Windows 11 offers a fresh, modern design with rounded corners and a centered Start Menu, making it visually distinct from Windows 10. It enhances productivity with features like Snap Layouts for better multitasking and improved integration with Microsoft Teams. Windows 11 also focuses on gaming with DirectStorage and Auto HDR, and introduces support for Android apps, making it a forward-looking OS for both productivity and entertainment.

Windows 10 blended the best of Windows 7 and 8, bringing back the Start Menu alongside live tiles and modern apps. It introduced the Cortana digital assistant, improved security features like Windows Hello, and included Edge as a new browser. With its regular updates through the Windows as a Service model, Windows 10 is known for its stability, versatility, and wide compatibility across different devices, from desktops to tablets.

Windows 8.1 addressed many of the criticisms of Windows 8, bringing back a Start button and improving the usability of the Start Screen. It included more customization options, better multitasking features, and enhanced support for high-resolution displays, while still focusing on the modern app experience and touch-first devices.

Windows 8 was a significant departure with its focus on touch-based devices, introducing the Start Screen with live tiles in place of the traditional Start Menu. It aimed to unify the experience across PCs, tablets, and smartphones but faced criticism for its confusing interface for desktop users. Despite this, it introduced faster boot times and an app store for metro-style applications.

Windows 7 built on Vista's foundation but was widely regarded as a more stable and user-friendly version. It featured improved performance, better taskbar functionality, and refined visual elements while keeping the Aero interface. Known for its reliability, Windows 7 became one of the most popular versions, praised for its ease of use and compatibility with older hardware.

Windows Vista introduced a more modern user interface, Aero, with sleek glass-like visuals and improved search functionality. It brought significant security improvements like User Account Control (UAC) and included DirectX 10 for better gaming graphics. However, its high system requirements and performance issues caused some negative reception, despite advances in security and usability.