Windows is the desktop operating system made by Microsoft for PCs since November 1985. It is the most widely-used consumer desktop OS, running on a wide variety of high-end and low-end computers, laptops, tablets and servers for home, business and enterprise needs.
Windows rose to prominence in the early ’90s with Windows 3.0 and 3.1, and dominated the industry starting with Windows 95. No longer as monopolistic as it once was through the 2000s, it is still the most popular for business and PC gaming.
Windows 11 is the current version of Windows. It significantly raises the minimum specs, requiring faster and more secure hardware, cutting off most computers from the early 2010s. It incorporates some of the design elements of the canceled Windows 10X project into the main version of Windows.
The redesigned taskbar now has a unified design that’s the same on tablets, touchscreen laptops and desktop PCs. For the first time ever, taskbar icons are centered on the screen, like the Dock in macOS. It features a new, separate Widgets panel with advertisements and internet content. The Start menu is simplified to a dedicated app launcher.
The File Explorer features tabbed browsing, a feature found on Mac OS X since version 10.9 Mavericks in 2013.
Other design elements became more translucent, using a frosted glass material called “Mica,” similar to macOS 11 Big Sur.
Later versions of Windows 11 incorporate Microsoft’s AI features, marketed under the “Copilot” brand. These features include live captions in Microsoft Teams, an AI chatbot built into the taskbar’s search button, and a controversial feature called Recall, which stores searchable, transcribed screenshots of all your activity.
Macs made with an Intel processor (models from the late 2000s and 2010s) can install and entirely boot into Windows. Macs with Apple silicon (models from the early 2020s and later) can virtualize Windows from inside macOS, but cannot run it natively.
Apple sold Macs with Intel processors from 2006 to 2022. Using the same architecture as Windows PCs allowed Macs to install Windows, right alongside macOS. Apple even made an app called Boot Camp to make it easy: the instructions would help you partition your hard drive, reboot into the Windows setup, and even provided Windows drivers for your trackpad and keyboard controls.
When Apple transitioned the Mac into its own custom silicon, the M-series chips, the Mac lost this ability. While users can run Windows through virtualization software like UTM and Parallels, you cannot boot your Mac into Windows without running macOS.
While there is a version of Windows for the ARM architecture (the same instruction set that Apple silicon is made with) they are still incompatible. Windows on ARM is optimized for memory with a 4K page size, while Apple silicon uses a 16K page size. Licensing issues between Microsoft, Qualcomm and Arm Holdings also prevent the general sale of Windows on ARM software licenses.
Not every Cult of Mac reader is all Mac, all the time. We know many of you use PCs for various reasons — and here’s the big Windows 11 sale you’ve been waiting for.
You can get a lifetime license to Windows 11 Pro for less than $10 from Cult of Mac Deals.
October 16, 2003: Six months after opening the iTunes Music Store for Mac owners, Apple expands the service to Windows computers. This gives PC owners a new, legitimate way to download — and pay for — songs at a time when digital piracy threatens the music industry.
Apple CEO Steve Jobs later quips that making iTunes available to Windows owners is akin to “giving a glass of ice water to somebody in hell.”
August 14, 1991: As Apple and Microsoft head to court to battle each other, the tide begins to turn against Cupertino and its claims that Windows unlawfully copies the look and feel of Mac OS. A judge’s ruling calls into question the basic tenet of Apple’s copyright lawsuit against Microsoft over Windows 2.03.
The case concerns whether key elements of Apple’s operating system are original enough for copyright protection. The decision turns out to be a major blow against Apple — and the start of the company’s 1990s decline.
June 11, 2007: At Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, CEO Steve Jobs unveils Safari 3 for Windows, bringing the company’s web browser to PCs for the first time.
Apple pitches Safari as the world’s fastest and easiest-to-use web browser, capable of rendering web pages up to twice as fast as Internet Explorer and 1.6 times faster than Firefox. Safari for Windows will last until 2012, but never becomes a major player on Microsoft’s dominant operating system.
You can score genuine Windows CD keys at low prices — like Windows 11 Pro and Windows 10 — at CdkeySales.com. And they’re for lifetime use! The sale slashes some prices by up to 91%, so why not update your PC the quick and easy way, while Windows 11 CD keys are on sale?
You also can get great deals on upgrade-ready Microsoft productivity software like Microsoft Office. Savings include Windows 10 Pro for just $17.05 — with a free upgrade to Windows 11 Pro.
How can you run Microsoft Windows on a Mac these days? Fifteen years ago, the answer was simple: Just install Windows using Boot Camp. Today, you have loads of other options — even though Boot Camp itself does not work on Macs with Apple silicon processors.
You can use a virtual machine, pay to access Windows in the cloud from a web browser, use special software to get access to a couple of essential apps or simply Remote Desktop in to a PC. Which path forward is right for you? I’ll run through them all.
April 5, 2006: Apple introduces the public beta of Boot Camp, software that allows users with an Intel-based Mac to run Windows XP on their machines.
Boot Camp will officially arrive in Mac OS X Leopard, which debuts at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference a few months later.
In a major enhancement to Apple Music for Windows PCs, Apple rolled out support for Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio. This long-awaited feature brings the immersive audio experience that Apple users have enjoyed since 2021 to the Windows platform for the first time.
When building a new PC or upgrading your current system, the cost of Windows can be a significant part of your budget — but a Windows 11 Pro key can help. While Microsoft officially sells Windows 11 Home for $139 and Windows 11 Pro for $199, there are several legitimate ways to obtain Windows for less. And in fact, you might even be able to get one for free.
Here’s how to save money on Microsoft software without compromising on functionality, including shopping with our favorite third-party discount seller, CdkeySales.com, which often offers Windows 11 CD keys on sale.
March 17, 1988: Apple sues Microsoft for allegedly stealing 189 different elements of its Macintosh operating system to create Windows 2.0.
The incident, which causes a deep rift between Apple and one of its top developers, paves the way for an epic battle between the two companies that will rage for years.
You can score amazing deals on Windows 11 Pro, Win 10 CD keys and other Microsoft products in CdkeySales’ March Madness Sale. The sale slashes some prices by up to 91%, so why not update your PC the quick and easy way, while Windows 11 CD keys are on sale?
You also can get great deals on upgrade-ready Microsoft productivity software like Microsoft Office. Savings include Windows 10 Pro for just $17.05 — with a free upgrade to Windows 11 Pro.
Love is in the air on Valentine’s Day, and so are many-splendored savings on Microsoft productivity software products in the CdkeySales.com Valentine’s Day Sale. In fact, you could save so much money, you’ll have much more to spend on your date! So cuddle up to these amazing deals on Windows 11 Pro and other Microsoft products, which slashes prices by up to 91%. Update your PC the quick and easy way, while Windows 11 CD keys are on sale, and then spend your savings on something for your sweetie.
You also can get great deals on upgrade-ready Microsoft productivity software like Microsoft Office. Savings include Windows 10 Pro key for just $17.05 — with a free upgrade to Windows 11 Pro. And remember, always enter promo code CULT at checkout for maximum savings.
February 14, 1995: Apple Computer extends a lawsuit against developer San Francisco Canyon Company to include Microsoft and Intel. The lawsuit concerns allegedly stolen Apple code that’s used to improve Microsoft’s Video for Windows technology.
The lawsuit comes to a head with Apple threatening a multibillion-dollar lawsuit against Microsoft. Meanwhile, Microsoft CEO Bill Gates threatens to cancel Office for Mac.
CdkeySales extended its New Year Sale through January, so you can still get amazing deals on Windows 11 Pro and other Microsoft software. The sale slashes some prices by up to 91%! The latest Windows 12 rumors indicate Microsoft won’t release its next big operating system update until late 2025, so why not update your PC now the quick and easy way? Just buy a Windows 11 CD key on sale during the CdkeySales event.
You also can get great deals on upgrade-ready Microsoft productivity software like Microsoft Office. Savings include Windows 10 Pro for just $17.05 — with a free upgrade to Windows 11 Pro.
Out with old, in with the new. As 2025 arrives, so does the CdkeySales New Year Sale! You can nab an incredible deal on Windows 11 Pro and score savings on other Microsoft software. The sale slashes some prices by up to 91%! And since the latest Windows 12 rumors indicate Microsoft won’t release its next big operating system update until late 2025, you can update your PC now the quick and easy way rather than waiting. Just buy a Windows 11 CD key on sale during the CdkeySales event.
You can get great deals on upgrade-ready Microsoft productivity software like Windows 11 Pro and Microsoft Office. Savings include Windows 10 Pro for just $17.05 — with a free upgrade to Windows 11 Pro.
Like Santa Claus and his reindeer, here comes the festive CdkeySales Christmas Sale! You can nab an incredible deal on Windows 11 Pro and score savings on other Microsoft software. The sale slashes some prices by up to 91%! And since the latest Windows 12 rumors indicate Microsoft won’t release its next big operating system update until late 2025, you can update your PC now the quick and easy way rather than waiting. Just buy a Windows 11 CD key on sale during the CdkeySales event.
You can get great deals on upgrade-ready Microsoft productivity software like Windows 11 Pro and Microsoft Office. Savings include Windows 10 Pro for just $17.05 — with a free upgrade to Windows 11 Pro.
With the CdkeySales Black Friday Sale now extended, you can still find the biggest discounts you’ve ever seen on Microsoft software like Windows 11 Pro. The CdkeySales Black Friday Windows sale slashes some prices by up to 91%! And since the latest Windows 12 rumors indicate Microsoft won’t release its next big operating system update until late 2025, you can update your PC now the quick and easy way rather than waiting. Just buy a Windows 11 CD key on sale during CdkeySales’ extended Black Friday Sale.
During the sale, you can get great deals on upgrade-ready Microsoft productivity software like Windows 11 Pro and Microsoft Office. Savings include Windows 10 Pro for just $17.05 — with a free upgrade to Windows 11 Pro.
Now’s your chance to get the biggest discounts you’ve ever seen on Microsoft software like Windows 11 Pro. The CdkeySales Black Friday Sale slashes some prices by up to 91%! And as the latest Windows 12 rumors indicate Microsoft won’t release its next big operating system update until late 2025, you can update your PC now the quick and easy way rather than waiting. Just buy a Windows 11 CD key on sale during CdkeySales’ Black Friday Sale.
During the sale, you can get great deals on upgrade-ready Microsoft productivity software like Windows 11 Pro and Microsoft Office. Savings include Windows 10 Pro for just $17.05 — with a free upgrade to Windows 11 Pro.
November 10, 1983: Microsoft tells the world about an upcoming product called Windows that will bring the graphical user interface to IBM PCs. Although Microsoft’s announcement about the new operating system comes before Apple launches the Mac in 1984, Windows 1.0 won’t actually ship until November 1985, earning it an early reputation as “vaporware.”
At the time, Apple doesn’t view Windows as much of a threat. That doesn’t take long to change, however.
The latest Windows 12 rumors indicate Microsoft won’t release its next big operating system update until late 2025. Rather than waiting for that to arrive, you can update your PC now the quick and easy way. Just buy a Windows 11 CD key on sale during CdkeySales’ Black Friday Sale.
During the sale, you can get great deals on upgrade-ready Microsoft productivity software like Windows 11 Pro and Microsoft Office. In fact, the CdkeySales Black Friday Sale slashes some prices by up to 91%. Savings include Windows 10 Pro for just $17.05 — with a free upgrade to Windows 11 Pro!
Are you ready for frightfully great deals on Microsoft productivity software like Windows 11 Pro and Office 2019? It’s not as fun as trick or treating, but it helps you get things done. And the CdkeySales Halloween Sale slashes some prices by up to 91%! In the sale, you will find big discounts on productivity software like Windows and Microsoft Office. That includes Windows 10 Pro for just $17.05 — and a free upgrade comes with it! Or you can cut straight to the chase and buy a Windows 11 CD key on sale at a deeply discounted price.
You can always find remarkably low prices at software activation keys provider CdkeySales.com. To get the most savings, enter promo code CULT. That cuts an additional 30% off the site’s low prices on genuine software keys. And don’t forget: When you buy a Windows 10 key, you get a free upgrade to Windows 11!
Love it or hate it, Microsoft productivity software — like Windows 11 Pro and Office 2019 — helps you get things done. And the CdkeySales Autumn Sale slashes some prices by up to 91%! In the sale, you will find big discounts on productivity software like Windows and Microsoft Office. That includes Windows 10 Pro for just $17.05 — and a free upgrade comes with it! Or you can cut straight to the chase and buy a Windows 11 Pro key at a deeply discounted price.
You can always find remarkably low prices at software activation keys provider CdkeySales.com. To get the most savings, enter promo code CULT. That cuts an additional 30% off the site’s low prices on genuine software keys. And don’t forget: When you buy a Windows 10 key, you get a free upgrade to Windows 11!
Now’s your chance to get the biggest discounts you’ve ever seen on Microsoft software like Windows 11 Pro — the CdkeySales September Sale slashes some prices by up to 91%! In the sale, you will find big discounts on productivity software like Windows and Microsoft Office. That includes Windows 10 Pro for just $17.05 — and a free upgrade comes with it! Or you can cut straight to the chase and buy a Windows 11 Pro key at a deeply discounted price.
You can always find remarkably low prices at software activation keys provider CdkeySales.com. To get the most savings, enter promo code CULT. That cuts an additional 30% off the site’s low prices on genuine software keys. And don’t forget: When you buy a Windows 10 key, you get a free upgrade to Windows 11!
Just how big of a discount can you get on Microsoft Windows 11 Pro in the CdkeySales Back to School Sale? Try a whopping 88% off. Yes, you read that right. As the sale continues, you will find big discounts on productivity software like Windows and Microsoft Office. That includes Windows 10 Pro for just $17.05 — and a free upgrade comes with it! Or you can cut straight to the chase and get a deep discount on Microsoft Windows 11 Pro at $22.71.
You can always find remarkably low prices at software activation keys provider CdkeySales.com. To get the most savings, enter promo code CULT. That cuts an additional 30% off the site’s low prices on genuine software keys. And don’t forget: When you buy a Windows 10 key, you get a free upgrade to Windows 11!
The CdkeySales Back to School Sale rolls on, so you and your family can still find big discounts on Microsoft software and get to know your new software before classes begin. It’s your chance to score surprisingly low prices on productivity software like Windows and Microsoft Office. That includes Windows 10 Pro for just $17.05 — and a free upgrade comes with it! Or you can cut straight to the chase and get a deep discount on Microsoft Windows 11 Pro at $22.71. That’s an astounding 88% off Microsoft’s price, as shown in the image below.
You will find remarkably low prices at software activation keys provider CdkeySales.com now and throughout the year. To get the most savings, enter promo code CULT. That cuts an additional 30% off the site’s low prices on genuine software keys. And don’t forget: When you buy Windows 10, you get a free upgrade to Windows 11!