5 Revolutionary Features that Forever Changed Windows

Windows has been an indispensable part of many people's lives, and these features have helped solidify its top position.

Microsoft is a company with a rich history in the tech world, and its Windows operating system plays a crucial role in many people's lives. From the first version of Windows in 1985 to the current Windows 11, the company has continually innovated and added features to shape how we work, entertain, and interact with each other when using computers.

From the Start Menu to things like Live Tiles, Windows has come a long way, but there are 5 special features that have undoubtedly helped change this operating system forever.

1. Start Menu

First and foremost, we cannot overlook the Start Menu. Nowadays, the Start Menu and Windows are practically inseparable. This feature was first introduced in Windows 95, and it truly revolutionized how people use this operating system.

From Windows 1.0 to Windows 3.1, you mostly had to rely on the Program Manager to launch applications, which wasn't user-friendly because you had to open separate program groups and use shortcuts.

However, thanks to the Start Menu in Windows 95, Microsoft introduced a whole new way for you to use your computer. Clicking the Start button at the bottom left corner allowed easy access to your favorite applications. This design would further evolve with Windows XP, expanding the Start Menu into two columns, where you saw programs on the left and additional folders like Documents and Music on the right, providing more customization options. Microsoft added a search box, additional menu, and sub-menus for navigating documents and settings in Windows 7 and Vista.

To understand how important the Start Menu is, just look back at Windows 8. With this operating system, Microsoft made a move that later received fierce opposition from users, which was removing the Start Menu and replacing it with Live Tiles. Fortunately, Microsoft brought back the Start Menu in Windows 8.1 and later integrated Tiles into the Start Menu of Windows 10, along with options to pin apps and resize them.

However, Windows 11 sparked controversy by moving the Start Menu to the center of the taskbar by default. It also removed Live Tiles for simpler app icons, highlighted suggested content, and a more prominent search box. But no matter its form, the Start Menu remains one of the most crucial areas of Windows and always will be.

2. The Rise of Internet Explorer

Internet Explorer made its debut in 1995. It was the era of the Internet boom, and this new application was integrated into Windows as a way to help people easily access the fascinating online world. Moreover, it ignited the first browser war, competing with products like Netscape and even leading Microsoft to face accusations of monopoly and anti-competitive practices by forcing users to use Internet Explorer with Windows.

Despite facing numerous obstacles, Internet Explorer continued to evolve. For example, version 6 was released with features like extensions and pop-up blockers. However, it gradually became overshadowed by browsers like Google Chrome. Although it persisted through 11 versions, it was eventually replaced by Edge and phased out in a recent Windows 11 update. Nevertheless, IE still lives on in the memories of those who experienced the early days of the Internet. Later, Edge even introduced an 'Internet Explorer' mode for older websites.

3. Pre-installed Games

For a long time, pre-installed games have been a part of Windows, even in the era when it mainly operated based on command lines. For example, Windows 1.0 came with a game called Reversi, which helped users get accustomed to using a mouse. Many classic games have been included in future versions of the operating system, with some even earning the title of 'legendary' games.

Examples include Solitaire, first introduced in Windows 3.0 and later included in all Windows versions up to Windows 7. Then, there's Minesweeper and FreeCell, first released with Windows 3.1. Pinball 3D is also one of the unforgettable games, pre-installed in Windows NT, Windows 2000, ME, and XP.

Microsoft has retained many of these games for years and still maintains gaming as part of its identity, even to this day. You can still find these games in Windows 11, such as the Microsoft Solitaire Collection. Of course, when talking about games, we can't overlook Xbox. You can subscribe to Xbox Game Pass and unlock the ability to play through cloud gaming on your PC.

4. Windows Ink Workspace 

Today, touchscreen devices have become extremely popular, and Microsoft is still following this trend with the Surface lineup. In 2016, the company also introduced Windows Ink Workspace as a way to help users easily interact with devices through a touch pen.

This dedicated workspace includes apps like Sticky Notes and note-taking related apps, such as OneNote. Meanwhile, apps like Sketchpad feature drawing tools like rulers and various types of digital pens.

While the dedicated workspace for Windows Ink is no longer present, many of its components still exist in Windows 11. Apps like Microsoft Whiteboard are now linked through Windows Ink, allowing you to have a canvas for you and your friends to draw and share ideas.

5. Linux and Android Apps on Windows 11

This is a prime example of Windows' 'openness.' Years ago, no one would have thought it possible to comfortably install Linux and Android on Windows. Nevertheless, Windows is a product of Microsoft, and Microsoft will go to great lengths to protect its 'child.' However, in August 2016, Microsoft released the Windows Subsystem for Linux for Windows 10, this subsystem allows developers to create programs on Windows more easily. It enables access to Linux command-line tools and apps right alongside Windows apps without the need for dual booting Linux and Windows.

That feature still exists in Windows 11 today, but Microsoft has upgraded and released a developer and user-friendly option: Windows Subsystem for Android. Provided by the Amazon App Store, this subsystem allows you to run Android apps on Windows. Of course, app selection is limited because it does not include the Google Play Store and Google Play Services, but support is there, and with proper adjustments, you can turn your Windows PC into an Android device.

With Windows' long history, there's much to take note of. There are many other important features to the platform, such as Phone Link or Command Prompt. Nevertheless, Microsoft continues to develop Windows every year, so surely in the future, we'll see other interesting things, perhaps once again changing how we use this operating system.