When was Windows 1.0 released?

Windows 1.0 was released on November 20, 1985, as the first version of the Microsoft Windows line. It runs as a graphical, 16-bit multi-tasking shell on top of an existing MS-DOS installation, providing an environment which can run graphical programs designed for Windows, as well as existing MS-DOS software. Its development was spearheaded by the company founder, Bill Gates, after seeing a demo of a similar software suite known as Visi On at COMDEX. Windows 1.0 proved to be an important milestone for Microsoft, and in computer history in general. Windows 1.0 was officially declared obsolete and unsupported by Microsoft on December 31, 2001.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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29 Comments

Laurie Johnson Gonzalez

I am constantly amazed when people complain about trivia question IN A TRIVIA GAME. It is astoundingly easy folks. If you don't like it, leave. I'm sure there is a more simplistic game that is more to your liking.

Marlen Brown

I'm like you Laurie. Why does one play if they're going to complain about the questions.

recordpete

The question didn't have to be so specific as to the date. Which year would have been sufficient.

Mary Clinton

erik hughes, I thought the same thing!!

Helga U. Williams

I was close, but not correct. It is just so amazing that it has been that long ago! I guess time flies!!! 😊

Char

Laurie Johnson Gonzalez, this is common knowledge itself

Coral Harvey

Maurice Carlier, I don't see the point of googling as it's not a test of memory then.

Steve Edwards

Maurice Carlier, when you consider that 25% would get it right from pure guesswork, the additional 10% could quite easily consist of those who have an interest in computing or were able to eliminate some of the dates. So probably only a small percentage have googled the answer.

Steve Edwards

Myrna Rosen, - I disagree. The release of Windows was probably one of the most important events in the history of home computing and led to the popularisation of the use of digital computing and media that we have today. There’s no reason why the dates should be further apart, as there would be no reason not to put 4 different dates in 1969 for the first Apollo moon landing, or 4 dates in 1963 for the assassination of Kennedy.

james parrillo

Maurice Carlier, I guessed. It was a complete guess. Thank you, Christine, James's wife

erik hughes

I knew it was late '85 or early '86 (which didn't help), then I thought "When would have been the best time to release an Apple-like graphical interface overlay for the ridiculously clunky MS-DOS type-in-the-whole-thread-and-hope-it's-there-and-it's-an-executable system? About a week before Thanksgiving, to give the holiday shoppers plenty of time to buy it for the holidays. No Googling necessary.