“ Windows ” redirects here. For the part of a construction, see Window. For early uses, see Windows ( disambiguation )
kin of calculator operating systems developed by Microsoft

Microsoft Windows, normally referred to as Windows, is a group of several proprietorship graphic operating system families, all of which are developed and marketed by Microsoft. Each family caters to a certain sector of the calculate industry. active Microsoft Windows families include Windows NT and Windows IoT ; these may encompass subfamilies, ( e.g. Windows Server or Windows Embedded Compact ) ( Windows CE ). Defunct Microsoft Windows families include Windows 9x, Windows Mobile and Windows Phone. Microsoft introduced an operate environment named Windows on November 20, 1985, as a graphic operational system plate for MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphic exploiter interfaces ( GUIs ). [ 5 ] Microsoft Windows came to dominate the populace ‘s personal calculator ( personal computer ) market with over 90 % marketplace contribution, overtaking Mac OS, which had been introduced in 1984. Apple came to see Windows as an unfair trespass on their initiation in GUI development a implemented on products such as the Lisa and Macintosh ( finally settled in court in Microsoft ‘s favor in 1993 ). On PCs, Windows is still the most democratic operate arrangement in all countries. [ 6 ] [ 7 ] however, in 2014, Microsoft admitted losing the majority of the overall operate on system grocery store to Android, [ 8 ] because of the massive increase in sales of Android smartphones. In 2014, the number of Windows devices sold was less than 25 % that of Android devices sold. This comparison, however, may not be fully relevant, as the two operating systems traditionally target different platforms. inactive, numbers for waiter habit of Windows ( that are comparable to competitors ) show one third gear market share, similar to that for end user use. As of October 2021, the most late version of Windows for PCs and tablets is Windows 11, version 21H2. The most recent version for embedded devices is Windows 10, version 21H1. The most holocene translation for waiter computers is Windows Server 2022, translation 21H2. [ 9 ] A specify adaptation of Windows besides runs on the Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S video recording game consoles. [ 10 ]

genealogy

By marketing function

Microsoft, the developer of Windows, has registered several trademarks, each of which denotes a syndicate of Windows operating systems that target a specific sector of the calculation industry. As of 2014, the take after Windows families were being actively developed :
The stick to Windows families are no longer being developed :

Version history

The term Windows jointly describes any or all of respective generations of Microsoft operating organization products. These products are generally categorized as follows :

early versions

The history of Windows dates back to 1981 when Microsoft started work on a course of study called “ Interface Manager ”. It was announced in November 1983 ( after the Apple Lisa, but before the Macintosh ) under the name “ Windows ”, but Windows 1.0 was not released until November 1985. [ 13 ] Windows 1.0 was to compete with Apple ‘s operate system, but achieved little popularity. Windows 1.0 is not a arrant operate system ; quite, it extends MS-DOS. The shell of Windows 1.0 is a program known as the MS-DOS Executive. Components included Calculator, Calendar, Cardfile, Clipboard Viewer, Clock, Control Panel, Notepad, Paint, Reversi, Terminal and Write. Windows 1.0 does not allow overlapping windows. rather all windows are tiled. only modal dialogue boxes may appear over other windows. Microsoft sold as included Windows Development libraries with the C development environment, which included numerous windows samples. [ 14 ] Windows 2.0 was released in December 1987, and was more popular than its predecessor. It features several improvements to the user interface and memory management. [ 15 ] Windows 2.03 changed the OS from tiled windows to overlapping windows. The consequence of this variety led to Apple Computer filing a suit against Microsoft alleging violation on Apple ‘s copyrights. [ 16 ] [ 17 ] Windows 2.0 besides introduced more twist keyboard shortcuts and could make use of expanded memory. Windows 2.1 was released in two different versions : Windows/286 and Windows/386. Windows/386 uses the virtual 8086 mode of the Intel 80386 to multitask several DOS programs and the page memory model to emulate expand memory using available extend memory. Windows/286, in malice of its name, runs on both Intel 8086 and Intel 80286 processors. It runs in real mode but can make use of the high memory area. [ citation needed ] In addition to full Windows-packages, there were runtime-only versions that shipped with early Windows software from third base parties and made it potential to run their Windows software on MS-DOS and without the broad Windows feature specify. The early on versions of Windows are much thought of vitamin a graphic shells, largely because they ran on top of MS-DOS and use it for file system services. [ 18 ] however, evening the earliest window versions already assumed many typical engage system functions ; notably, having their own feasible file format and providing their own device drivers ( timekeeper, graphics, printer, mouse, keyboard and sound ). Unlike MS-DOS, Windows allowed users to execute multiple graphic applications at the same prison term, through concerted multitasking. Windows implemented an elaborate, segment-based, software virtual memory scheme, which allows it to run applications larger than available memory : code segments and resources are swapped in and thrown away when memory became scarce ; data segments moved in memory when a given application had relinquished central processing unit control .

Windows 3.x

Windows 3.0, released in 1990, improved the design, largely because of virtual memory and loadable virtual device drivers ( VxDs ) that allow Windows to contribution arbitrary devices between multi-tasked DOS applications. [ citation needed ] Windows 3.0 applications can run in protect mode, which gives them access to several megabytes of memory without the duty to participate in the software virtual memory dodge. They run inside the same address outer space, where the metameric memory provides a academic degree of security. Windows 3.0 besides sport improvements to the drug user interface. Microsoft rewrote critical operations from C into assembly. Windows 3.0 is the first Microsoft Windows version to achieve across-the-board commercial achiever, selling 2 million copies in the first six months. [ 19 ] [ 20 ] Windows 3.1, made by and large available on March 1, 1992, featured a face lift. In August 1993, Windows for Workgroups, a special version with integrated peer-to-peer network features and a version numeral of 3.11, was released. It was sold along with Windows 3.1. defend for Windows 3.1 ended on December 31, 2001. [ 21 ] Windows 3.2, released 1994, is an update translation of the chinese translation of Windows 3.1. [ 22 ] The update was limited to this linguistic process version, as it fixed merely issues related to the complex writing arrangement of the chinese speech. [ 23 ] Windows 3.2 was generally sold by computer manufacturers with a ten-disk translation of MS-DOS that besides had Simplified taiwanese characters in basic end product and some translate utilities .

Windows 9x

The future major consumer-oriented release of Windows, Windows 95, was released on August 24, 1995. While still remaining MS-DOS-based, Windows 95 inaugurate support for native 32-bit applications, plug and maneuver hardware, preemptive multitasking, long file names of up to 255 characters, and provided increased stability over its predecessors. Windows 95 besides introduced a redesigned, object oriented drug user interface, replacing the previous Program Manager with the Start menu, taskbar, and Windows Explorer shell. Windows 95 was a major commercial success for Microsoft ; Ina Fried of CNET remarked that “ by the clock Windows 95 was finally ushered off the market in 2001, it had become a repair on computer desktops around the universe. ” [ 24 ] Microsoft published four OEM Service Releases ( OSR ) of Windows 95, each of which was approximately equivalent to a service backpack. The first OSR of Windows 95 was besides the beginning translation of Windows to be bundled with Microsoft ‘s network browser, Internet Explorer. [ 25 ] Mainstream corroborate for Windows 95 ended on December 31, 2000, and extended support for Windows 95 ended on December 31, 2001. [ 26 ] Windows 95 was followed up with the release of Windows 98 on June 25, 1998, which introduced the Windows Driver Model, support for USB complex devices, support for ACPI, hibernation, and support for multi-monitor configurations. Windows 98 besides included integration with Internet Explorer 4 through Active Desktop and other aspects of the Windows Desktop Update ( a series of enhancements to the Explorer blast which were besides made available for Windows 95 ). In May 1999, Microsoft released Windows 98 Second Edition, an update interpretation of Windows 98. Windows 98 SE added Internet Explorer 5.0 and Windows Media Player 6.2 amongst other upgrades. Mainstream hold for Windows 98 ended on June 30, 2002, and extended support for Windows 98 ended on July 11, 2006. [ 27 ] On September 14, 2000, Microsoft released Windows Me ( Millennium Edition ), the last DOS-based version of Windows. Windows Me incorporated ocular interface enhancements from its Windows NT-based counterpart Windows 2000, had faster boot times than previous versions ( which however, required the removal of the ability to access a real mode DOS environment, removing compatibility with some older programs ), [ 28 ] expanded multimedia functionality ( including Windows Media Player 7, Windows Movie Maker, and the Windows Image Acquisition model for retrieving images from scanners and digital cameras ), extra organization utilities such as System File Protection and System Restore, and updated family network tools. [ 29 ] however, Windows Me was faced with criticism for its travel rapidly and imbalance, along with hardware compatibility issues and its removal of real mode DOS support. PC World considered Windows Me to be one of the worst operating systems Microsoft had always released, and the 4th worst technical school merchandise of all time. [ 12 ]

Windows NT

Version history

early versions ( Windows NT 3.1/3.5/3.51/4.0/2000 )

In November 1988, a new growth team within Microsoft ( which included erstwhile Digital Equipment Corporation developers Dave Cutler and Mark Lucovsky ) began work on a revamp interpretation of IBM and Microsoft ‘s OS/2 operate on system known as “ NT OS/2 ”. NT OS/2 was intended to be a plug, multi-user operational system with POSIX compatibility and a modular, portable kernel with preemptive multitasking and support for multiple processor architectures. however, following the successful dismissal of Windows 3.0, the NT development team decided to rework the visualize to use an carry 32-bit port of the Windows API known as Win32 alternatively of those of OS/2. Win32 maintained a similar social organization to the Windows APIs ( allowing existing Windows applications to easily be ported to the platform ), but besides supported the capabilities of the existing NT kernel. Following its approval by Microsoft ‘s staff, development continued on what was immediately Windows NT, the first 32-bit version of Windows. however, IBM objected to the changes, and ultimately continued OS/2 development on its own. [ 30 ] [ 31 ] Windows NT was the first gear Windows operating system based on a loanblend kernel. The hybrid kernel was designed as a limited microkernel, influenced by the Mach microkernel developed by Richard Rashid at Carnegie Mellon University, but without meeting all of the criteria of a pure microkernel. The first base release of the resulting operational system, Windows NT 3.1 ( named to associate it with Windows 3.1 ) was released in July 1993, with versions for desktop workstations and servers. Windows NT 3.5 was released in September 1994, focusing on performance improvements and confirm for Novell ‘s NetWare, and was followed up by Windows NT 3.51 in May 1995, which included extra improvements and support for the PowerPC architecture. Windows NT 4.0 was released in June 1996, introducing the redesign interface of Windows 95 to the NT series. On February 17, 2000, Microsoft released Windows 2000, a successor to NT 4.0. The Windows NT name was dropped at this bespeak in order to put a greater stress on the Windows brand. [ 31 ]

Windows XP

The next major version of Windows NT, Windows XP, was released on October 25, 2001. The introduction of Windows XP aimed to unify the consumer-oriented Windows 9x series with the architecture introduced by Windows NT, a transfer which Microsoft promised would provide better performance over its DOS-based predecessors. Windows XP would besides introduce a redesigned user interface ( including an update Start menu and a “ task-oriented ” Windows Explorer ), streamlined multimedia and network features, Internet Explorer 6, consolidation with Microsoft ‘s .NET Passport services, a “ compatibility manner “ to help provide backwards compatibility with software designed for previous versions of Windows, and Remote Assistance functionality. [ 32 ] [ 33 ]
At retail, Windows XP was now marketed in two main editions : the “ Home ” edition was targeted towards consumers, while the “ Professional ” edition was targeted towards business environments and ability users, and included extra security and network features. Home and Professional were late accompanied by the “ Media Center ” version ( designed for home field PCs, with an emphasis on support for DVD playback, television receiver radio receiver cards, DVR functionality, and remote controls ), and the “ Tablet personal computer ” edition ( designed for mobile devices meeting its specifications for a tablet computer, with support for stylus pen input and extra pen-enabled applications ). [ 34 ] [ 35 ] [ 36 ] Mainstream defend for Windows XP ended on April 14, 2009. extend support ended on April 8, 2014. [ 37 ] After Windows 2000, Microsoft besides changed its liberation schedules for waiter operating systems ; the server counterpart of Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, was released in April 2003. [ 31 ] It was followed in December 2005, by Windows Server 2003 R2 .

Windows Vista

After a drawn-out development serve, Windows Vista was released on November 30, 2006, for volume license and January 30, 2007, for consumers. It contained a total of new features, from a redesigned plate and exploiter interface to significant technical changes, with a particular focus on security features. It was available in a number of different editions, and has been submit to some criticism, such as spend of operation, longer boot time, criticism of new UAC, and nonindulgent license agreement. Vista ‘s server counterpart, Windows Server 2008 was released in early 2008 .

Windows 7

On July 22, 2009, Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 were released as RTM ( exhaust to fabrication ) while the former was released to the populace 3 months late on October 22, 2009. Unlike its predecessor, Windows Vista, which introduced a large number of raw features, Windows 7 was intended to be a more focused, incremental upgrade to the Windows line, with the goal of being compatible with applications and hardware with which Windows Vista was already compatible. [ 38 ] Windows 7 has multi-touch support, a redesign Windows shell with an update taskbar with revealable leap lists that contain shortcuts to files frequently used with specific applications and shortcuts to tasks within the application, [ 39 ] a home network system called HomeGroup, [ 40 ] and performance improvements .

Windows 8 and 8.1

previous Windows logo ( 2012–2021 ) Windows 8, the successor to Windows 7, was released generally on October 26, 2012. A number of significant changes were made on Windows 8, including the introduction of a user interface based around Microsoft ‘s Metro design language with optimizations for touch-based devices such as tablets and all-in-one PCs. These changes include the Start screen door, which uses big tiles that are more convenient for refer interactions and allow for the display of continually updated information, and a raw class of apps which are designed primarily for use on touch-based devices. The newfangled Windows version required a minimal resolution of 1024×768 pixels, [ 41 ] efficaciously making it disqualify for netbooks with 800×600-pixel screens. other changes include increased consolidation with cloud services and other on-line platforms ( such as social networks and Microsoft ‘s own OneDrive ( once SkyDrive ) and Xbox Live services ), the Windows Store service for software distribution, and a new variant known as Windows RT for use on devices that utilize the ARM architecture, and a new keyboard shortcut for screenshots. [ 42 ] [ 43 ] [ 44 ] [ 45 ] [ 46 ] [ 47 ] [ 48 ] An update to Windows 8, called Windows 8.1, [ 49 ] was released on October 17, 2013, and includes features such as new live tile sizes, deeper OneDrive consolidation, and many early revisions. Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 have been subject to some criticism, such as removal of the Start menu .

Windows 10

On September 30, 2014, Microsoft announced Windows 10 as the successor to Windows 8.1. It was released on July 29, 2015, and addresses shortcomings in the user interface first introduced with Windows 8. Changes on personal computer include the hark back of the Start Menu, a virtual background system, and the ability to run Windows Store apps within windows on the desktop rather than in full-screen modality. Windows 10 is said to be available to update from certified Windows 7 with SP1, Windows 8.1 and Windows Phone 8.1 devices from the Get Windows 10 Application ( for Windows 7, Windows 8.1 ) or Windows Update ( Windows 7 ). [ 50 ] In February 2017, Microsoft announced the migration of its Windows source code repository from Perforce to Git. This migration involved 3.5 million separate files in a 300 gigabyte depository. [ 51 ] By May 2017, 90 percentage of its technology team was using Git, in about 8500 commits and 1760 Windows builds per day. [ 51 ] In June 2021, curtly before Microsoft ‘s announcement of Windows 11, Microsoft updated their lifecycle policy pages for Windows 10, revealing that support for their last release of Windows 10 will be October 14, 2025. [ 52 ] [ 53 ]

Windows 11

On June 24, 2021, Windows 11 was announced as the successor to Windows 10 during a livestream. The new function system was designed to be more user-friendly and apprehensible. It was released on October 5, 2021. [ 54 ] [ 55 ] Windows 11 is a free ascent to some Windows 10 users as of immediately .

Windows 365

In July 2021, Microsoft announced it will start selling subscriptions to virtualized Windows desktops as part of a newfangled Windows 365 military service in the follow calendar month. It is not a standalone version of Microsoft Windows, but a web service that provides access to Windows 10 and Windows 11 built on crown of Azure Virtual Desktop. The new overhaul will allow for cross-platform use, aiming to make the operating system available for both Apple and Android users. The subscription-based overhaul will be accessible through any operating system with a world wide web browser. Microsoft has stated that the new service is an attack at capitalizing on the growing course, fostered during the COVID-19 pandemic, for businesses to adopt a loanblend workplace environment, in which “ employees split their time between the office and home ” according to frailty president Jared Spataro. As the serve will be accessible through web-browsers, Microsoft will be able to bypass the need to publish the military service through Google Play or the Apple App Store. [ 56 ] [ 57 ] [ 58 ] [ 59 ] [ 60 ] Microsoft announced Windows 365 handiness to business and enterprise customers on August 2, 2021. [ 61 ]

multilingual support

multilingual confirm has been built into Windows since Windows 3.0. The language for both the keyboard and the interface can be changed through the Region and Language Control Panel. Components for all supported stimulation languages, such as Input Method Editors, are mechanically installed during Windows initiation ( in Windows XP and earlier, files for East asian languages, such as chinese, and right-to-left scripts, such as Arabic, may need to be installed individually, besides from the said Control Panel ). Third-party IMEs may besides be installed if a exploiter feels that the provide one is insufficient for their needs. Interface languages for the operate system are free for download, but some languages are limited to sealed editions of Windows. Language Interface Packs ( LIPs ) are redistributable and may be downloaded from Microsoft ‘s Download Center and installed for any edition of Windows ( XP or late ) – they translate most, but not all, of the Windows interface, and require a certain base language ( the language which Windows primitively shipped with ). This is used for most languages in emerging markets. Full Language Packs, which translates the accomplished manoeuver organization, are only available for specific editions of Windows ( Ultimate and Enterprise editions of Windows Vista and 7, and all editions of Windows 8, 8.1 and RT except Single Language ). They do not require a particular base language, and are normally used for more popular languages such as french or chinese. These languages can not be downloaded through the Download Center, but available as optional updates through the Windows Update military service ( except Windows 8 ). The interface lyric of install applications are not affected by changes in the Windows interface terminology. Availability of languages depends on the application developers themselves. Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012 introduces a fresh Language Control Panel where both the interface and input languages can be simultaneously changed, and speech packs, regardless of type, can be downloaded from a central placement. The personal computer Settings app in Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2 besides includes a counterpart settings page for this. Changing the interface language besides changes the language of preinstalled Windows Store apps ( such as Mail, Maps and News ) and certain other Microsoft-developed apps ( such as Remote Desktop ). The above limitations for linguistic process packs are however even in effect, except that fully speech packs can be installed for any version except Single Language, which caters to emerging markets .

Platform corroborate

Windows NT included support for respective platforms before the x86 -based personal computer became dominant in the professional universe. Windows NT 4.0 and its predecessors supported PowerPC, DEC Alpha and MIPS R4000 ( although some of the platforms implement 64-bit computer science, the OS treated them as 32-bit ). windowpane 2000 dropped support for all platforms, except the one-third coevals x86 ( known as IA-32 ) or newer in 32-bit manner. The customer line of Windows NT family still runs on IA-32 but the Windows Server line ceased supporting this chopine with the free of Windows Server 2008 R2. With the initiation of the Intel Itanium architecture ( IA-64 ), Microsoft released new versions of Windows to support it. Itanium versions of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 were released at the lapp time as their mainstream x86 counterparts. Windows XP 64-Bit Edition, released in 2005, is the last Windows client operating systems to support Itanium. Windows Server telephone line continues to support this platform until Windows Server 2012 ; Windows Server 2008 R2 is the last Windows operating system to support Itanium computer architecture. On April 25, 2005, Microsoft released Windows XP Professional x64 Edition and Windows Server 2003 x64 Editions to support x86-64 ( or just x64 ), the 64-bit interpretation of x86 computer architecture. Windows Vista was the first client translation of Windows NT to be released simultaneously in IA-32 and x64 editions. x64 is still supported. An edition of Windows 8 known as Windows RT was specifically created for computers with ARM architecture and while ARM is inactive used for Windows smartphones with Windows 10, tablets with Windows RT will not be updated. Starting from Windows 10 Fall Creators Update ( version 1709 ) and late includes support for PCs with ARM architecture. [ 62 ] Windows 11 is the first base adaptation to drop confirm for 32-bit hardware. [ 63 ]

Windows CE

Windows CE ( officially known as Windows Embedded Compact ), is an edition of Windows that runs on minimalistic computers, like satellite navigation systems and some mobile phones. Windows Embedded Compact is based on its own dedicated kernel, dubbed Windows CE kernel. Microsoft licenses Windows CE to OEMs and device makers. The OEMs and device makers can modify and create their own drug user interfaces and experiences, while Windows CE provides the technical foundation to do thus. Windows CE was used in the Dreamcast along with Sega ‘s own proprietorship OS for the console. Windows CE was the core from which Windows Mobile was derived. Its successor, Windows Phone 7, was based on components from both Windows CE 6.0 R3 and Windows CE 7.0. Windows Phone 8 however, is based on the same NT-kernel as Windows 8. Windows Embedded Compact is not to be confused with Windows XP Embedded or Windows NT 4.0 Embedded, modular editions of Windows based on Windows NT kernel .

Xbox OS

Xbox OS is an unofficial name given to the version of Windows that runs on Xbox consoles. [ 64 ] From Xbox One onwards it is an implementation with an emphasis on virtualization ( using Hyper-V ) as it is three operating systems running at once, consisting of the core operational system, a moment implemented for games and a more Windows-like environment for applications. [ 65 ] Microsoft updates Xbox One ‘s OS every month, and these updates can be downloaded from the Xbox Live service to the Xbox and subsequently installed, or by using offline recovery images downloaded via a personal computer. [ 66 ] It was originally based on NT 6.2 ( Windows 8 ) kernel, and the latest adaptation runs on an NT 10.0 foundation. This arrangement is sometimes referred to as “ Windows 10 on Xbox One ” or “ OneCore ”. [ 67 ] [ 68 ] Xbox One and Xbox Series operating systems besides allow limited ( due to licensing restrictions and testing resources ) backward compatibility with previous generation hardware, [ 69 ] and the Xbox 360 ‘s arrangement is backwards compatible with the master Xbox. [ 70 ]

Version control system

Before 2017 Microsoft has used a proprietorship SourceDepot Version Control system which could n’t keep up with size of Windows. Microsoft had begun to integrate Git into Team Foundation Server in 2013, but Windows continued to rely on Source Depot. [ citation needed ] The Windows code was divided among 65 unlike repositories with a kind of virtualization layer to produce incorporate opinion of all of the code. [ 51 ] In 2017 Microsoft announced that it would start using Git, an open source adaptation control system created by Linus Torvalds and in May of 2017 they reported that has completed migration into the Git repository. [ 71 ] [ 72 ] [ 51 ]

VFSForGit

Because of its large, decades-long history, however, the Windows codebase is not specially well suited to the decentralized nature of Linux development that Git was primitively created to manage. [ citation needed ] Each Git repository contains a complete history of all the files, which proved impracticable for Windows developers because cloning the whole depository takes several hours. [ citation needed ] Microsoft has been working on a new project called the Virtual File System for Git ( VFSForGit ) to address these challenges. [ 72 ] In 2021 the VFS for Git has been superseded by Scalar. [ 73 ]

timeline of releases

Windows timeline : Bar graph The Windows family tree

usage parcel and device sales

Use of the latest interpretation Windows 10 has exceeded Windows 7 globally since early 2018. [ 78 ] For desktop and laptop computers, according to Net Applications and StatCounter, which track the use of operating systems in devices that are active on the Web, Windows was the most used operating-system family in August 2021, with around 91 % custom parcel according to Net Applications [ 79 ] and around 76 % usage share according to StatCounter. [ 80 ] Including personal computers of all kinds ( for example, desktops, laptops, mobile devices, and game consoles ), Windows OSes accounted for 32.67 % of custom plowshare in August 2021, compared to Android ( highest, at 46.03 % ), iOS ‘s 13.76 %, iPadOS ‘s 2.81 %, and macOS ‘s 2.51 %, according to Net Applications [ 81 ] and 30.73 % of use share in August 2021, compared to Android ( highest, at 42.56 % ), iOS/iPadOS ‘s 16.53 %, and macOS ‘s 6.51 %, according to StatCounter. [ 82 ] Those statistics do not include servers ( including alleged swarm calculate, where Microsoft is known not to be a drawing card, with Linux used more than Windows ), as net Applications and StatCounter use vane browse as a proxy for all manipulation .

security

Consumer versions of Windows were primitively designed for ease-of-use on a single-user personal computer without a network connection, and did not have security features built in from the beginning. [ 83 ] however, Windows NT and its successors are designed for security ( including on a network ) and multi-user PCs, but were not initially designed with Internet security in mind as much, since, when it was first developed in the early 1990s, Internet use was less prevailing. [ 84 ] These design issues combined with program errors ( e.g. buffer overflows ) and the popularity of Windows means that it is a frequent target of computer worm and virus writers. In June 2005, Bruce Schneier ‘s Counterpane Internet Security reported that it had seen over 1,000 raw viruses and worms in the former six months. [ 85 ] In 2005, Kaspersky Lab found around 11,000 malicious programs – viruses, Trojans, back-doors, and exploits written for Windows. [ 86 ] Microsoft releases security patches through its Windows Update military service approximately once a calendar month ( normally the second Tuesday of the month ), although critical updates are made available at unretentive intervals when necessary. [ 87 ] In versions of Windows after and including Windows 2000 SP3 and Windows XP, updates can be mechanically downloaded and installed if the drug user selects to do so. As a resultant role, Service Pack 2 for Windows XP, a well as Service Pack 1 for Windows Server 2003, were installed by users more promptly than it otherwise might have been. [ 88 ] While the Windows 9x series offered the option of having profiles for multiple users, they had no concept of access privileges, and did not allow coincident entree ; and so were not true multi-user operating systems. In accession, they implemented only partial memory protection. They were accordingly widely criticised for miss of security. The Windows NT series of operating systems, by contrast, are true multi-user, and implement absolute memory protection. however, a bunch of the advantages of being a true multi-user engage organization were nullified by the fact that, prior to Windows Vista, the beginning drug user account created during the apparatus process was an administrator account, which was besides the default for new accounts. Though Windows XP did have limited accounts, the majority of home users did not change to an history type with fewer rights – partially due to the count of programs which unnecessarily required administrator rights – and so most home users ran as administrator all the time. Windows Vista changes this [ 89 ] by introducing a privilege elevation system called User Account Control. When logging in as a standard user, a logon seance is created and a nominal containing only the most basic privileges is assigned. In this way, the modern logon school term is incapable of making changes that would affect the entire system. When logging in as a exploiter in the Administrators group, two separate tokens are assigned. The beginning nominal contains all privileges typically awarded to an administrator, and the second is a restricted keepsake like to what a standard exploiter would receive. User applications, including the Windows plate, are then started with the restricted token, resulting in a reduce privilege environment flush under an Administrator account. When an lotion requests higher privileges or “ Run as administrator ” is clicked, UAC will prompt for confirmation and, if accept is given ( including administrator credentials if the bill requesting the acme is not a member of the administrators group ), start the process using the unrestricted keepsake. [ 90 ] Leaked documents published by WikiLeaks, codenamed Vault 7 and dated from 2013 to 2016, detail the capabilities of the CIA to perform electronic surveillance and cyber war, [ 91 ] such as the ability to compromise operating systems such as Microsoft Windows. [ 92 ] In August 2019, calculator experts reported that the BlueKeep security vulnerability, CVE – 2019-0708, that potentially affects older unpatched Microsoft Windows versions via the program ‘s Remote Desktop Protocol, allowing for the possibility of distant code murder, may nowadays include related flaws, jointly named DejaBlue, affecting newer Windows versions ( i.e., Windows 7 and all recent versions ) ampere well. [ 93 ] In summation, experts reported a Microsoft security vulnerability, CVE – 2019-1162, based on bequest code involving Microsoft CTF and ctfmon ( ctfmon.exe ), that affects all Windows versions from the older Windows XP interpretation to the most recent Windows 10 versions ; a mend to correct the flaw is presently available. [ 94 ]

file permissions

All Windows versions from Windows NT 3 have been based on a file system license system referred to as AGDLP ( Accounts, Global, Domain Local, Permissions ) in which file permissions are applied to the file/folder in the form of a ‘local group ‘ which then has other ‘global groups ‘ as members. These global groups then hold other groups or users depending on different Windows versions used. This system varies from other seller products such as Linux and NetWare ascribable to the ‘static ‘ allotment of permission being applied directly to the file or booklet. however using this process of AGLP/AGDLP/AGUDLP allows a small number of static permissions to be applied and allows for easy changes to the account groups without reapplying the file permissions on the files and folders .

alternative implementations

Owing to the function organization ‘s popularity, a count of applications have been released that draw a bead on to provide compatibility with Windows applications, either as a compatibility layer for another operate on system, or as a standalone system that can run software written for Windows out of the corner. These include :

See besides

References

Read more: Wikipedia