Windows 1.0

Windows 1.0
Developer	Microsoft
OS family	Microsoft Windows
Codename	Interface Manager
Source model	Closed source
Final release	1.04 April 27, 1987
Licensing	Commercial software
Released to manufacturing	November 6, 1985
General availability	November 6, 1985
Preceded by	MS-DOS (1981) Windows Premiere Edition (1985)
Succeeded by	Windows 2.0 (1987)
Support status
Unsupported as of December 31, 2001

Windows 1.0 is a graphical operating environment designed for personal computers, developed by Microsoft. Released on November 6, 1985, Windows 1.0 is the first version of the Microsoft Windows line of operating systems. It runs as a graphical, 16-bit multi-tasking shell on top of an existing MS-DOS installation, allowing for the usage of both existing MS-DOS software and graphical programs designed for Windows.

Critics reviewed Windows 1.0 poorly, feeling that it did not meet their expectations; in particular, they raised concerns about the lack of resources for new users as well as performance issues, especially on systems with lower hardware specifications. In spite of these criticisms, there were positive responses to early presentations and support from a number of hardware- and software-makers.

On December 31, 2001, Microsoft declared Windows 1.0 obsolete and stopped providing support and updates for the system.

History

Released versions: Windows 1.00 to 1.04

Windows version 1.01, released on November 6, 1985, was the first public release of Windows. The first international release, Windows version 1.02, was released in May 1986. Windows version 1.03, released in August 1986, included enhancements that made it consistent with the international release like drivers for European keyboards and additional screen and printer drivers. Windows version 1.04, released in April 1987, added support for the new IBM PS/2 computers, although no support for PS/2 mice or new VGA graphics modes was provided. However, on May 27, 1987, an OEM version was released by IBM, which added VGA support, PS/2 mouse support, MCGA support, and support for the 8514/A display driver.

Succession: Windows 2.0

In November 1987, Windows 1.0 was superseded by Windows 2.0.

Features

Windows 1.0x retail box.

Windows 1.0 System requirements:

• Video: CGA/HGC/EGA
• DOS: MS-DOS 2.0
• RAM: 256 KB or more,
• Disk Drive(s): 2 double-sided disk drives or hard drive.

Windows 1.0 included programs:

• Microsoft DOS Executive
• Calculator
• Calendar
• Cardfile
• Clipboard
• Clock
• Control Panel
• Notepad
• Print Spooler
• Reversi
• Terminal
• Windows Paint
• Windows Write

Gallery

Windows 1.01 startup screen (when you type "win" in command screen)

Windows 1.01 desktop with Clock, Reversi, MS-DOS Executive, Write (now Microsoft Word)

Windows 1.01 Notepad.

Windows 1.01 Calculator

Windows 1.01 color selection.

Windows 1.01 dialog box.

Windows 1.01 Calender and Cardfile programs.

Windows 1.01 tiled windows (Win 1.x did not support overlapping windows)

Windows 1.01 Write program.

Microsoft Windows 1.01 box.

Windows 1.01 Reversi.

Windows 1.01 Clock.

Windows 1.01 Paint.

Microsoft DOS Executive.

Windows 1.01 shutdown warning.

Floppy Disks for Windows 1.0

External links

• A history of Windows (1975-2015) at Microsoft (archived 2016-06-18)
  • Windows Version History (1.x-3.11) at Microsoft (archived 2005-05-25)
  • Microsoft History: 1985, 1986 at Microsoft Library (archived 1996-10-17)
• Microsoft Windows history at Computer Hope
• Microsoft Windows 1.01 at PCjs Machines
• Microsoft Windows Version 1.x at ToastyTech
• Windows 1.0 at The Free Dictionary
• Windows 1.0 at GUIdebook
• Windows 1.0 at Operating System.org
• Windows history at PCmuseum

• Windows at 20: 20 things you didn't know about Windows 1.0 at Switched (archived 2010-12-15)