Every Windows version ranked — which one is the best? [VIDEO]

For decades, Microsoft Windows has been a go-to operating system (OS) for both personal and business computing. Every new version of Windows has brought changes — sometimes winning universal praise, sometimes sparking frustration. You probably have your own favorites, too, but if you’d like a little refresher on how Windows evolved, read on.

Every major Windows operating system in order

So, let’s take a look at the history of Windows OS. I’ll walk through all Windows versions in order, highlighting how they changed, what made each unique, and what users loved or disliked. Along the way, you might find the best Windows operating system for yourself — or discover the worst Windows version of all time.

Windows 1.0 (1985)

Windows 1.0 was the very first Windows OS, launched in 1985 as a graphical interface running on top of MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System).

It wasn’t a standalone operating system yet, but it introduced a completely new way to interact with computers: overlapping windows, icons to click, drop-down menus, and a mouse to control it all. For many users at the time, this was revolutionary compared to typing endless DOS commands. The first Windows version also came out with simple applications like Notepad, Calculator, and Paint, which became staples of the OS.

However, apart from a few GUI novelties, most software still relied on DOS, so Windows 1.0 wasn’t a huge commercial success. Still, it laid the groundwork for what was to come and marked the beginning of Microsoft’s push to bring computers into everyday homes.

Pros: Groundbreaking start, graphical user interface (GUI), mouse support.

Cons: Very basic, limited applications, heavily reliant on DOS.

Windows 3.1 (1992)

Windows 3.1 is often seen as the version that made Windows mainstream. Released in 1992, it arrived right when PCs were finding their way into homes and offices. This OS was a big step up from the earlier versions and made that transition smoother for everyday users.

Beyond accessibility, Windows 3.1 added several important upgrades. Scalable TrueType fonts, better graphics, and stronger multimedia features made the OS much more appealing for both home users and businesses. It also introduced screensavers, better file management, and more stability compared to earlier versions.

Software developers also began to adopt the platform widely, leading to more programs being available compared to earlier releases. Microsoft even included Minesweeper and Solitaire with Windows 3.1 by default, which quickly became part of computer culture.

Pros: Stable performance, multimedia support, broader adoption.

Cons: Still DOS-dependent, limited multitasking.

Windows 95 (1995)

Windows 95 changed everything. Even its launch was backed by one of the biggest marketing campaigns in tech history — including a $12 million purchase of the rights to The Rolling Stones’ Start Me Up for ads.

The new Windows OS introduced the now-iconic Start menu and taskbar, features that defined Windows for decades. It also improved multitasking and added plug-and-play support, making it easier for users to connect printers, mice, and other devices.

For many households, Windows 95 was their first true PC experience; however, it was not without problems. Early versions had plenty of bugs, and system crashes were common. Still, its new interface and features helped Windows dominate the home PC market and made personal computing accessible to millions.

Pros: Iconic Start menu, modern GUI, better multitasking.

Cons: Buggy at launch, compatibility issues.

Windows 98 (1998)

Released in 1998, Windows 98 built on the success of Windows 95 but introduced plenty of upgrades. For example, USB support was significantly improved, which was a big deal at the time, as the use of peripherals like scanners and external drives was increasing. It also offered better support for multimedia, dual monitors, and networking.

With the explosive growth of the internet, Microsoft tightly integrated Internet Explorer into Windows 98, focusing on web access. It was the OS that many used for early web browsing, everyday tasks, and gaming.

Speaking of games, titles such as Age of Empires II and Half-Life ran smoothly, proving Windows 98 as a standout platform for PC gaming.

That said, the OS still wasn’t perfect — crashes were common, and older DOS-based applications faced compatibility issues. Even so, nostalgia has kept its legacy alive, especially among retro enthusiasts who consider Windows 98 as one of the best Windows versions for classic PC gaming.

Pros: Great for classic PC games, improved hardware support, familiar interface.

Cons: Stability issues, limited DOS compatibility.

Windows 2000 (2000)

Targeted at businesses and professional users, Windows 2000 arrived in early 2000 and was based on the more stable Windows NT kernel.

Compared to DOS-based systems, it offered much greater stability and security, quickly becoming the go-to choice for offices and businesses. With features like Active Directory, NTFS file system improvements, and better networking tools, it was perfect for corporate environments.

However, because of its enterprise focus, the new OS lacked the consumer-friendly design of Windows 98. For everyday users, and especially gamers, Windows 2000 felt too businesslike, so they generally stuck with 98 until XP came out.

Still, Windows 2000 was seen as reliable, capable, and an important step forward in Microsoft’s move away from DOS. It might not have had the cultural impact of 98 or XP, but it laid the technical groundwork for the next decade of Windows releases.

Pros: Stable, secure, professional-grade.

Cons: Not ideal for home users, some software incompatibilities.

Windows ME (2000)

Windows ME, or Millennium Edition, quickly became infamous as one of the worst Windows versions. Released just months after Windows 2000, it was designed with home users in mind. It packed in new multimedia tools like Windows Movie Maker and introduced System Restore, a feature that stuck around and became an essential safety net in later versions of Windows.

On paper, it sounded promising. In practice, though, most people remember ME for its constant crashes, freezes, and memory leaks. It felt rushed and poorly optimized, quickly earning its reputation as one of the weakest Windows releases.

ME was the last version built on the old DOS-based foundation, marking the end of a chapter in Microsoft’s history.

Pros: Introduced System Restore, multimedia features.

Cons: Extremely unstable, poor performance, compatibility problems.

Windows XP (2001)

When Windows XP launched in 2001, it was an instant hit worldwide. Microsoft finally successfully combined a user-friendly design with the power and stability of the NT core, making an OS version that worked for almost everyone. Windows XP was fast, reliable, and easy to use, which helped it spread worldwide at lightning speed.

The new approachable interface, with its bright colors and rounded edges, gave XP a fresh, modern feel. Features like Fast User Switching and Remote Desktop made it more versatile than any Windows before. XP also became the platform of choice for many gamers — thanks to its broad driver support and compatibility with classics like The Sims, Counter-Strike, and World of Warcraft.

Its one major weakness was security, which became more of a problem as the years went by. But even then, Windows XP remained popular long after Microsoft ended support, with many users refusing to let go.

Pros: Stable, easy-to-use, popular for gaming and home use.

Cons: Vulnerable to security risks later on.

Windows Vista (2007)

Windows Vista, released in 2007, had ambitious goals but stumbled at launch. It introduced the sleek Aero interface, built-in search tools, and stronger security with User Account Control. On paper, it looked like a big step forward.

In reality, it required powerful hardware that most Windows PCs at the time simply didn’t have. Driver compatibility was another big issue that frustrated users who upgraded. On top of that, constant security prompts gave Vista the reputation of being intrusive and annoying.

Despite the rocky start, Windows Vista wasn’t all bad — with later patches and stronger hardware, this operating system was recognized as an important step toward modernization. With its stylish visuals and forward-thinking features, some say Vista was ahead of its time.

Still, for a lot of people, Vista became a cautionary tale about upgrading too soon. In hindsight, it’s fair to say that Vista walked so Windows 7 could run.

Pros: Modern UI, new features, stronger security, improved search.

Cons: High system requirements, performance issues, driver problems.

Windows 7 (2009)

Windows 7 arrived in 2009, offering speed, stability, and a refined version of the Aero interface that felt modern without being overwhelming — it pretty much fixed everything that Vista got wrong.

What made Windows 7 special was the balance between being professional and reliable enough for businesses, yet simple and welcoming for everyday users. Gamers loved it for its stability, while businesses adopted it for long-term use. Microsoft supported it for years, even adding DirectX 12 later on to keep it relevant.

Its only real flaw wasn’t in the system itself, but in the inevitable: support eventually ended, forcing loyal users to upgrade even when they didn’t want to. Even today, the nostalgia around Windows 7 is strong, and it remains one of the most loved operating systems in Microsoft’s history.

Pros: Reliable, sleek design, broad compatibility.

Cons: Eventually lost official support, pushing users to upgrade.

Windows 8 (2012)

Windows 8, released in 2012, was one of Microsoft’s boldest experiments. It aimed to bring PCs and tablets together under one system with the new tile-based Start screen. On touch devices, it felt fresh and intuitive. But for traditional desktop users, it was kind of a shock.

The removal of the Start menu hit especially hard, and the steep learning curve and clunky navigation left many frustrated, sparking backlash from longtime Windows users.

That said, Windows 8 brought fast boot times, improved file management, and support for modern apps. It also introduced the Windows Store — Microsoft’s attempt to compete with Apple and Google in the app market.

In the end, though, most people just couldn’t get past the awkward interface. While it had forward-looking ideas, Windows 8 is remembered as one of the least-loved versions of Windows.

Pros: Fast boot times, tablet-friendly, app store integration.

Cons: Poor user interface, Start menu removal.

Windows 8.1 (2013)

After the harsh feedback to Windows 8, Microsoft responded with a major update — Windows 8.1 — just a year later. It reintroduced the Start button, allowed users to boot directly to the desktop, and made multitasking smoother.

While the update didn’t fix all the issues of Windows 8, the new operating system was far more user-friendly. For many people who skipped the previous version, 8.1 felt more acceptable, especially for productivity and everyday work.

With the release of this OS version, Microsoft acknowledged that most users still depended heavily on the traditional desktop experience. And while it never reached the popularity of Windows 7 or XP, Windows 8.1 managed to salvage the Windows 8 era.

Pros: More stable, Start button return, better desktop experience.

Cons: Still carried over many of Windows 8’s design missteps.

Windows 10 (2015)

Windows 10 arrived in 2015 with a clear mission: win users back after the Windows 8 disaster. It brought back the classic Start menu, blending it with a modern design that felt more familiar and less confusing. Microsoft aimed for it to be a unified platform, meant to run across PCs, tablets, and even Xbox consoles.

When it came to performance, Windows 10 was fast, stable, and offered broad compatibility for PC gaming. But the OS wasn’t perfect — many users complained about the forced updates and telemetry features, raising ongoing privacy concerns.

Despite its flaws, Windows 10 became one of the most widely used operating system versions ever. And for many years, it remained the gold standard of modern Windows. However, Microsoft is ending its support on October 14, 2025, after which technical support, security updates, or bug fixes will no longer be provided.

Pros: Fast boot times, stable, multi-desktop support, modern interface.

Cons: Privacy concerns, intrusive updates.

Windows 11 (2021)

Microsoft once stated that Windows 10 would be the last Windows operating system version. However, in 2021, Windows 11 came out and gave the OS a more modern look — with its centered taskbar and sleek, rounded design. Plus, new features like window snapping and a tabbed File Explorer gave a huge boost to productivity, making multitasking easier.

Not everyone could upgrade, though. Microsoft set stricter hardware requirements — like TPM (Trusted Platform Module) 2.0 and newer CPU (Central Processing Unit) versions — leaving a lot of older PCs behind, which understandably annoyed a lot of longtime users. And even if you could upgrade, some of the design changes, such as the simplified right-click menu, had people split.

On the bright side, Windows 11 improved privacy controls, boosted performance, and focused on a cleaner, more consistent experience. Since its initial release, it has also introduced folder tabs, a better audio control menu, and a more consistent dark mode. Windows 11 might not have the same nostalgic appeal as Windows 7 or XP, but it was a solid step into the future for Windows.

Pros: Modern visuals, better stability, improved privacy controls.

Cons: Strict hardware requirements, controversial UI changes.

Final thoughts: Windows evolution and legacy

From the DOS-based beginnings with Windows 1.0 to the polished look of Windows 11, the OS has constantly changed. Classics like XP and 7 are celebrated for reliability, while versions like ME and 8 are often remembered as missteps.

Ultimately, the best operating system is the one currently supported by Microsoft, which soon will be Windows 11 only. However, no matter the version throughout the years, Windows has left a lasting mark on how we use computers today.

FAQ

What is the best Windows operating system for gaming?

Windows 11 is generally considered the best operating system for modern gaming due to its strong driver support, DirectX 12, features like DirectStorage and Auto HDR, and compatibility with the latest titles.

Which Windows OS is the fastest?

In terms of boot speed and everyday performance, Windows 10 and Windows 11 are faster than older versions, though lightweight builds of Windows XP and 7 were also very responsive for their time.

Is Windows 12 coming out?

As of now, Microsoft has not officially announced Windows 12. Rumors suggest new versions may arrive in the coming years, but Windows 11 remains the current release.