Code & architecture

Windows

Also called: Microsoft Windows

The short version

Windows is Microsoft’s operating system family for personal computers and servers.

Software for PCs and servers

Windows manages a computer’s files, hardware, and running apps. Many people use it through a desktop with windows, menus, and a taskbar. Businesses may also use Windows Server to run shared systems and services.

A program built for Windows may need a different version for macOS or Linux. Teams also need to know which Windows edition and version an app supports, because available features and update schedules differ.