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Windows Vista

2007 → 2017 · Windows

Released to everyone on 30 January 2007, after businesses got it in November 2006. Microsoft supported it until April 2017.3, 4, 5

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Released
30 January 2007, and to businesses on 30 November 20063, 4
Languages
19 at launch, with 99 expected by the end of 20073
Known for
Aero, User Account Control, Parental Controls1, 2, 3
Support ended
April 20175

A new look

Design played a big role in Windows Vista. The taskbar and the borders around windows got a brand-new look, and a redesigned Start button appeared for the first time.2 With Aero, windows had see-through glass borders, and pointing at a taskbar button showed a small preview of the window, even of a running video. Aero was not included in Windows Vista Home Basic.1

A Windows Vista desktop with a dark blue-green wallpaper crossed by soft streaks of light. The Start menu is open: a white column with Internet and E-mail at the top, a list of programs, All Programs and a Start Search box, and a dark glass column with a flower picture, Visitor, Documents, Pictures, Music, Games, Search, Recent Items, Computer, Network, Connect To, Control Panel, Default Programs and Help and Support, above the power and lock buttons. Behind it, a Documents window with see-through glass edges, an address bar and a search box. The black taskbar shows the round Start button, three small icons, a Documents button and the clock.
Illustration · not a screenshot Our drawing of Windows Vista with the Aero look: see-through glass window edges1 and the redesigned Start button.2 Windows 7 kept the glass look.6 See the real screen

Smart on security

Microsoft said Windows Vista had the strongest security system yet. User Account Control helped prevent harmful software from making changes to the computer. In Windows Vista Ultimate, BitLocker Drive Encryption gave the data on the computer better protection.2 With Parental Controls, parents could decide which kinds of TV, music and games were right for their children.3

Close-up of the bottom left of the Windows Vista screen: All Programs, the Start Search box with a magnifying glass, and below them the round Start button on the black taskbar.
Illustration · not a screenshot Close-up of our drawing of Windows Vista: the Start Search box at the bottom of the Start menu, for finding programs and files by typing.8 See the real screen

Key moments