10 Facts you probably didn't know about Windows as Microsoft turns 50

To mark Microsoft’s 50th birthday, let’s journey back through time together. Over the years, Windows has undergone significant transformations, but there are still fascinating aspects of its past that many people aren’t aware of. Here are some intriguing details about its history that might catch you off guard.

1. Windows’ original name was Interface Manager

Prior to its current name, which is “Windows”, the graphical user interface developed by Microsoft was originally referred to as “Manager of Interfaces”. (References: 1 and 2)

The name was first revealed back in 1983, however, prior to its launch in 1985, it underwent a change and was eventually known as “Windows”.

The organization chose to replace the “Interface Manager” title with “Windows” as it more accurately represented the fundamental function of the operating system. This was due to the core concept being centered around the idea of graphical windows displayed on the screen, which was a significant aspect of the user interface during that period.

In the end, it was thought that “Windows” was a friendlier and clearer choice for naming the fundamental aspect of the software, as its window functionality allows for organizing and presenting data.

2. Windows 95 was the first version to require a product key

While MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System) came with a serial number, Windows 1.0, 2.0, and 3.x versions did not necessitate a product key for activation.

Microsoft didn’t enforce product keys until the release of Windows 95, but even Windows 98 had a rudimentary system for product activation. During setup, users needed to input their product key, although it wasn’t always necessary to follow this rule. In many cases, the same key could be used across multiple computers.

On Windows XP and higher releases, we started to see significant changes with “Product Activation.”

Users needed to do more than just input the product key; they also had to activate the operating system via Microsoft. This activation procedure involved creating a one-of-a-kind ID based on the hardware, which was then connected to the product key.

Here’s a fun tidbit: Did you realize that both 111-1111111 and 000-0000007 are actually valid product keys for the older version of Windows, Windows 95? I stumbled upon this information in a YouTube video by stackmashing.

3. Windows once ran on top of MS-DOS

Prior to Windows 95, the operating system didn’t function independently; instead, earlier versions such as Windows 1.0, 2.0, and 3.x served as graphical layers over MS-DOS.

Initially, upon booting a computer, it was MS-DOS that kicked off proceedings. Additionally, users were required to initiate the graphical user interface themselves by inputting “win” within the command line terminal.

Initially, these models primarily depended on MS-DOS for handling file operations, managing memory, and communicating with hardware. The role of Windows was mainly to offer a graphical interface for user interaction with the computer system.

Windows 95 marked the debut of Windows as an independent operating system for the first time, even though it retained certain reliant elements on MS-DOS. This version integrated MS-DOS 7.0 but eventually replaced and surpassed the MS-DOS platform altogether.

In essence, the total detachment from MS-DOS was achieved with the development of the Windows NT operating system family, which includes versions like Windows NT 3.1, Windows 2000, Windows XP, and subsequent ones. Unlike their predecessors, these versions were constructed on an entirely distinct kernel and were designed to operate independently of MS-DOS since their inception.

4. The Briefcase folder: The original cloud sync feature

Prior to the advent of cloud storage, the Briefcase tool served as a built-in method for syncing files between two computers. This feature proved especially useful for users who worked on both desktop and laptop devices.

The Briefcase served as a unique, file-holding container. To ensure your files were consistent across both systems, you could connect the two computers via network or removable storage device, followed by employing this special folder to refresh the files. The Briefcase would then scrutinize the files on both computers and transfer any recent alterations from one computer to another.

Since the Briefcase was originally intended for an era that heavily relied on removable media and offline tasks, and as cloud storage alternatives like OneDrive and Google Drive gained popularity, it lost its relevance and was ultimately phased out.

In my observation, I recall the Briefcase being unveiled alongside the debut of Windows 95. It remained a notable feature through XP, Vista, and 7. However, its usage was phased out in Windows 8. Even though it wasn’t active by default, it was initially included in the release of Windows 10. Regrettably, it was taken out and finally removed with the rollout of version 1703.

5. No true user profile before Windows XP

Prior to Windows XP, the operating system lacked the ability to fully support user-specific profiles. While Windows 95 did introduce user profiles as an optional feature, these profiles primarily stored customized settings such as wallpaper and desktop preferences. Moreover, they didn’t provide strong security measures or individual data storage for each user.

Windows 98 was fundamentally designed as a single-user operating system.

Fun fact. Windows 95 and 98 stored the “My Documents” folder in the root of “C.”

Although it featured a login interface, it lacked the level of user security and individualization found in operating systems such as Windows NT and its subsequent versions.

With the debut of Windows NT, Microsoft introduced comprehensive user accounts that allowed for distinct settings and access rights. This innovation paved the way for the sophisticated multi-user management we observe within the operating system today.

Windows 3.x and earlier versions, including MS-DOS, didn’t have user profiles.

6. Apps from Windows 1.0 are still present on Windows 11

While some graphic applications initially presented in Windows 1.0 are still a part of Windows 11, they have undergone a significant update to match contemporary standards. However, the fundamental purposes of these apps have remained constant throughout this evolution.

Calculator – This is the default calculator, but over the years, it has become an advanced calculator with different modes to perform scientific, graphic, programming, and other calculations.
Paint – Originally called “Paintbrush,” it started as a monochrome editor and is now a full-color image editor with new AI-powered features.
Notepad – A simple yet essential text editor that has remained a staple, but it’s now also powered by AI.
Clock – What began as a basic time display has evolved into an alarm, world clock, and focus tool. However, Windows 11 also includes the Clock app.
Control Panel – Though many settings have migrated to the modern Settings app, the Control Panel is still there for advanced tweaks.

7. Format app has had the same code for over 30 years

Back in the day, I stumbled upon an age-old feature in File Explorer known as the “Format” dialog box. This nifty tool, still hanging around, was initially crafted by Dave Plummer – a Microsoft engineer who has since hung up his tools and retired. Remarkably, the code underlying this interface has remained surprisingly untouched for close to three decades.

As Dave mentioned, the initial design of the tool’s user interface was meant as a short-term fix while the development team worked on transferring vast amounts of code from Windows 95 to Windows NT. However, it seems that this aspect wasn’t updated later, and after three decades, the code for the interface remains untouched.

On the other hand, although the interface continues unchanged, Microsoft is currently developing a new version of FAT32 support that aims to eliminate the 32GB limit and extend compatibility all the way up to 2TB. This much-needed update will make the formatting process more contemporary for larger storage devices.

Additionally, if you’re curious as to why the FAT volumes were restricted to 32GB, it was due to Dave’s decisions regarding the “cluster slack.” He explained that this limitation was a result of his choices concerning how these volumes function using the FAT32 file system.

8. TrueType fonts were introduced on Windows 3.1

Prior to Windows 3.1, the display of fonts was unrefined and erratic. However, the advent of TrueType fonts in 1992 revolutionized this aspect.

This characteristic enabled crisp and clear text display, transforming Windows into a pivotal tool for desktop publishing and documentation. Even now, TrueType remains popular across various operating systems, including Windows.

Additionally, it was Apple who granted Microsoft a license for using TrueType fonts without charge, in order to facilitate its universal acceptance.

9. Ctrl + Alt + Delete was a debugging tool created by IBM

Back in the early 1980s, IBM engineer David Bradley devised the shortcut now known as “Ctrl + Alt + Del.” Initially, this was conceived as a swift way to restart IBM PCs instantly, bypassing warnings, during the debugging phase of their development process. (He hadn’t foreseen its widespread recognition.)

Later on, Microsoft utilized the keyboard combination of “Ctrl + Alt + Del” as a means to initiate a Secure Attention Sequence (SAS) in Windows NT systems. Regrettably, Bill Gates expressed that he desired a single button for this function, but by then, it was no longer feasible to make alterations.

This is how the shortcut changed over the years:

Windows 3.x & 9x (1990s): Soft reboot command (could restart your computer immediately).
Windows NT & XP (2000s): Opens Task Manager (or login screen in domains).
Windows Vista, 7, 8, and 10: Opens the security screen with Lock, Log off, Change a password, and Start Task Manager options.
Windows 11: Opens the security screen with Lock, Switch user, Sign out, and Task Manager options.

For many years, this shortcut has been an integral part of the operating system’s history, transforming from a tool for developers into a fundamental system function. Although the software titan has presented alternative methods to access Task Manager and security settings, this shortcut still stands as a legacy element that significantly shapes the Windows user experience.

The shortcut has been an essential component of the operating system’s history over decades; it started as a developer tool but is now a core function. Although the software leader has provided new means to access Task Manager and security options, this shortcut persists as a legacy trait that contributes to defining the Windows user experience.

10. Windows 1.0 required a minimum of 256KB of RAM

Windows 1.0, launched on November 20, 1985, needed at least 256 KB of RAM for its versions 1.01 and 1.02. Yet, from versions 1.03 and 1.04 onwards, the minimum requirement rose to 320 KB.

1 Gigabyte (GB) is roughly equal to 1,048,576 Kilobytes (KB), and at present, Windows 11 requires a minimum of 4GB (which translates to 4,194,304 KB). But for optimal performance, it’s generally suggested to have 16GB (or 16,777,216 KB) of memory.

Furthermore, a storage capacity of at least 720 Kilobytes was necessary, though having a hard drive wasn’t mandatory. Instead, alternative options could be considered.

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2025-03-30 15:10

10 Facts you probably didn’t know about Windows as Microsoft turns 50