Windows is a graphical operating system developed by Microsoft Corporation. Since its launch, the Windows operating system has become one of the most popular computer operating systems in the world, widely used in personal computers, enterprise servers, and various mobile computing devices.
| Introduction to Windows | Windows 11 | Windows 10 | Windows 8 | Windows 7 | Windows XP | Windows 11 |
Introduction to Windows
Windows is a graphical operating system developed by Microsoft Corporation. Since its launch, the Windows operating system has become one of the most popular computer operating systems in the world, widely used in personal computers, enterprise servers, and various mobile computing devices.
The core features of the Windows operating system include:
Graphical User Interface: Windows is known for its intuitive and easy-to-use graphical interface, which allows users to perform various actions through windows, icons, and menus. This interface design makes computer operation easier and more intuitive, and it is easy to use without professional computer knowledge.
Multitasking: Windows supports multitasking, allowing users to run multiple applications at the same time. Users can easily switch between different applications to achieve multi-tasking in parallel and increase productivity.
Extensive software support: The Windows operating system has excellent compatibility and is capable of running a wide range of software and hardware devices. This makes it easy for users to find the right software for their needs for a variety of work and play needs.
Stability and security: After years of development and improvement, the stability and security of the Windows operating system have been significantly improved. Microsoft is constantly updating and improving the security mechanism of Windows to ensure the security and privacy of user data.
Rich personalization: Windows allows users to personalize settings based on personal preferences, including themes, backgrounds, colors, fonts, and more. Users can also customize the desktop layout to create a unique and personalized space.
Virtual Desktops and Accessibility: The Windows operating system also provides virtual desktop features to help users organize and manage their digital lives. At the same time, Windows also has a wealth of accessibility functions, such as speech recognition, real-time subtitles, etc., which is convenient for special user groups.
Windows 11 X64
Windows 11 is an operating system developed by Microsoft Corporation, which was released on June 24, 2021, and officially released on October 5 of the same year. It is widely used in computers, tablets and other devices, bringing a new operating experience to users.
Windows 11 has a series of updates and optimizations in terms of features to meet the growing needs of users. It offers easy setup and personalization features, allowing users to customize desktop themes, backgrounds, colors, text, and more to their liking, creating the perfect creative space. At the same time, Windows 11 is more productive, with easy-to-use tools and features that make it easy for users to optimize their screen space and maximize their productivity.
In terms of security, Windows 11 has also made a number of improvements. It supports the Smart App Control feature, which only allows the installation of apps with good reviews, thus providing a layer of security for the user’s app installation.
For hardware devices, Windows 11 also has certain requirements. To install or upgrade to Windows 11, devices must meet minimum hardware requirements, including processor, memory, storage, graphics card, system firmware, TPM, display, and Internet connectivity.
In addition, Windows 11 has been designed with touch input in mind, aiming to create a true mouse-less or keyboard-less experience that makes touchscreens more convenient to use.
Windows 10
Windows 10 is a cross-platform operating system developed by Microsoft, which was officially released on July 29, 2015. It is applied to devices such as computers and tablets, and is integrated for new technologies such as cloud services, smart mobile devices, and natural human-computer interaction.
Windows 10 has been greatly improved in terms of ease of use and security. It uses advanced memory management and task scheduling techniques to enable the system to run multiple applications and tasks more efficiently. In addition, Windows 10 is also optimized for SSDs, improving the system’s boot speed and application loading speed. In terms of stability, Windows 10 has been rigorously tested and optimized, reducing the probability of system crashes and blue screens, and providing users with a more stable and reliable computing environment.
In terms of features, Windows 10 also performs quite well. It supports multitasking and window management features such as snap assist, task switcher, and more, making it easier for users to multitask. At the same time, Windows 10 also provides a wealth of entertainment features, such as Xbox game integration, Groove music and video apps, etc., providing users with a more diverse entertainment experience.
In addition, Windows 10 also features a virtual desktop feature that allows users to organize applications and windows on different desktops, making it easy to switch between different tasks. The Quick Action Center allows users to quickly access frequently used settings such as Wi-Fi, volume, and screen brightness. The taskbar is located at the bottom of the desktop, and you can pin frequently used app icons to quickly launch and switch between apps.
In terms of security, Windows 10 has also taken several measures to protect users’ privacy and data security. For example, it supports Windows Hello biometrics, which allows users to unlock the device through facial recognition or fingerprint recognition, improving security. At the same time, Windows 10 also has a built-in firewall and virus protection to effectively prevent malware from entering.
There are many versions of Windows 10, including Home Edition, Pro Edition, etc., and each version has its own unique features and application scenarios. Users can choose the appropriate version according to their needs.
Windows 10 X64
Windows 10 X64 refers to the 64-bit version of Microsoft Windows 10. This is the latest version of Windows 10 that supports the latest CPU architectures and memory configurations and is designed to provide more advanced features and performance.
A 64-bit system is faster than a 32-bit system when it comes to processing large files, running multiple applications, and processing large amounts of data. The biggest advantage is the memory support, 32-bit systems can only support up to 4GB of RAM, while 64-bit systems can support more memory, making the computer run more smoothly.
Windows 10 X64 also has higher security, with stricter security policies and encryption technology to effectively prevent viruses and malware from entering. In addition, it also has a built-in Cortana voice assistant, which can provide users with more intelligent voice interaction services and greatly improve work efficiency.
Windows 10 X86
Windows 10 x86 refers to the 32-bit version of Windows 10. The 32-bit system has a smaller memory footprint, but due to its architectural limitations, it does not support memory larger than 4GB. This means that if your computer is equipped with more than 4GB of RAM, a 32-bit system can’t make full use of that memory, which can be a waste of resources.
In addition, 32-bit systems cannot run 64-bit programs, which limits their performance in handling large software or multitasking operations to some extent. However, 32-bit systems have relatively low hardware requirements, which means that it can be installed and run on more computer hardware.
On the other hand, 32-bit systems have a long history and a wide application base in the field of personal computers, so they show strong advantages in software compatibility. Most software designed for 32-bit systems can run on Windows 10 x86.
Windows 8
Windows 8 is an operating system developed by Microsoft and released on October 26, 2012, and it is applied to devices such as computers and tablets. Here are some of the key features and improvements about Windows 8:
- Support for ARM Architecture: Windows 8 supports the ARM chip architecture, which allows it to run on a wider range of hardware devices, especially mobile devices.
- User Interface Optimization: Windows 8 has made many improvements and optimizations in the user interface, such as optimizing the copy-paste operation, improving the “Start” button, etc. It introduces a new user interface, called “Metro” or “Modern Interface”, with tile-style, dynamic icons that give users quick access to applications and information.
- Touch screen operating system: Windows 8 is fully moving towards a touch screen operating system, with a built-in multi-touch interface, which makes it have more room for development in the field of mobile phones and tablets.
- Native support for USB 3.0: Windows 8 fully supports native USB 3.0, which means that Windows 8 will greatly increase the speed of backing up files, and even only need tens of seconds to complete the backup of an HD movie.
- Performance Benefits: Windows 8 has some significant performance benefits, such as an innovative user interface, faster boot speeds, and more. It introduces a “Quick Start” feature that dramatically reduces the boot time of the system, allowing users to get into the desktop environment or use applications faster.
Note that although Windows 8 received a lot of attention when it was released, it also sparked some controversy due to its user interface and some changes in functionality. Microsoft has since introduced Windows 8.1 and subsequent versions of Windows that have made some improvements to these issues.
Windows 8 X64
Windows 8 x64 refers to the 64-bit version of Windows 8. A 64-bit operating system is relative to a 32-bit operating system, which supports larger memory and more complex applications. Here are some of the key features and benefits of Windows 8 x64:
- Memory Support: Windows 8 X64 can support more than 4GB of RAM, and can even reach 128GB or more, depending on the specific hardware configuration. In comparison, 32-bit systems can only support up to 4GB of memory. As a result, 64-bit systems are more advantageous for users who need to process large amounts of data or run memory-intensive applications.
- Performance Advantage: Windows 8 x64 generally performs better than 32-bit systems when handling complex tasks, running large software, or multitasking because 64-bit systems can make more efficient use of memory and processor performance.
- Compatibility: Windows 8 x64 has excellent compatibility and can run most software and applications designed for 64-bit systems. At the same time, it can also run some specially processed 32-bit applications, thus guaranteeing flexibility in the user’s choice of software.
- Security & Stability: Windows 8 X64 uses advanced kernel technology and security mechanisms to provide higher system stability and security. This helps to reduce the occurrence of system crashes, blue screens, and other issues, and protects the security of user data.
It is important to note that to install Windows 8 x64, your computer must support 64-bit technology, and you will need to install a 64-bit version of drivers and applications. Additionally, if your computer has less than 4GB of RAM, then a 32-bit system may be more suitable for you, as a 64-bit system may take up more system resources.
Windows 8 X86
Windows 8 x86 represents the 32-bit version of Windows 8. X86 is a standard numbered abbreviation for Intel’s general-purpose computer family, which identifies a common set of computer instructions. This instruction set is 32-bit, meaning that it was originally designed to handle 32-bit data, i.e. 4 bytes of data.
Windows 8 x86 is therefore also an operating system based on a 32-bit instruction set, which is able to take full advantage of the advantages of 32-bit systems, such as lower hardware requirements and good software compatibility. However, Windows 8 x86 typically only supports up to 4GB of memory due to the limited memory addressing capabilities of 32-bit systems. This limits its performance in handling large amounts of data and running memory-intensive applications to some extent.
Despite this, Windows 8 x86 is still a feature-rich and easy-to-use operating system. It inherits the fine tradition of the Windows family of operating systems, providing an intuitive and easy-to-use graphical interface and rich application support. Windows 8 x86 is a great choice for users with low memory requirements and low hardware configurations.
It is important to note that with the continuous development of technology, 64-bit systems have become mainstream. If your computer supports 64-bit technology and has more than 4GB of RAM, then installing the Windows 8 x64 version may result in better performance and experience.
Windows 7
Windows 7 is a desktop operating system released by Microsoft on October 22, 2009, with the kernel version number Windows NT 6.1. The operating system can be used in laptops, multimedia centers, and more in home and business work environments.
Windows 7 has significant improvements in security, ease of use, and connectivity. It improves role-based computing and user account management to bridge the gap between data protection and collaboration, while enabling enterprise-grade data protection and permissions. In terms of ease of use, Windows 7 makes it easier to search and use information, integrates automated application submission, and cross-program data transparency for an intuitive and advanced user experience. In terms of connectivity, Windows 7 further enhances mobile work capabilities, making it easy for users to access data and applications anytime, anywhere, and on what device.
From a performance perspective, Windows 7 maximizes hardware energy efficiency and scalability while maintaining high performance. Improved energy efficiency through reduced background activity and new support for system service trigger starts. Windows 7 also improves the Windows kernel to enable applications and services to scale efficiently across platforms.
In the years after its release, Windows 7 has been favored by a large number of users. Even with the release of a new version of Windows, many users still choose to continue using Windows 7 because of its stability and compatibility. However, it is important to note that Microsoft has ended mainstream support for Windows 7 in 2015 and extended support in 2020. Although users can subscribe to Security Patches (ESUs) on a paid basis until January 10, 2023, the Windows 7 operating system has officially ended ESU (Paid Extended Extended Support) as of that date.
Windows 7 X64
Windows 7 x64 is a version of the Windows 7 operating system, which is designed for processors with a 64-bit architecture. Among them, “x64” indicates the architecture type of the 64-bit operating system, which corresponds to “x86” of the 32-bit operating system.
Compared to 32-bit operating systems, 64-bit operating systems can make full use of the power of 64-bit processors, providing more efficient performance and larger memory support. Therefore, if your computer uses a 64-bit processor, it is recommended to choose to install the Windows 7 x64 version for the best performance and compatibility.
In the Windows 7 x64 operating system, users can customize different desktop themes as well as personal settings, which can be modified and adjusted according to the design and taste of personal preferences. In addition, Windows 7 x64 also integrates a variety of advanced antivirus software to protect the system from virus attacks, while the firewall and more complex password mechanism also protect the security of data, which makes users more secure and convenient to use.
Windows 7 X86
Windows 7 x86 is a version of the Windows 7 operating system designed for processors with 32-bit (x86) architecture. For computers with 32-bit processors, Windows 7 x86 is the right choice.
Compared to the 64-bit version, Windows 7 x86 is somewhat limited in terms of memory usage, usually only supporting a maximum of 4GB of memory. However, this is still an adequate amount of memory for many daily use and office tasks.
Windows 7 x86 inherits many of the advantages of the Windows 7 family of operating systems, such as an intuitive graphical interface, rich application support, and stable performance. It also offers strong security features, including antivirus software and firewalls to keep users’ data safe.
Although 64-bit systems have become mainstream, Windows 7 x86 is still favored by some users, especially those with older hardware or specific software needs. These users may find that Windows 7 x86 is better suited to their needs in terms of compatibility and performance.
It is important to note that as technology continues to evolve, new software and applications may be more inclined to support 64-bit systems. Therefore, when choosing an operating system version, users need to consider their own hardware configuration, software needs, and the possibility of future upgrades.
Windows XP
Windows XP is a computer operating system developed by Microsoft, which was officially released on October 25, 2001. The meaning of “XP” in its name comes from the English word for “experience”. Windows XP is designed with a new window style, the user interface is designed to be simple, intuitive, and easy to use, and provides a rich set of desktop themes and wallpapers for users to personalize to their liking.
Windows XP uses the LUNA graphical user interface and a two-column start menu to improve the security and performance of the system, provide wifi support, simplify the installation and operation of software, and add remote desktop capabilities. In addition, Windows XP also has built-in rich multimedia features, including audio, video player, CD burning, etc., so that users can easily enjoy multimedia content such as music, movies, and games. At the same time, Windows XP also has a variety of built-in security protection features, such as firewall, virus protection, automatic updates, etc., to protect the user’s computer from viruses and hackers.
Windows XP can be said to be a large collection of Windows 2000 and Windows Me, which not only contains the efficient, safe and stable nature of Windows 2000, but also the multimedia functions of Windows Me. The history of Windows XP development began in 1999 with two development programs, Windows Neptune, which aimed to develop the next generation of Windows Me’s consumer operating system, and Windows Odyssey, which aimed to develop a successor to Windows 2000 for business users. The two programs eventually merged to form the prototype of Windows XP.
However, with the passage of time, Windows XP is gradually replaced by new operating system versions, but there are still some users who choose to use it due to its stability and compatibility. In addition, there have also been great gods who have recently successfully resurrected Windows XP and launched the 2024 version, although this version has not yet been released publicly, it has attracted the attention and expectations of the majority of users.
Windows XP X64
Windows XP X64, Windows XP Professional 64-bit operating system, is a 64-bit guest operating system developed by Microsoft in 2001. Its main purpose is to meet the needs of specific user groups such as film special effects production, 3D animation, engineering and scientific applications, which require large amounts of memory and high floating-point performance.
Windows XP X64 is loved by users in the form of large memory and familiar Windows desktops. The superior performance of its 64-bit computing brings huge benefits to fields such as automotive or aircraft design, as it allows engineers to create larger, more complex models. Similarly, 64-bit computing brings benefits to digital content creators such as 3D animation, digital art, and game developers, as it significantly reduces the time spent on digital rendering of 3D models.
Windows XP X64 initially supports up to 128GB of memory and up to 16TB of virtual memory, but as hardware capabilities expand, the supported physical memory will increase accordingly. When it comes to compatibility between hardware devices and operating systems, Windows XP X64 makes some adjustments. For example, in 32-bit Windows XP, programs are usually installed in the Program Files directory, while in 64-bit Windows XP, all programs are installed in the Program Files (x86) directory. At the same time, Microsoft designed a folder called “Program Files (x86)” to store 32-bit programs, and installed 64-bit programs into the “Program Files” directory to meet the needs of different applications.
It is important to note that since Windows XP X64 is an older OS version, its software updates and security may no longer be supported by Microsoft. Therefore, when using Windows XP X64, users need to pay special attention to security issues and take appropriate security measures. At the same time, due to the rapid development of hardware and software, new software and hardware may no longer be compatible with Windows XP X64, which also limits its application in the new environment.
Windows XP X86
Windows XP x86 refers to the version of the operating system Windows XP that runs on a 32-bit x86 architecture processor. x86 is a generic name for a microprocessor architecture first developed and manufactured by Intel, and the earlier processor names of the series are represented by numbers and end with “86”, including Intel 8086, 80186, 80286, 80386 and 80486, so its architecture is called “x86”.
Windows XP X86 has a wide range of compatibility and stability and is suitable for most PCs and servers. It inherits many of the advantages of the Windows XP family of operating systems, including an intuitive graphical interface, rich application support, and stable performance. At the same time, Windows XP X86 also provides strong security features to keep users’ data safe.
However, it is important to note that as technology continues to advance and new software applications emerge, memory limitations for 32-bit systems may become a bottleneck for their development. As a result, a 64-bit system may be more suitable for users who need to process large amounts of data or run memory-intensive applications.