Microsoft Windows
Version | 11(as of 10/15/2021) |
Platform | Windows |
License | Commercial |
Category | System |
Main Features
- Capabilities for both home and professional users
- Allows you to view files and folders in different windows
- Comes with various productivity apps installed, including Edge, Mail, Calendar, and Photos
- Provides the Microsoft Store to download & purchase apps, movies, TV shows, and more
- Enables you to chat and make audio-only or video calls with Microsoft Teams Chat
- Offers widgets to conveniently search the web, check the weather, view photos, or read the news
Software Overview
Microsoft Windows is an industry-leading operating system (OS) suitable for home and business users. Each version includes a graphical user interface with a desktop that lets you view files and folders in different windows and comes with bundled apps to perform various tasks. Competitors to Windows include Apple's macOS platform and Linux-based operating systems such as Linux Mint and Ubuntu.
Windows features a desktop where you can perform various tasks, such as utilizing apps and viewing or modifying files in windows. In addition, the desktop includes a fixed taskbar for organizing apps, searching your computer, and accessing the Start menu. The OS also comes with File Explorer, a utility for navigating your computer directories, performing file-related functions, and customizing your settings.
Windows 11 comes with many helpful apps for browsing the web, composing documents, messaging and video calling, and organizing photos. Some apps bundled with Windows 11 include:
- Edge - A web browser
- Photos - A photo viewer and organizer
- Movies & TV - A video player
- Groove Music - An audio player
- WordPad - A rich document editor
- Microsoft Store - An app for purchasing and downloading games, movies, TV shows, and more
Summary
Microsoft Windows is the most commonly used operating system for personal and corporate computers. It is compatible with a wide array of hardware specifications and has the largest community of software developers for both personal and productivity software. Although the usability of Windows fluctuates with each OS version, Microsoft Windows is an excellent choice for computer users.
Primary File Type
.EXEWindows Executable FileSupported File Types
Extension | File Type |
---|---|
.EXE | Windows Executable File |
.BAT | DOS Batch File |
.CFG | Configuration File |
.CMD | Windows Command File |
.COM | DOS Command File |
.CPL | Windows Control Panel Item |
.DB | Windows Thumbnail Cache |
.DLL | Dynamic Link Library |
.DRV | Device Driver |
.INI | Windows Initialization File |
.LNK | Windows Shortcut |
.PIF | Program Information File |
.SCR | Windows Screensaver |
.SYS | Windows System File |
Additional Related File Types
Extension | File Type |
---|---|
.000 | Indexing Service Data File |
.ACCOUNTPICTURE-MS | Windows 8 Account Picture File |
.AOS | ARCHOS PCtablet Firmware File |
.AUTOMATICDESTINATIONS-MS | Windows Jump List File |
.BK1 | Windows Indexing Service File |
.BK2 | Windows Indexing Service Data File |
.BUD | Binary Printer Description File |
.CAT | Windows Catalog File |
.CDMP | WCS Device Model Profile |
.CHS | Windows Chinese Noise-Word List File |
.CHT | Windows Chinese Traditional Noise-Word List File |
.CI | Windows Content Indexer Catalog File |
.CLG | Windows Catalog File |
.CPI | Codepage Information File |
.CUR | Windows Cursor Image |
.DESKLINK | Desktop Shortcut |
.DEV | Windows Device Driver File |
.DIC | Dictionary File |
.E_E | Renamed EXE File |
.FNT | Windows Font File |
.FOT | Font Resource File |
.GADGET | Windows Gadget |
.GPD | Generic Printer Description File |
.HSH | Windows Catalog Search Index File |
.ICL | Windows Icon Library File |
.INF_LOC | Windows Driver Information Cache File |
.ITEMDATA-MS | Windows 8 Start Screen Item Data File |
.LCN | License File |
.LIBRARY-MS | Windows Library Description File |
.SETTINGCONTENT-MS | Windows Settings File |
.SFX | Windows Self-extracting Archive |