Windows 9x

series of Microsoft Windows computer operating systems

Key facts

Developer: Microsoft
Written in: C , C++ , Assembly
Working state: Discontinued
Source model: Closed source
Initial release: 4.00.950 / July 14, 1995 ; 30 years ago ( 1995-07-14 ) , (as Windows 95 )
Final release: 4.90.3000 / June 19, 2000 ; 25 years ago ( 2000-06-19 ) , (as Windows Me )
Update method: Windows Update
Supported platforms: IA-32
Kernel type: Monolithic
Userland: Windows API
Influenced by: MS-DOS , OS/2 , Windows 2.x , Windows 3.x , VAX/VMS
Default user interface: Windows shell ( Graphical )

Article

Windows 9x (also known as Win9x) is a generic term referring to a former line of Windows, a family of operating systems produced by Microsoft. It had releases between 1995 and 2000, and were based on the kernel first introduced in Windows 95, which was continuously updated in later versions. MS-DOS support was retained in order to facilitate booting into Windows as well as providing real mode support for DOS.

The first version of the Windows 9x series was Windows 95, which was succeeded by Windows 98 and then Windows Me, which was the third and last version of Windows in the series before it was superseded by Windows XP. It is predominantly known for its use in home desktops. In 1998, Windows made up 82% of operating system market share.