Windows 1.0 and 2.0 were the first versions of Windows. These versions were effectively a GUI for MS-DOS. Support ended on December 31, 2001, making it the longest supported version of Windows.
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[]
Designer:
Jeff Boettcher[3] Jonathan D. Cowles[4] Julie Wong[4]
Typography:
Times New Roman (modified)
Launched:
November 17, 1991 (beta)
April 6, 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.
Windows NT 3.1[]
1993–2001[]
Designer:
Jeff Boettcher Jonathan D. Cowles Julie Wong
Typography:
Times New Roman (modified)
Launched:
July 27, 1993
This logo primary was used for Windows NT 3.1, the first version of Windows NT and first 32-bit Windows, was released on July 27, 1993. This version was based on the 3.1 desktop environment, and came with two editions: Windows NT 3.1 for Workstation and Windows NT 3.1 Advanced Server. Support for Windows NT 3.1 ended on December 31, 2000, along with mainstream support for Windows 95, becoming the first operating system in the Microsoft Windows line to phase out support.
One of the first appearances of this logo was the Preliminary Release for Developers from July 1992.[5][6]
Windows NT 3.x[]
1993–2001[]
Designer:
Unknown
Typography:
Times New Roman (modified)
Launched:
July 27, 1993 (packaging) September 21, 1994 (OS)
This logo was seen on packaging for Windows NT 3.1[7], and was subsequently seen in Windows NT 3.5 and Windows NT 3.51, which released on September 21, 1994 and May 30, 1995, respectively. Like Windows NT 3.1, both Windows NT 3.5 and 3.51 had the same desktop environment from 3.1 and NT 3.1; they also came with Server and Workstation editions. Support for Windows NT 3.5 and 3.51 ended on December 31, 2001.
Windows 95[]
1995–2001[]
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 NT 4.0[]
1996–2004[]
Designer:
Unknown
Typography:
ITC Franklin Gothic Book / Heavy
Launched:
July 31, 1996
Windows NT 4.0 was released to manufacturing on July 31, 1996, and for general availability on August 24, 1996, the same day as Windows 95 OSR 2. This version brought the desktop environment and several features from Windows 95, and had five editions: Workstation, Server, Enterprise Edition, Terminal Server Edition, and Embedded. Extended support ended for Workstation on June 30, 2004 (mainstream support ended on June 30, 2002).
Windows 98/98 SE[]
1998–2006[]
Designer:
Unknown
Typography:
ITC Franklin Gothic Book / Heavy
Launched:
May 15, 1998
Windows 98 was released on June 25, 1998. In May 1999, Microsoft released Windows 98 SE (Second Edition) which fixed certain bugs and problems from Windows 98 but didn't have an official logo. Extended support ended on July 11, 2006 (mainstream support ended on June 30, 2002). This made it the first MS-DOS based version of Windows to be supported to any date other than December 31, 2001.
Windows 2000[]
1999–2010[]
Designer:
Unknown
Typography:
ITC Franklin Gothic Book / Heavy
Launched:
February 25, 1999 (beta)
December 15, 1999
Windows 2000 was first released for business customers on December 17, 1999, and for general availability on February 17, 2000. The system is NT-based, not part of the 9x series, and was used both for server computers and regular computers. Windows 2000 brought many features and improvements from Windows 9x. Extended support ended on July 13, 2010 (mainstream support ended on June 30, 2005).
Windows Me[]
2000–2006[]
Designer:
Unknown
Typography:
ITC Franklin Gothic Book / Heavy / Condensed Medium
Launched:
June 19, 2000
Windows Me, released on September 14, 2000, is one of the worst-received versions of Windows, as it was known to crash too often and contained several bugs; as a result, its usage is extremely uncommon among Windows users. Me was also the last version of Windows 9x, which was based on MS-DOS (because of this, it was also the last version to have support for most MS-DOS games). Extended support for Windows Me ended on July 11, 2006, alongside Windows 98 (mainstream support for Me ended on December 31, 2003).
February 3, 2001 (unveiling) August 24, 2001 (RTM)
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).
Windows Vista was released to manufacturing on November 8, 2006 and eventually got a release for enterprises on November 30, 2006. It was released for general availability on January 30, 2007. The system was criticized due to high requirements and certain bugs. While Windows Vista was also turned down by many, it introduced new features and design tweaks, including the Aero design language, Sidebar and Widgets, Windows Defender, 3D Task Switcher, Welcome Center, and Games Explorer. Extended support ended on April 11, 2017 (mainstream support ended on April 10, 2012).
Windows 7[]
2009–2020[]
Designer:
Paula Scher for Pentagram
Typography:
Segoe UI Regular / Light
Launched:
July 22, 2009
Windows 7 was released to manufacturing on July 22, 2009, later for general availability on October 22, 2009, and was better received than its predecessor, introducing features such as the redesigned taskbar, Windows Snap, HomeGroup, libraries for documents, audio, videos, etc. Mainstream support announcement ended on May 12, 2015, and extended support ended on May 13, 2020. Pro, Enterprise and Ultimate users were able to pay for support until January 10, 2023.
February 29, 2012 (unveiling)
August 1, 2012 (RTM)
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:
Pentagram (symbol)
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 and extended ended of life on July 11, 2023.
Windows 10[]
2015–2025[]
Designer:
Pentagram (symbol)
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 ended 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.[11]
Windows 11[]
2021–present[]
Designer:
Unknown
Typography:
Segoe UI Semibold (modified)
Launched:
June 24, 2021
Windows 11 was announced on June 24, 2021 and released generally on October 5. 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.
