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Recent Windows Versions Compared

Recent Windows Versions Comparison

ParameterWindows 7Windows 8Windows 8.1Windows 10
Release dateMicrosoft launched Windows 7 on 22nd July 2009Microsoft launched Windows 8 on 1st August 2012.Microsoft launched Windows 8.1 on 27th August 2013Microsoft launched Windows 10 on 29th July 2015
VersionWindows 7 was version 6.1Windows 8 was version 6.2Windows 8.1 was version 6.3Windows 10 was version 10.0
RTM (The term release to Manufacturing)buildRTM build for Windows 7 was 7600.RTM build for Windows 8 was 9200RTM build for Windows 8.1 was 9600RTM build for Windows 10 ranges from 10240-19041
Latest BuildThe latest build for Windows 7 is 7601 SP1No latest buildsNo latest buildsThe latest build was 18362.239
Status SupportWindows 7 is unsupported since 14th January 2020Windows 8 is unsupported since 12th January 2016Windows 8.1 is supported until 10th January 2023Windows 10 is supported
CodenameThe codename for Windows 7 is “7.”The codename for Windows 8 is “8.”The codename for Windows 8.1 is “blue.”The codename for Windows 10 is “Redstone.”
Supported ArchitecturesWindows 7 supports IA-32 and x86-64 architecturesWindows 8 supports IA-32, x86-64, and ARMv7 architecturesWindows 8.1 supports IA-32, x86-64, and ARMv7 architecturesWindows 10 supports IA-32, x86-64, ARMv7, and ARM64 architectures
EditionsWindows 7 has the following editions:
  1. Starter
  2. Home Basic
  3. Home Premium
  4. Professional
  5. Ultimate
  6. Enterprise
Windows 8 has the following editions:
  1. Windows 8
  2. Pro
  3. Enterprise
  4. Windows RT
Windows 8.1 has the following editions:
  1. Windows 8
  2. Pro
  3. Enterprise
  4. Windows RT 8.1
Windows 10 has the following editions:
  1. Home
  2. Pro
  3. Enterprise
  4. Education
  5. Mobile
  6. Mobile Enterprise
  7. IoT Core
Operating System TypesThe different OS types include Desktop, Workstation, and Multi-touch.The different OS types include Desktop, Workstation, and Multi-touchThe different OS types include Desktop, Workstation, and MultitouchThe different OS types include Desktop, Workstation, Multitouch, Smartphones, PDAs, and IoT
StoreWindows 7 is not available in any store now.Windows 8 is available on Windows StoreWindows 8.1 is available on Windows StoreWindows 10 is available on Windows Store
USB SupportYes, it supports USB 3.0Yes, it supports USB 3.0Yes, it supports USB 3.0Yes, it supports USB 3.1 and Thunderbolt 3
APIsThe available APIs are Win32 and .NETThe available APIs are Win32, .NET, and WinRTThe available APIs are Win32, .NET, and WinRTThe available APIs are Win32, .NET, WinRT, and Linux
DirectXYes, it has DirectX version 11.0Yes, it has DirectX version 11.1Yes, it has DirectX version 11.2Yes, it has DirectX version 12
Supported File SystemsWindows 7 supports FAT12, FAT16, FAT32, ISO 9660, NTFS version 5, exFAT, UDF version 2.6, and ReFS.Windows 8 supports FAT12, FAT16, FAT32, ISO 9660, NTFS version 5, exFAT,  and UDF version 2.6Windows 8.1 supports FAT12, FAT16, FAT32, ISO 9660, NTFS version 5, exFAT, UDF version 2.6, and ReFS.Windows 10 supports FAT12, FAT16, FAT32, ISO 9660, NTFS version 5, exFAT, UDF version 2.6, and ReFS.
Windows HelloWindows 7 does not have the Windows Hello Security Feature.Windows 8 does not have the Windows Hello Security FeatureWindows 8.1 does not have the Windows Hello Security Feature.Windows 10 has Windows Hello Security Feature
Visual StylesVisual Styles in Windows 7 are Aero which is the default one, and ClassicVisual Style in Windows 8 is MetroVisual Style in Windows 8.1 is MetroVisual Style in Windows 10 is Metro
BrowserWindows 7 has Internet Explorer 8Windows 8 has Internet Explorer 10Windows 8.1 has Internet Explorer 11Windows 10 has Internet Explorer 11 and Microsoft Edge 12-13
Command Line InterpreterWindows 7 has COMMAND.COM, cmd.exe, and PowerShell version 2.0Windows 8 has COMMAND.COM, cmd.exe, and PowerShell version 3.0Windows 8.1 has COMMAND.COM, cmd.exe, and PowerShell version 4.0Windows 10 has COMMAND.COM, cmd.exe, and PowerShell version 5.0
Web ServerWindows 7 has IIS 7.5Windows 8 has IIS 8Windows 8.1 has IIS 8.5Windows 10 has IIS10.0

Windows 7

Microsoft launched Windows 7 on 22nd October 2009 to correct the errors made with Windows Vista, and it proved to be much more effective than the previous version. Compared to the introduction of previous versions, it was more stable, quicker, and easier to use. This version was significantly faster in general and could identify handwriting. Users may view minimized application windows.

Since Internet Explorer was the default browser in Microsoft Windows, antitrust investigations in Europe focused on Microsoft's decision to make it the default browser. As a result, it had to give users the option of selecting and installing a browser on the first boot. Internet Explorer 9 and Windows Media Player 12 were both included with Windows 7.

Every operating system has a life cycle and will eventually be disconnected from updates, abandoned, and vulnerable to security flaws that will not be addressed unless you have a bespoke support contract. The support-cut-off date for Windows 7 service pack 1 was 14th January 2020.

While its main strength now is familiarity, Windows 7 set the bar for a relatively clear and understandable user interface. You know where to look for items, what kind of results the Start Menu search bar will return, and you're familiar with the quirks of Windows Explorer, Task Manager, and Control Panel.

Windows 8

On 26th October 2012, Windows 8 was released, and it looked completely different from previous versions. This version enabled users to communicate with their Microsoft accounts, included USB 3.0 support, Xbox Live integration, and a smartphone-style lock screen. It also included a Web store. The Web store allows you to download various Windows applications; Windows 8 was the first to run it in full-screen mode.

Windows 8.1

A year later, on 17th October 2013, Microsoft launched version 8.1 as a free update to help users troubleshoot Windows 8. There was a start button on the taskbar again in the latest update and improved performance, and better SkyDrive integration.

The support cut-off date for Windows 8.1 is 10th January 2023.

Windows 8.1 supports multiple monitors better than Windows 7. Unlike Windows 7, 8.1 has a taskbar on each device that displays only the applications currently running on that screen. Furthermore, each monitor may have its wallpaper. Each screen has its wallpaper that users can customize.

Windows 10

Microsoft released Windows 10 on 29th July 2015, with the following main features:

  1. Cortana, a personal digital assistant,
  2. Microsoft Edge Web browser, which replaces Internet Explorer,
  3. The ability to switch between tablet mode and desktop mode.

Some several other improvements and shortcuts offer users a far more nuanced but convenient experience.

The support cut-off date for Windows 10 is 14th October 2025.

The Continuum mode in Windows 10 strikes a better balance here, trying to transform the condensed Start menu into a larger, touch-friendly Start screen as required. Links to the newly tweaked File Explorer, as well as lists of recently used apps and pinned directories, are both major pluses on the Start menu.

Multiple desktops (like Ubuntu and Mac OS X) are now integrated into Windows 10, making managing multiple windows and tasks simpler than ever.

Windows 7 and 8.1 aren't vulnerable by any means, but Windows 10 has dramatically improved home and business security, both in terms of local computer security and the security of your online services.

First and foremost, there's Windows Hello, which allows you to log in without a password using a fingerprint, face, or iris scan. Secondly, Passport is a consumer-oriented single-sign-on program that allows Windows to authenticate with websites on your behalf without requiring you to type in a password.

This service integrates with Windows Hello and uses your biometric scan or a PIN code to confirm who you say you are. As a result, you'll be less likely to use your password, making it much more difficult for hackers to access online accounts using stolen passwords.

Passport isn't commonly used right now, but as it grows in popularity, it will significantly improve the security of your online services. Passport and Hello, on the other hand, are both unproven and still in their infancy.

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