Microsoft Windows Turns 30: See What the First Version Looked Like

See what the first version of Windows looked like.

ByABC News
November 20, 2015, 11:27 AM

— -- Microsoft Windows turns the big 3-0 today.

Windows 1.0 changed the way we use computers when it was released 30 years ago today. Instead of entering commands, the operating system allowed computer users to use a mouse to point and click through a series of different screens that Bill Gates and his team named "windows".

Other revolutionary new features included drop-down menus, scrolling, icons and the ability to have several programs open at once. Windows 1.0 shipped with several programs including Notepad, Calculator, Paint, Windows Writer and a calendar.

PHOTO: The fully packaged Windows 1.0 is seen in this photo from windows.microsoft.com.
The fully packaged Windows 1.0 is seen in this photo from windows.microsoft.com.

"It is unique software designed for the serious PC user," Gates said at the time, according to Microsoft.

PHOTO: The Windows 1.0 desktop is seen in this image from windows.microsoft.com.
The Windows 1.0 desktop is seen in this image from windows.microsoft.com.

Windows has grown over the past 30 years with the latest version -- Windows 10 -- offering a new browser and Cortana integration. Released this summer, Microsoft said it has the ambitious goal of helping more than 1 billion people upgrade to the new software.