Meet the Guide Editor
Windows 1.0 Contributors

The Complete Guide to Windows 1.0

Windows 1.0 ScreenshotWindows 1.0 was the very first graphical operating system released by Microsoft back in 1985. Windows 1.0 was also known as Windows Premier Edition. It included a number of applications like Calculator, Calendar, Cardfile, Clipboard viewer, Clock, Control Panel, Notepad, Paint, Reversi, Terminal, and Write.

Windows 1.0 could run on a CGA/Hercules/EGA video card (producing either monochrome or 16 color output, as shown in the screenshot to the left), and support for VGA (with a 256 color output) was added in version 1.04.

Unlike modern versions of Windows, Windows 1.0 did not allow for overlapping application windows. Instead each window was tiled on the screen.

Latest Articles on Windows 1.0
The First Version of Windows and Its Descendants

Windows 3.1 was a popular version of Windows, but it wasn't the first version ever sold. Find out when Microsoft Windows was first sold, and learn about Windows' long and storied...

 Understanding Windows - The History of Windows

This history of Windows operating systems gives you information on every desktop version of the software from Windows 1.0 to Windows 7 - that's 25 years of Microsoft operating systems!...
Most Popular Articles on Windows 1.0
  •  
    		 The First Version of Windows and Its Descendants

    Windows 3.1 was a popular version of Windows, but it wasn't the first version ever sold. Find out when Microsoft Windows was first sold, and learn about Windows' long and storied history....
  •  
    		 Understanding Windows - The History of Windows

    This history of Windows operating systems gives you information on every desktop version of the software from Windows 1.0 to Windows 7 - that's 25 years of Microsoft operating systems!...
  •  
    		 What is the Blue Screen of Death?

    Sooner or later, every computer will encounter a stop error scren, known by professionals as the Blue Screen of Death. If you've never seen a Blue Screen of Death, your first time can be a frightening...
  •  
    		 This Day in Computer History: November 22

    Today marks the anniversary of the first chess game ever played between two computers and a landmark agreement for Microsoft. Read about these events and more in "This Day in Computer History"...
  •  
    		 This Day in Computer History: October 6

    Today marks the anniversary of the Michael Dell's famous line disparaging Apple, "I'd shut it down and give the money back to the shareholders." Read it and more in "This Day in Computer...
More About Windows 1.0
What is the Blue Screen of Death?

Sooner or later, every computer will encounter a stop error scren, known by professionals as the Blue Screen of Death. If you've never seen a Blue Screen of Death, your first time...

 This Day in Computer History: November 22

Today marks the anniversary of the first chess game ever played between two computers and a landmark agreement for Microsoft. Read about these events and more in "This Day in Computer...