If you are new to using a computer, you might be wondering what is Windows and how does it work. Windows is an operating system, which is a software that manages the basic functions of your computer, such as starting programs, saving files, connecting to the internet, and more. Windows is the most popular operating system in the world, and it comes in different versions that have different features and designs. In this blog post, we will explain some of the main differences between the different versions of Windows, and how to choose the best one for your needs.
The first version of Windows was released in 1985, and since then, Microsoft has released many updates and new versions. The most recent version is Windows 11, which was released in 2021. Windows 11 has a modern and sleek design, with rounded corners, colorful icons, and a new Start menu. Windows 11 also has some new features, such as Snap Layouts, which let you arrange multiple windows on your screen easily, and Widgets, which show you personalized information like weather, news, and calendar. Windows 11 is designed to work well with touchscreens, tablets, and laptops.
However, not all computers can run Windows 11, because it has some minimum hardware requirements that older computers might not meet. For example, you need at least 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage space, and a processor that supports TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. You can check if your computer meets these requirements by using the PC Health Check app from Microsoft.
If your computer cannot run Windows 11, you can still use Windows 10, which is the previous version of Windows. Windows 10 was released in 2015, and it is still supported by Microsoft until 2025. Windows 10 has a similar design to Windows 11, but with sharper edges and a different Start menu. Windows 10 also has some features that Windows 11 does not have, such as Cortana, which is a voice assistant that can help you with tasks like searching the web, setting reminders, and playing music. Windows 10 is compatible with most computers that were made after 2009.
Another version of Windows that you might encounter is Windows 8.1, which was released in 2013. Windows 8.1 has a different design than Windows 10 and Windows 11, with a tiled interface that shows apps and live tiles that update with information. Windows 8.1 is also optimized for touchscreens and tablets, but it can be confusing to use on a desktop or laptop. Windows 8.1 is still supported by Microsoft until 2023.
The oldest version of Windows that is still supported by Microsoft is Windows 7, which was released in 2009. Windows 7 has a classic design that many people are familiar with, with a blue background, a Start button, and a taskbar. Windows 7 is easy to use and reliable, but it does not have many of the features and security updates that newer versions of Windows have. Microsoft stopped providing regular updates for Windows 7 in 2020, but it still provides security updates for some users who pay for extended support until 2023.
As you can see, there are many different versions of Windows that you can choose from depending on your computer’s specifications and your personal preferences. Each version has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you should do some research before deciding which one to install or upgrade to. You can also try out different versions of Windows by using virtual machines or dual booting options that let you run more than one operating system on your computer.