Windows is a widely used operating system developed by Microsoft in 1985. It features a graphical user interface and supports multitasking. Key releases include Windows 95, which introduced the Start menu and taskbar, Windows XP which improved stability, and Windows 7 and 10 which enhanced security. The core components of Windows are the kernel, user interface, file system, device drivers, and security subsystem. Windows Explorer is used to manage files and folders, while Control Panel and Settings allow customizing system settings.