommended to upgrade to Windows 8.1, which can be done on this version without an installation disc); but counting Windows 8.1 instead of this, Windows 95, ME and the original 64-Bit edition of Windows XP were the shortest-supported versions.
Windows 8.1[]
2013–2023[]
Designer:
Unknown
Typography:
Segoe UI Regular
Launched:
August 27, 2013
Windows 8.1 was released to manufacturing on August 27, 2013, later for general availability on October 17, 2013, which addressed certain criticisms of Windows 8 and also featured certain improvements, such as the improved Start screen, additional Snap views, and the restoration of a visible Start button on the taskbar. This logo was not officially used by Microsoft in advertising (where the default Windows logo was used) nor in the OS (where the Windows 8 logo was used), so it was seldom seen. Mainstream support ended on January 9, 2018, and extended support ended on January 10, 2023.
Windows 10[]
2015–present[]
Designer:
Unknown
Typography:
Segoe UI Regular
Launched:
July 15, 2015
Microsoft officially unveiled the first beta version of Windows 10 on September 30, 2014. The first version of the operating system was released to manufacturing on July 15, 2015, and was later made generally available worldwide on July 29, 2015. Since then, Windows 10 releases new feature updates twice per year (except in 2016, 2022). Windows 10's new features include the return of the Start menu, new versions of Microsoft Store-based apps, multiple desktops, voice assistant Cortana, and the new internet browser Microsoft Edge. New updates include Game Mode, Paint 3D and the new Fluent Design language, which replaced Metro.
Support for Windows 10 is scheduled to end on October 14, 2025 (excluding volume licensed editions of 1809 and 21H2). However, Microsoft announced that they will offer paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) support to all versions of Windows 10.[8]
This logo was still present in Windows 11 if you accessed the classic Control Panel's System applet. It would later be removed in Windows 11 version 22H2 along with the classic System applet which now redirects you to the Settings app.
This logo was first leaked on June 15, 2021, and became official when Microsoft announced Windows 11 on June 24 of the same year.
Windows 11 was released on October 5, 2021. The logo would be used in tandem with the 2015 logo until Microsoft removed the classic System Properties applet from version 22H2 in favor of migrating the Control Panel over to the Settings app.
Notes: 1 Became independent from 2007–2022, later becoming a Sony Interactive Entertainment subsidiary in 2022 2 Were moved to work on other Microsoft Software departments 3 consolidated 4 Sold to Take-Two Interactive, later being defunct
Notes: 1 Became independent from 2007–2022, later becoming a Sony Interactive Entertainment subsidiary in 2022 2 Were moved to work on other Microsoft Software departments 3 consolidated 4 Sold to Take-Two Interactive, later being defunct
Notes: 1Nokia phone brand licensing was sold to Human Mobile Devices in 2016. The original Nokia company continues to exist. 2Developer Kit hardware was discontinued in 2023. Azure Kinect technologies continued to be licensed to its partners.
