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).
This page only shows primary logo variants. For other related logos and images, see:
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Windows Vista
2006–2017
In mid-2005, Microsoft modified their 2001 logo to add a glow in the center and changed the font to Segoe. The "Microsoft" text was also removed from the logo.
Windows Vista was initially released for business customers on November 30, 2006, and for general availability on January 30, 2007. The system was criticized due to high requirements and certain bugs. While Windows Vista was also turned down by many, it introduced new features and design tweaks, including the Aero design language, 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
Windows 7 kept the same design and logo from Windows Vista, aside from the text being changed to read the number 7.
Windows 7 was released on October 22, 2009, and was better received than its predecessor, introducing features such as the redesigned taskbar, Windows Snap, HomeGroup, libraries for documents, audio, videos, etc. Mainstream support ended on January 13, 2015, and extended support ended on January 14, 2020. Pro, Enterprise and Ultimate users can pay for support until January 10, 2023.
Windows 8
2012–2016
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Typography:
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Segoe UI Semibold
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Microsoft overhauled their logo again to fit in with the new Metro design language on Windows 8, which removed the colors to become all blue and introduced a slightly modified Segoe font. This logo was unveiled on Windows 8 Consumer Preview, released in February 2012. Notably, this logo ditched the flag design that had been used since 2001, as well as the three-dimensional Aero theme, replacing it with a simple window tilted to the left, designed by Pentagram.
Windows 8 was released on October 26, 2012, and introduced features such as the new Start screen, the Charms, apps, and touchscreen support for devices such as the new Surface tablet. However, it received a mixed reception, with many criticizing it as being unintuitive compared to its predecessor and questioning Microsoft's push to expand the Windows line to touchscreen devices. Windows 8 is known for being the shortest-supported version of Windows, having had its support end on January 12, 2016 (to regain support, users are recommended to upgrade to Windows 8.1, which can be done on this version without an installation disc).
Windows 8.1
2013–present
On October 17, 2013, Microsoft released Windows 8.1, which addressed certain criticisms of Windows 8 and also featured certain improvements, such as the improved Start screen, additional Snap views, and the restoration of a visible Start button on the taskbar. This logo is essentially the same as Windows 8, but with a thinner font; however, it was not officially used by Microsoft in advertising (where the default Windows logo was used) nor in the OS (where the Windows 8 logo was used), so it was seldom seen. 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 first 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 include the return of the Start menu, new versions of Microsoft Store-based apps, multiple desktops, voice assistant Cortana, and the new internet browser Microsoft Edge. New updates include Game Mode, Paint 3D and the new Fluent Design language, which replaced Metro.
Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025.
Windows 11
2021–present
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Typography:
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Segoe UI Bold
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This logo was first leaked on June 15, 2021, and became official when Microsoft announced Windows 11 on June 24. This logo is very similar to the Windows 95 commercials from the mid 90's, the Microsoft Store logo from 2009, and Microsoft's 2012 logo, but retains the color of Windows 10's logo. The Segoe UI font has also changed to a bold weight.
Windows 11 is expected to be released on October 5, 2021.
External links