Windows Logo

Windows Logo PNG

The earliest Windows logo appeared in 1985. It consisted of the wordmark and a light blue window emblem. There were 4 panes varying in size and shape.

Meaning and history

The visual identity of the world’s number one computer operating system has a very rich history. After its launch and creation of its first logo in 1985, there have been more than 15 versions of the Windows insignia designed by today. All of them have one thing in common — the stylized image of a window, which was not always readable, as in some designs it resembles a flag.

1985 – 1990

The very first logo was developed in 1985 with the debut version of the program. It was a sky-blue and black image, composed of an emblem and a wordmark on its right. The emblem featured a stylized image of the window, formed by four squares of various sizes with white lines, separating them from each other. The “Microsoft Windows” wordmark in black was executed in a thin elegant serif typeface, representing professionalism and authority.

1990 – 1992

The logo was redesigned with the launch of Windows 3.0. It was a monochrome composition with a very realistic window picture and a wordmark placed under it. The emblem was executed in gradient shades, creating a mysterious feeling.

1992 – 1993

The “Flag” logo era for Windows began in 1992 and lasted until the 2010s. The first colorful badge was designed in 1992 and boasted a waving flag shape falling into pixels in its left part. The right part of the emblem featured four colorful squares — red, green, blue, and yellow in a thick black outline. The wordmark was still placed in the bottom part of the logo.

1993 – 1994

In 1993 the wordmark under the iconic flag was changed to Microsoft WindowsNT. It was executed in the same color palette, style , and size as the previous version, so the “NT” lettering was the only change.

1994 – 1995

All of the elements of the logo were redrawn in 1994. The flag was enlarged, so was the “Windows” part of the lettering, which was now placed under the emblem, written in narrowed and elongated letters. As for the “Microsoft” part of the logotype, it was set vertically in the left from the “Windows”, also in a black serif typeface.

1995 – 1996

In 1995 the flag was placed diagonally on the left of the nameplate, which was now enlarged. The “Microsoft” part was executed in thin delicate lines and placed above the bold sans-serif “Windows” inscription, which was now the main part of the logo.

1996 – 2000

For the NT version , the logo was changed again in 1996. The only change here was the replacement of the thin “95” digit with the extra-bold “NT” letters, set in the same stable and strong sans-serif typeface, as the “Windows ” part of the inscriptions.

2000 – 2003

The logo, created fo r Windows in 2000, was probabl y the most colorful a mong all the versions of the software’s emblems. It was still the bold black inscription, but now it was placed under geometric and multicolor graphics, formed by numerous square frames in orange, yellow , and different shades of blue. Inside the bigger square , there was an iconic Windows flag set on a white background.

2000 – 2006

In 2000 two versions of the program were introduced — Windows 2000 and Windows ME, they both had their emblems redesigned. The signature flag was placed in a square frame, and in the 2000 version, the frame was blue with red, accompanied by yellow, red, and blue squares, while the ME edition featured green as the main color.

2001 – 2014

The visual identity was redesigned again in 2001. The black frame was removed from the flag, so now the emblem was only composed of four waving squares, which changed their colors to lighter ones. As for the wordmark, it was also refined and now featured a thinner and more elegant sans-serif typeface.

2006 – 2017

In 2006, with the release of Windows Vista, the emblem got flatter and more modern design. It was still executed in gradient colors, but the texture of the squares was in 2D. The word “Microsoft” is removed from the logo, which makes it look more minimalist and professional.

2009 – 2020

With the launch of Windows 7 in 2009, the logo was slightly changed again — the emblem is now enlarged and the colors of the squares are more intense.

2012 – 2016

The new era of the visual identity design starts for Windows in 2012. Now the company uses only blue color for its logo. The wave shape is gone, the emblem is strict and geometric. It is still composed of four squares, but now the window symbol is placed in half-turn.

2013 – Today

The emblem, created for Windows 8.1 is flat and modest, enough professionally executed , and evokes a sense of confidence and modernity. It is a solid square, composed of four smaller blue ones, separated with thin white lines. The emblem, placed in ¾ is set on the left from a neat sans-serif logotype in the title case .

2015 – Today

In 2015 the sky-blue of the logo is replaced by a calmer and darker tone, which looks more professional and evokes a sense of reliability and protection. The wordmark was also refined and became thinner and cleaner.

2020 – Today

The latest version of the logo was created for Windows 10X in 2020. The wordmark still uses the shade of blue from the previous version, but the emblem is now drawn in gradient tones, looking brighter and fresher.

The simple yet strong inscription is written in a traditional sans-serif typeface, which is Myriad Pro. It balanced the bold and bright emblem, adding a sense of expertise and security.

Symbol

It was only in 2001 that the logo saw a more impactful update, which was connected with the release of XP. The black outline was gone, the overall look of the logotype became clearer. Also, certain graphic tools were applied, due to which the logo acquired a 3D look.

Getting ready for the release of the Vista operating system, the designers updated the emblem once again. The “flag” was placed inside a circle shape with dark blue filler. Also, one more new visual tool was applied to the symbol, adding dimension. The shade of blue was slightly modified.

The release of Windows 7 coincided with the introduction of an updated symbol. This time, the circle shape was removed leaving a logotype cleaner and fresher. Actually, it looked exactly as the 2001 version, except for a couple of graphic effects and a subtle shift in colors.

The 2012 emblem

Probably the most noticeable change to the Windows logo in this century coincided with the release of the Windows 8 operating system. The four-color emblem was replaced by a simple light blue one created by Wolff Olins. The aim was to make the icon closer to the new Metro design language. One of the distinctive features of this design language was that it focused on one color.

The new color scheme was not the only change. The 2012 logo featured a realistic window design instead of the usual emblem resembling a flag.

Windows 10 logo

In comparison with the previous version, the Windows 10 logo features a darker shade of blue. Also, letters are somewhat thinner. The beta version of the operating system was released in 2014, while the final version appeared at the market in 2015.

Starting with Windows 8, the wordmarks used by the company were based on the Segoe font. The type has been slightly modified.

Color

The current version of the Windows logo sports only one color, dark blue. This is one of the requirements of the New Metro design language.

Video

Microsoft Windows

This page is about Microsoft Windows, the desktop-oriented operating system for computers. For other Microsoft Windows branded products and brands, see Microsoft Windows (disambiguation).

For other related logos and images, see:

Windows 1.0/2.0

1985–2001

Windows 1.0 and 2.0 were the first versions of Windows made. These versions of Windows were just to add a visual guide to DOS. The logo slightly resembles the Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 logo, except that the vertical lines were in different places. Support ended on December 31, 2001.

Windows 3.0

1990–2001

The original blue logo was removed, and replaced with a darker Windows logo with a black-and-white gradient. This logo looks more like a window.

Windows 3.0 was the version that first introduced Program Manager (predecessor of Start Menu and Taskbar), which made Windows popular because it was easier to use than 1.0 and 2.0. This logo for Windows 3.0 was seen on some software boxes, but rarely seen anywhere on actual OEM products for Windows 3.0 itself. Windows 3.0’s support ended on December 31, 2001.

Windows 3.1x

1992–2001

Windows 3.1 was an updated version of Windows 3.0 with several enhancements to the still MS-DOS-based platform, including improved system stability, expanded support for multimedia, Truetype fonts, and workgroup networking. The iconic four colored Windows logo was introduced with Windows 3.1. The rest of the 3.1x series included Windows 3.11, Windows 3.2 and Windows for Workgroups, where slight changes were made to the colors of the logo. This logo also would have a trail behind it.

Support for the Windows 3.1x line of operating systems ended on December 31, 2001.

Windows NT 3.1

1993–2001

Windows NT 3.1, the first version of Windows NT and first 32-bit Windows, was introduced in July 27, 1993. Windows NT 3.1 was based on the Windows 3.1 desktop environment and came with two editions, Windows NT 3.1 for Workstation and Windows NT 3.1 Advanced Server. This logo is mostly the same as the 3.1x logo, but with some slight differences including shading on the blocks and flag, the size of the «MICROSOFT WINDOWS» text being changed, and the «NT» text being added.

Support for Windows NT 3.1 ended on December 31, 2000, along with mainstream support for Windows 95, becoming the first operating system in the Microsoft Windows line to phase out support.

Windows NT 3.5x

1994–2001

Windows NT 3.5 was released on September 21, 1994, and Windows NT 3.51 was released on May 30, 1995. Like its predecessor (Windows NT 3.1), both versions had the same desktop environment from Windows 3.1 and Windows NT 3.1. Both versions also came with two editions, Server and Workstation. In this logo, the flag was tilted to the right (as it would be for most future appearances until Windows XP was released), the «WINDOWS» text became much larger, the «Microsoft» text was no longer in all caps, and it was placed to the left of the «WINDOWS» text.

Support for Windows NT 3.5 and 3.51 ended on December 31, 2001 (Windows NT 3.51 Server Edition ended on September 30, 2002).

Windows 95

1995–2001

Windows 95 was released on August 24, 1995, with lots of new features, mainly the graphical user interface, Start Menu, Windows Explorer, and the taskbar. MSN also launched the same day. Windows 95 also introduced a redesigned shell based around a desktop metaphor; the desktop was re-purposed to hold shortcuts to applications, files and folders, reminiscent of Mac OS. The «Microsoft Windows» text changed fonts, «Windows» is no longer in all caps (and it is also in an extra bold font), «Microsoft» was no longer on the left of the «Windows» text, and the «95» text was added. Windows 95 is the first operating system in the 9x family. Extended support ended on December 31, 2001 (mainstream support ended on December 31, 2000).

Windows NT 4.0

1996–2004

Windows NT 4.0 was released on July 31, 1996, and for general availability on August 24, 1996, which is the same release date as Windows 95 OSR 2. Windows NT 4.0 brought desktop environment and several features from Windows 95, Windows NT 4.0 also had five editions, Workstation, Server, Server, Enterprise Edition, Terminal Server Edition and Embedded. This logo is mostly the same as the Windows 95 logo, but «95» was replaced with an extra bold «NT».

Extended support ended on June 30, 2004 (mainstream support ended on June 30, 2002).

Windows 98/98 SE

1998–2006

Windows 98 was released on June 25, 1998. In May 1999, Microsoft released Windows 98 SE (Second Edition, incorrectly referred to as Windows 99) which fixes bugs and problems from Windows 98. Windows 98 SE didn’t have an official logo. The logo is the same as in 95, but «95» was replaced with «98».

Extended support ended on July 11, 2006 (mainstream support ended on June 30, 2002). This made it the first version of Windows to be supported to any date other than December 31, 2001.

Windows 2000

1999–2010

Windows 2000 was first released for business customers on December 17, 1999, and for general availability on February 17, 2000. The system is NT based, not part of the 9x series. It was used both for server computers and regular computers. Windows 2000 brought many features and improvement from Windows 9x. The font is still the same as in 95 and 98, but it says «2000». The flag is still there, but now there are five windows, four of which are blue and white (with the flag being in the window in the front), and the one in the bottom-left being orange and red.

Extended support ended on July 13, 2010 (mainstream support ended on June 30, 2005).

Windows Millennium Edition

2000–2006

Windows ME, released on September 14, 2000, was known to be one of the worst Windows versions, as it was known to crash far too often and contained a lot of bugs. Thus, it’s not commonly seen being used among Windows users. Windows ME is the last version of Windows 9x which was based on MS-DOS (because of this, it was also the last version to have support for most MS-DOS games). There are still the windows in this logo, but now there are only three of them: an orange one in the back, a blue one in the center, and a green one in the front (which had the flag in it). Instead of saying the year, it says «Me» in a fancy font with «Millennium Edition» under it.

Extended support ended for Windows ME on July 11, 2006, alongside Windows 98 (mainstream support ended on December 31, 2003).

Windows XP

2001–2014

In 2001, Microsoft overhauled the Windows logo again giving it much more of a clean feel. The Windows logo was simplified, removing the black borders and squares flowing behind it. The logo was also given a ‘plastic’ feel to it. It was created to match Windows XP which had a very clean feel. It used the Franklin Gothic Medium font for the text.

Windows XP was released on October 25, 2001, it was the first version of consumer edition based on NT and introduced a new look and feel to the desktop and the majority of the system in general, with its Luna theme and tons of new features. It was known to be the longest supported version in the 21st century part of the history of Windows. Windows XP was one of the most popular of the Microsoft Windows OS Versions. It was also the last version to have support for MS-DOS.

Extended support ended on April 8, 2014 (mainstream support ended on April 14, 2009).

Windows Vista

2006–2017

In Mid-2005, Microsoft modified their 2001 logo to add a glow in the center of the logo and change the font to Segoe. The «Microsoft» text was removed from the logo and since then, it’s been referred to as simply, «Windows». Windows Vista was initially released for business customers on November 30, 2006, and for general availability on January 30, 2007. The system was not commonly seen being used among Windows users because of high requirements and some bugs.

While Windows Vista was also turned down by many, it did come with lots of new features and design tweaks. Some of the system’s most notable features are New Aero design, Sidebar and Widgets, Windows Defender, 3D Task switcher, Welcome Center, and Games Explorer.

Extended support ended on April 11, 2017 (mainstream support ended on April 10, 2012).

Windows 7

2009–2020 (Base version), 2009–2023 (Pro and Enterprise versions)

Windows 7 kept the same design and logo with Windows Vista, aside from the switch from Vista to 7. Windows 7 was released on October 22, 2009, and had better reception than Windows Vista because it was faster, more stable and easier to use.

Windows 7’s new features were Windows snap, redesigned taskbar, HomeGroup, libraries for documents, audio, videos, etc.

Mainstream support ended on January 13, 2015, and extended support ended on January 14, 2020. Pro and Enterprise users can pay for support until January 10, 2023.

Windows 8

2012–2016

Designer: Pentagram

Typography: Unknown

Microsoft overhauled their logo again to fit in with the new Metro design language on Windows 8, which removes the green, yellow, and red colors to become all blue and a slightly modified Segoe font. This logo was unveiled on Windows 8 Consumer Preview released February 2012. Notable changes is that they Ditched the 3D, Aero And Flag Design And replaced it with a Window And a Flat Design, with perspective, design by Pentagram. Windows 8 was released on October 26, 2012.

Windows 8’s most notable new features are New Metro design, Touchscreen for the new tablet called «Surface», new full Start Menu (Start Screen), Apps, and instead of using the 3D task switcher, it used 2D at the right side of the screen. The original version is known to be the very shortest support version, but counting Windows 8.1 instead of this, Windows 95 and ME had the shortest support versions, due to their negative feedback and lack of usage because of some users staying on the previous version or upgrading as soon as the next version of Windows appeared.

Support ended on January 12, 2016. To regain support, users are recommended to upgrade to Windows 8.1 (which can be done in this version without install disc).

Windows 8.1

2013–present

After a year, Microsoft released Windows 8.1 in October 2013. This logo has an additional «.1» at the end and is also slightly less bold, giving a smoother feel. This logo was not officially used by Microsoft neither in advertising (where the default Windows logo was used) nor in the OS (where the Windows 8 logo was used), but it was used in some conferences.

Windows 8.1 was an update for Windows 8 with some improvements, Start button was reintroduced and some enhances to the Start Screen. Windows 8 and 8.1 were not commonly seen being used among Windows users, mainly due to the removed Start menu.

Mainstream support ended on January 9, 2018, and extended support will end on January 10, 2023.

Windows 10

2015–present

Microsoft officially unveiled the first beta version of Windows 10 on September 30, 2014. The text on the wordmark of the logo was unbolded and the logo itself was made a darker shade of blue. The last version of the operating system was released worldwide on July 29, 2015. Since then, Windows 10 releases new features update twice per year (except in 2016).

Windows 10’s new features are the ability to run Microsoft Store apps on the desktop, return of Start menu although Start screen mode option still remains, new versions of Microsoft Store-based apps, multiple desktops, a voice assistant: Cortana, and a new internet browser: Microsoft Edge. New updates for Windows 10 include Game Mode, Paint 3D and a new interface: Fluent Design which replacing Metro.

This might be the final version of Windows, because Microsoft says it is becoming ‘a service’.

For 2015 LTSB, Mainstream support ended on October 13, 2020, and extended support will end on October 14, 2025.

For 2016 LTSB, Mainstream support will end on October 12, 2021, and extended support will end on October 13, 2026.

For 2019 LTSC, Mainstream support will end on January 9, 2024, and extended support will end on January 9, 2029.

Windows 10X

2020–present

This logo is more rounded off, and has multiple colors, to fit with the new design. Microsoft is making a new version of Windows, aimed at dual-screen tablets. The development started around 2020. This version can run on laptops. As of now, the OS is still not released. But you can run the OS with the Microsoft Device Emulator Software. This version of Windows could run on ARM (Tablet) — based devices. You cannot install the OS onto regular PC’s. It either comes pre-installed, or you’ll need to flash it with NTFS-Pools. It also has a new start menu, taskbar, UI, and system. This OS will not replace Windows 10. This is another OS made for other devices.