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List of Microsoft Windows components

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The following is a list of Microsoft Windows components.

Configuration and maintenance

[edit]
ComponentDescriptionCommandIntroduced
SettingsAllows users to change system settings, similar to the Control Panel, but has less options[1]start ms-settings:Windows 8
Control Panel
Control PanelAllows users to view and change basic system settings and controls, such as adding hardware, adding and removing software, controlling user accounts, and changing accessibility optionscontrol.exeWindows 1.0
Device ManagerAllows the user to display and control the hardware attached to the computer, and control what device drivers are useddevmgmt.mscWindows 95
Windows Mobility CenterCentralizes the most relevant information related to mobile computingmblctr.exeWindows Vista
Security and MaintenanceCentralizes and reports on the status of anti-virus, Automatic Updates, Windows Firewall, and other security-related components of the operating systemWindows XP SP2
Administrative Tools
Microsoft Management ConsoleProvides system administrators and advanced users with a flexible interface through which they may configure and monitor the systemmmc.exeWindows NT 4.0 Option Pack
Windows System Assessment ToolBuilt-in benchmarking tool that analyzes the different subsystems (graphics, memory, etc.), and uses the results to allow for comparison to other Windows Vista systems, and for software optimizations. It rates the computer's performance using the Windows Experience Index.winsat.exeWindows Vista
System RestoreAllows for the rolling back of system files, registry keys, installed apps, etc., to a previous state in the event of a system failurerstrui.exeWindows Me
Windows Recovery EnvironmentHelps diagnose and recover from serious errors which may prevent Windows from booting successfully, or restore the computer to a previous state using System Restore or a backup imageshutdown /r /oWindows Vista
Microsoft Drive OptimizerRearranges files stored on a hard disk to occupy contiguous storage locations in order to optimize computer performancedfrgui.exeWindows 95, Windows 2000
Event ViewerLets administrators and users view the event logs on a local or remote machineeventvwr.mscWindows NT 3.1
Resource Monitor
(previously Reliability and Performance Monitor)
Lets administrators view current system reliability and performance trends over timeresmon.exeWindows Vista
Logical Disk ManagerLogical volume manager developed by Microsoft in conjunction with Veritas Softwarediskmgmt.mscWindows NT 4.0 (Separate Tool), Windows 2000
Registry EditorAllows users to browse and edit the Windows registryregedit.exeWindows 3.1
Windows Task SchedulerAllows users to script tasks for running during scheduled intervalstaskschd.mscMicrosoft Plus! for Windows 95
Software installation and deployment
Windows UpdateAn online service providing updates such as service packs, critical updates and device drivers. A variation called Microsoft Update also provides software updates for other Microsoft products.control.exe updateWindows 98
Windows InstallerAn engine for the management of software installation. Includes a GUI framework, automatic generation of the uninstallation sequence and deployment capabilities for corporate networks.msiexec.exeOffice 2000
ClickOnceTechnology for deploying .NET Framework-based software via web pages, with automatic update capabilities. Intended for per-user only applications.mage.exe and mageUI.exe.NET Framework 2.0

User interface

[edit]
ComponentDescriptionIntroduced
Action CenterView notifications sent from apps and change common settingsWindows 7
Windows Command PromptText-based shell (command line interpreter) that provides a command line interface to the operating systemWindows NT 3.1
PowerShellCommand-line shell and scripting framework.Windows XP
Windows ShellThe most visible and recognizable aspect of Microsoft Windows. The shell provides the container inside of which the entire graphical user interface is presented, including the taskbar, the desktop, Windows Explorer, as well as many of the dialog boxes and interface controls. In Windows Vista, a new compositing glass-like user interface called Windows Aero has been shown.Windows 95
File Explorer
(previously Windows Explorer)
Provides an interface for accessing the file systems, launching applications, and performing common tasks such as viewing and printing picturesWindows 95
Windows SearchStarting with Windows Vista, search is a tightly shell-integrated component of Windows. A downloadable Windows Desktop Search software is available for Windows XP and older versions.Windows Vista, downloadable for older versions
Search FoldersVirtual folders that retrieve items based on queries rather than hierarchical folder trees on disk.Windows Vista
Special foldersFolders which are presented to the user through an interface as an abstract concept, instead of an absolute path. This makes it possible for an application to locate where certain kinds of files can be found, regardless of what version or language of operating system is being used. See also Windows Shell namespace.Windows 95
Start menuServes as the central launching point for applications. It provides a customizable, nested list of apps for the user to launch, as well as a list of most recently opened documents, a way to find files and get help, and access to the system settings. By default, the Start Button is visible at all times in the lower left-hand corner of the screen.Windows 95
TaskbarThe application desktop bar which is used to launch and monitor applicationsWindows 95
Task ViewDisplays all open windows and activities (via timeline) at a glance and switch between virtual desktops, starting in version 2004, users can now rename desktops


Windows 10
File associationsUsed to open a file with the appropriate app. Users can assign file associations uniquely to specific actions, known as verbs.Windows 1.0

Applications and utilities

[edit]
ComponentDescriptionIntroduced
Easy TransferUsed to transfer many files at once from one computer to anotherWindows Vista
ContactsKeeps a single list of contacts that can be shared by multiple appsWindows Vista
CameraAllows the user to take pictures or record video[2]Windows 8
CalculatorCalculation applicationWindows 1.0
CalendarCalendaring applicationWindows Vista
Character MapUtility to view and search characters in a font, copy them to the clipboard and view their Windows Alt keycodes and Unicode namesWindows 3.1
CortanaDigital personal assistantWindows 10 Version 1507
EdgeWeb browserWindows 10 Version 1507
Feedback HubPlatform for exchanging communication with Windows Insiders and developersWindows 10 Version 1607
Groove Music
(previously Xbox Music)
Digital media player and media library application that is used for playing audio. In addition to being a media player, Groove includes the ability to copy music to compact discs, synchronize content with a digital audio player (MP3 player) or other mobile devices, and let users purchase or rent music from the Windows Store.Windows 8
Movies & TV
(previously Xbox Video)
Digital media player and media library application that is used for playing video. In addition to being a media player, Movies & TV lets users purchase or rent movies and TV episodes from the Windows Store.Windows 8
OneDrive
(previously SkyDrive)
Freemium cloud storage folder and sync serviceWindows 8
Microsoft OneNoteIntegrated note-taking app, based on the Microsoft Office product of the same nameWindows 8
On-Screen Keyboard (osk.exe)Virtual keyboard
Paint 3DSimple graphics painting appWindows 10 Version 1703
PhotosSimple image viewerWindows 8
Steps Recorder
(called Problem Steps Recorder in Windows 7)
Utility that allows the user to capture steps they took to reproduce a problemWindows 7
Windows To GoUtility to create bootable versions of Windows 8 and aboveWindows 8
NotepadSimple text editorWindows 1.0
NarratorScreen reader utility that reads dialog boxes and window controls in a number of the more basic applications for WindowsWindows 2000
Sound RecorderSimple audio recording app that can record from a microphone or headset, and save the results in WAVE format and Windows Media Audio format in some Windows versionsWindows 3.0 Multimedia Extensions
SkypeMessaging and calling serviceWindows 8.1, downloadable for previous versions
Sticky NotesTool for jotting notes on the desktopWindows XP Tablet PC Edition
Private Character EditorUtility to create private use characters as defined under Unicode and various East Asian encoding schemesWindows 3.1 East Asian editions
Remote Desktop ConnectionClient implementation of the Remote Desktop Protocol; allows a user to securely connect to a computer running Terminal Services (Remote Desktop on Windows XP and Server 2003) and interact with a full desktop environment on that machine, including support for remoting of printers, audio, and drives.Windows XP, downloadable for previous Windows versions
Remote AssistanceAllows a user to temporarily take over a remote computer over a network or the internet to offer help with and resolve issuesWindows XP
Mobility CenterAllows a user to adjust settings related to mobile computingWindows Vista
Speech RecognitionAllows a user to input voice commandsWindows Vista
IExpressAllows users to create self-extracting, self-installing INF installation-based packagesInternet Explorer 6
Xbox Console Companion
(previously Xbox and Xbox Games)
Account manager for Xbox Live user accounts and a screen recording toolWindows 8
Xbox Game BarProvides a overlay for compatible games allowing for screen capture, chatting over the Xbox network, showing the frame rate of games, and playing music via [3][4]Windows 10 May 2019 Update (Version 1903)[5]
MagnifierScreen enlargement appWindows 98
Fax and ScanIntegrated faxing and image scanning applicationWindows Vista, older faxing and scanning applications were present in previous Windows versions
Photo ViewerSimple image viewer that can play a simple slideshowWindows XP
MailEmail aggregatorWindows Vista
MapsMap viewer that allows users to look for locations, and plan routesWindows 8
Media CenterDesigned to serve as a home-entertainment hub, to be viewed from a distance up to 3 meters (~10 feet) and controlled by specially designed remote controls. Lets users browse and view pictures, videos, and music from local hard drives, optical drives, and network locations, along with viewing, recording and deferred-playing live TV. Features an interactive TV guide with scheduled recording capabilities. Can also be used for visualization of other information (like sports scores) within the interfaceWindows XP Media Center Edition
Task ManagerProvides information about computer performance and displays details about running applications, processes, network activity, logged-in users, and system servicesWindows 3.0
Disk CleanupUtility for compacting rarely used files and removing files that are no longer requiredWindows 98
Snipping ToolScreen-capture tool that allows for taking screenshots (called snips)Experience Pack for Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005
Microsoft Store
(previously Windows Store)
Initially known as Windows Store, it started as an app store for Windows 8. In Windows 10, it expanded into a broad digital distribution platform for apps, games, music, digital video and e-books. In 2017, it was renamed Microsoft Store and started offering hardware in United States, Canada and United Kingdom.Windows 8
MSN appsProvide information from MSN web servicesWindows 8
Alarms & Clock(pre Alarms)App that allows Windows users to set alarms, stopwatches, timers, and view a world clockWindows 8
Windows Security
(previously Windows Defender Security Center)
AntivirusWindows 10 Version 1703
Solitaire CollectionSet of solitaire card gamesWindows 10 Version 1507, downloadable for Windows 8.x

Windows Server components

[edit]
ComponentDescriptionSupported by
Active DirectoryA set of technologies introduced with Windows 2000 that allows administrators to assign enterprise-wide policies, deploy apps to many computers, and apply critical updates to an entire organization. Active Directory stores information and settings relating to an organization in a central, organized, accessible database. Networks can vary from a small installation with a few objects, to global-scale directories with millions of objects.
   Related topics: Domain controller, Flexible single master operation
Windows 2000 and later server versions
Group PolicyProvides centralized management of user and computer settings in an Active Directory environment. Group policy can control a target object's registry, NTFS security, audit and security policy, software installation, logon/logoff scripts, folder redirection, and Internet Explorer settings. Policy settings are stored in Group Policy Objects (GPOs), and may be linked to one or more sites, domains or organizational units.
   Related topics: Administrative Templates
Windows 2000 and later
Internet Information ServicesWeb serverWindows NT family

File systems

[edit]
ComponentDescriptionSupported by
FAT12, FAT16The original file systems used with MS-DOS. The standard file systems used with Windows 1.0 through Windows 95.All versions
FAT32Extensions to FAT supporting larger disk sizes. The standard file system for Windows 98 and Me.Windows 95 OSR2 and later versions
NTFSStandard file system of Windows NT; supports security via access-control lists, as well as file system journaling and file-system metadata. Windows 2000 added support for reparse points (making NTFS junction points and Single instance storage possible), Hard links, file compression, and Sparse files. Encryption of data is provided by Encrypting File System. Symbolic links and transactioning of file operations via Transactional NTFS are features new to Windows Vista. Although Windows 9x operating systems cannot read or write NTFS formatted disks, they can access the data over a network if it is shared by a computer running Windows NT.Windows NT (all versions)
ISO 9660 (CDFS)The predominant file system for CD-ROM and DVD-ROM media. Windows includes support for Joliet extensions and the ISO 9660:1999 standard. ISO 9660:1999 is supported since Windows XP.MS-DOS and Windows 9x via extensions, such as MSCDEX.EXE (Microsoft CDROM Extension), natively in Windows NT 3.5
Universal Disk Format (UDF)A file system for storing files on optical media. It is an implementation of the ISO/IEC 13346 standard (also known as ECMA-167). It is considered to be a replacement of ISO 9660. Successive versions of Windows have supported newer versions of UDF.Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista
HPFSHigh-Performance File system, used on OS/2 computers. Read and write capability in Windows 95 (where it also listed network computer NTFS-formatted drives as "HPFS", even though it had no direct NTFS capabilities). HPFS write support was dropped in Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 98, and dropped altogether shortly before the release of Windows 2000.Windows 95 (Read/write), Windows 98, Windows NT (read), 3.1/3.51 (read/write/boot)
ReFSA newer file system, based on NTFS. This system adds built-in integrity checking and removes the need for chkdsk, among other features. The maximum partition size is 1 YB.Windows Server 2012, Windows 8.1

Core components

[edit]
ComponentAcronymDescription
Windows kernel (Windows NT)
Ntoskrnl.exeThe Windows kernel image. Provides the kernel and executive layers of the kernel architecture, and is responsible for services such as hardware virtualization, process and memory management, etc.
hal.dllHALProvides and handles the interaction between software and hardware via the Hardware Abstraction Layer.
kernel32.dllThis application provides kernel operations to apps in the Win32 mode, like memory management, I/Os, process creation, etc.
Core processes (Windows NT)
System Idle ProcessSIPA counter which measures how much idle capacity the CPU has at any given time. The process runs in the background and monitors processing bandwidth, occupied memory and the Windows virtual paging file.
Session Manager SubsystemSMSSPerforms several critical boot-time operations, such as the creation of environment variables, starting CSRSS, and performing file-copy operations that were queued up from before the system was booted (pending file rename operations). During system operation, it handles Windows File Protection and the creation of logon sessions via Winlogon.
Client/Server Runtime SubsystemCSRSSUser-mode side of the Win32 subsystem. Provides the capability for applications to use the Windows API.
Local Security Authority Subsystem ServiceLSASSResponsible for enforcing the security policy on the system. Verifies users logging on to the computer and creates security tokens.
WinlogonResponsible for handling the secure attention key, loading the user profile on logon, and optionally locking the computer when a screensaver is running. On Windows NT systems prior to Windows Vista, Winlogon is also responsible for loading GINA libraries which are responsible collecting logon credentials from the user.
Svchost.exeA generic host process name for services that run from dynamic-link libraries (DLLs). Several Svchost processes are typically present on a Windows machine, each running in a different security context, depending on what privileges the contained services require.
Windows on Windows and WoW64WoWAn abstraction layer that allows legacy code to operate on more modern versions of Windows; typically this means running 16-bit Windows applications on 32-bit Windows, and 32-bit applications on 64-bit Windows.
Virtual DOS machineNTVDMAllows MS-DOS apps to run on Intel 80386 or higher computers when there is already another operating system running and controlling the hardware. Introduced in Windows 2.1; not available in any 64-bit edition of Windows.
System startup (Windows NT)
NTLDR, IA64ldr, WinloadThe bootloader; performs basic system initialization options such as loading the hardware abstraction layer and boot-time device drivers, prior to passing control to the Windows kernel. In versions prior to Vista, NTLDR and IA64ldr also display menus to the user if multiple operating systems are defined in boot.ini, or if F8 is pressed.
Recovery ConsoleProvides the means for administrators to perform a limited range of tasks using a command line interface, primarily to aid in recovering from situations where Windows does not boot successfully.
ntdetect.comUsed during the boot process to detect basic hardware components that may be required during the boot process
Windows Boot ManagerIn Windows Vista and later operating systems, displays boot menus to the user if multiple operating systems are configured in the system's Boot Configuration Data.
Graphical subsystem
Desktop Window ManagerDWMThe compositing manager introduced in Windows Vista that handles compositing and manages special effects on screen objects in a graphical user interface
Graphics Device InterfaceGDI/GDI+The kernel graphics component for representing graphical objects and transmitting them to output devices such as monitors and printers
Windows USERThe Windows USER component provides core user interface, messaging and visual elements

Services

[edit]

This list is not all-inclusive.

Display nameService key nameDescriptionIntroduced
Active Directory ServiceNTDSNetwork Authentication ManagementWindows 2000 Server
Alerter serviceAlerterSends administrative alerts over the network to client computers, administrators and usersWindows NT
Application Layer
Gateway service
ALGProvides support for plugins that allow network protocols to pass through Windows Firewall and work behind Internet Connection SharingWindows 2000
Application Experience serviceProcesses application compatibility cache requests for applications as they launch[6]
Application ManagementAppMgmtProcesses requests to enumerate, install, and remove applications that are installed on the computer or deployed through an organization's networkWindows 2000
Background Intelligent
Transfer Service
BITSTransfers files between machines using idle network bandwidth. Used by Windows Update, Windows Server Update Services, and Systems Management Server to deliver software updates to clients, as well as by Windows Messenger.Windows XP
Computer BrowserBrowserCrawls neigring computers on the network and locates shared resources. One of the computers acts as the Master Browser and supplies this information to other computers designated as browsers.[7]Windows for Workgroups
Delivery OptimizationDoSvcA peer-to-peer distribution service that downloads Windows updates and Microsoft Store apps from the local network or Internet peers, and redistributes them to others. Can be configured using either the Settings app or Group Policy. The Settings app can turn it on or off, and specify whether the service operates on the local network only, downloads from and uploads to the Internet peers as well. Group Policy allows finer control.[8][9] Delivery Optimization relies on a centralized web service that does not index contents under 10 MB. Computers without Internet access cannot use Delivery Optimization.[10]Windows 10 Anniversary Update[8]
Distributed Link TrackingTrkWks, TrkSrvUsed to track links to files on NTFS volumes. Windows uses these services to find linked files if they are renamed or moved (locally or to another machine).[11]Windows 2000
Distributed Transaction
Coordinator
MSDTCAllows transactional components to be configured through COM+ by coordinating transactions that are distributed across multiple computers and/or resource managers, such as databases, message queues, file systems, and other transaction–based resource managers.[12]Windows 2000 and later NT-based
DNS ClientDNSCacheResolves and caches domain names (e.g. “en.wikipedia.org”) to IP addressesWindows 2000
Event LogEventLogStores and retrieves events that can be viewed in the event viewer. Part of services.exe.[13]Windows NT
Extensible Authentication ProtocolEAPHostProvides EAP authentication to connecting clientsWindows 2000
Indexing ServiceCISVCIndexes contents and properties of files on local and remote computers; provides rapid access to files through flexible querying language.[14]Windows 2000 and later NT-based
Interactive Services DetectionUI0DetectFor compatibility; when a service-displayed user interface is detected, it gives the user an option to switch to Session0 to see itWindows Vista
Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)SharedAccessWhen enabled, it allows other computers on the local network to access an internet connection that is available to the host computerWindows 2000;[15] Windows Vista onward[16]
Network Location AwarenessNLAManages network configurations and information, and notifies applications of changesWindows XP
Network Store Interface ServiceNSISCollects routing information of active network interfaces, shares this with other services and notifies applications of changesWindows XP
NTLM Security Support ProviderNTLMSSPUses the NTLM MS-CHAP protocol to encapsulate and negotiate options in order to provide signed and sealed communication. Deprecated now in favor of Kerberos authentication.Windows NT
Peer Name Resolution ProtocolPNRPSvcResolves domain names using Peer Name Resolution ProtocolWindows XP
Plug and PlayPlugPlayEnables autodetection and configuration of hardwareWindows 2000
Windows Print spooler [fr]SpoolerManages printer devices and moves files into memory for printingWindows 95, Windows NT
Remote Procedure Call (RPC)RpcSsProvides Remote Procedure Call features via remotely accessible Named PipesWindows NT family
Routing and Remote Access ServiceRRASAPI and server software that enables applications to administer the routing and remote-access service capabilities of the operating system, to function as a network router.Windows 2000
Secondary LogonSecLogonAllows users to run apps with a different account than the one they logged in with. Allows non-administrative accounts to perform administrative tasks.[17]
Security Account ManagerSamSsManages user account security informationWindows NT family
System Event Notification ServiceSENSMonitors system events, such as network, power, logon, logoff, terminal services session connection and disconnection, and delivers these to applications and other system components.[18]Windows 2000
SuperfetchSysMainMonitors file usage patterns and boosts system speed by caching frequently accessed files to RAM[19]Windows Vista
Task SchedulerScheduleLets users setup and schedule automated tasksMicrosoft Plus! for Windows 95
TCP/IP NetBIOS HelperLmHostsEnables support for NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NetBT) service and NetBIOS name resolutionWindows NT family
Volume Shadow CopyVSSCreates multiple versions of files that change. The ability to store persistent snapshots was added in Windows Server 2003.[20]Windows XP
Windows AudioAudioSrvManages audio devices for Windows-based apps. Controls all audio functions.Windows XP
Windows Error ReportingWERSvcGenerates error logs and reports errors. On Windows Vista and later, it notifies of solutions.Windows XP
Windows FirewallMpsSvcBlocks unauthorized network connections to and from the computerWindows Vista
Windows Firewall(née Internet Connection Sharing)SharedAccessProvides a simple firewall feature which was introduced in Windows XP. It also shares the internet on the local network, if the internet connection sharing feature is turned on.[21]Windows XP only[22][23]
Windows Image Acquisition (WIA)STISvcHandles scanner and camera inputsWindows Me
Windows TimeW32TimeSynchronizes the system time with external time servers. From Windows Server 2003 forward, full and compliant NTP support is provided.[24]Windows 2000
Windows UpdateWUAUServProvides updates for the operating system and its installed componentsWindows XP
Wireless Zero ConfigurationWZCSvc (XP), WLANSvcConfigures and manages 802.11 wireless adaptersWindows XP, Server 2003 only
Windows Messenger serviceMessengerAllows users to send pop-up messages to other computers over the networkWindows NT family
WebClient[25]Enables Windows-based apps to create and interact with Internet-based filesWindows XP

Networking

[edit]

Scripting and command-line

[edit]

Kernel

[edit]

Security

[edit]
ComponentDescriptionIntroduced
AppLockerPolicy-based component that enables or disables execution of software based on rules such as location, properties and digital signatureWindows 7 Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate editions
Windows Server 2008 R2
BitLocker Drive EncryptionDisk encryption software, designed to protect data by providing encryption for entire volumesWindows Vista Enterprise and Ultimate editions,
Windows Server 2008
Credential GuardVirtualization-based isolation of stored credentials to prevent theft and pass-the-hash attacks.Windows 10 Enterprise, Education, IoT Enterprise, or ,
Windows Server 2016
Data Execution PreventionSecurity feature that is intended to prevent an application or service from executing code from a non-executable memory regionWindows XP Service Pack 2
Encrypting File SystemFile system driver that provides file system-level encryptionWindows 2000
Security Account ManagerDatabase stored as a registry fileWindows NT 3.1
SYSKEYUtility that encrypts the hashed password information in a SAM database using a 128-bit encryption keyWindows NT 4.0 Service Pack 3
User Account ControlTechnology and security infrastructure utility that aims to improve the security of Microsoft Windows by limiting application software to standard user privileges until an administrator authorizes an increaseWindows Vista,
Windows Server 2008
Windows FirewallUtility designed to block unauthorized access while permitting authorized communications. An earlier edition known as Internet Connection Firewall that was disabled by default was included with the original Windows XP release.Windows XP Service Pack 2
Windows DefenderSecurity utility to prevent, remove and quarantine malware (viruses, Trojan horses, etc.)Downloadable for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003
Windows Resource ProtectionProtects Registry keys and folders in addition to critical system filesWindows Vista

Deprecated components and apps

[edit]
ComponentDescriptionCategoryIntroducedLast OS includedSuperseded by
3D PinballPinball gameGamePlus! 95 for Windows 95Windows XP
ActiveMoviemedia technologyAPIWindows 95Windows MeDirectShow
CardfilePersonal information managerPersonal organizerWindows 1.0Windows MeOutlook Express, Windows Mail, or Windows Live Mail
Chess TitansChess gameGameWindows VistaWindows 7Microsoft Chess
DriveSpaceDisk compression utilityData compressionMS-DOSWindows Me
Windows DVD MakerDVD authoring softwareVideoWindows VistaWindows 7
File ManagerFile manager appFile managerWindows 3.0Windows MeWindows Explorer
FreeCellFreeCell gameGameWin32sWindows 7Microsoft Solitaire Collection
HeartsVersion of the Hearts game using Black Lady scoringGameWindows for Workgroups 3.11Windows 7Microsoft Hearts
Windows InsiderWindows 10 Version 1507Windows 10 Version 1511Feedback Hub
Windows Help and SupportOnline and offline reference manual for troubleshooting.UtilityWindows MeWindows 8.1Microsoft Tips or Get Started
HyperTerminalCommunication utility based on a low end version of HyperACCESSCommunicationWindows 95Windows XP
Hold 'EmVersion of the Texas hold 'em gameGameWindows VistaWindows Vista
Hover!Video game in a combination of bumper cars and capture the flagGameWindows 95Windows 95
InkBallGame where the user tries to get colored balls into the correct holesGameWindows XP Tablet PC EditionWindows Vista
Internet ExplorerWeb browserWeb browser and FTP client. See also: Internet Explorer versions, Features, History, Removal, Browser Helper ObjectsMicrosoft Plus! for Windows 95Windows 10Microsoft Edge
Microsoft MahjongVersion of the Mahjong solitaire gameGameWindows VistaWindows 7Microsoft Mahjong
Windows MailE-mail clientE-mailWindows VistaWindows VistaMail (Windows)
Internet Mail and NewsE-mail and news clientE-mailWindows 95Windows 95Outlook Express, Windows Mail, or Windows Live Mail
MinesweeperVersion of the minesweeper gameGameMicrosoft Entertainment Pack, Windows 3.1Windows 7Microsoft Minesweeper
Media Control InterfaceAn app that can play media files and record sound by passing commands as strings.APIWindows 3.0Windows Me
Windows Media PlayerDigital media player appMedia playerWindows 3.0 Multimedia ExtensionsWindows 10Windows Media Player, Movies & TV, or Groove Music
Microsoft CalendarCalendaring appPersonal organizerWindows 1.0Windows 3.1Windows Calendar, Windows Live Mail, or the Calendar app for Windows
Microsoft DiagnosticsTool that provides detailed technical information about user's software and hardwareDiagnosticsMS-DOSPlus! 95 for Windows 95Microsoft System Information
Microsoft FaxFaxing appFaxWindows 95Windows XPWindows Fax and Scan
Microsoft Private FolderTool to protect private dataPersonal organizerWindows XPWindows XP
Windows HelpDocumentation browser that used a proprietary formatOnline helpWindows 3.0Windows XPMicrosoft Help
Windows FeedbackWindows 10 Version 1507Windows 10 Version 1511Feedback Hub
NTBackupBuilt-in backup appBackupDownloadable for Windows NT 4.0Windows XP, Windows Server 2003Backup and Restore, Windows Server Backup
Outlook ExpressE-mail clientE-mailInternet Explorer 4Windows XPWindows Mail or Windows Live Mail
PaintSimple graphics painting appApplicationWindows 1.0
Program ManagerShell composed of a task-oriented graphical user interface, consisting of icons (shortcuts for apps) arranged into app groups.GUIWindows 3.0Windows XPWindows Explorer
Purble PlaceEducational game for children, teaching pattern recognition, shapes, and colorsGameWindows VistaWindows 7
Readere-book readere-book readerWindows 8Windows 10 Creators UpdateMicrosoft Edge (PDF), XPS Viewer (XPS), Photos (TIFF)[26]
ReversiVersion of Reversi.GameWindows 1.0Windows 3.0Internet Reversi only on Windows Me and Windows XP
SolitaireKlondike Solitaire gameGameWindows 3.0Windows 7Microsoft Solitaire Collection
Spider SolitaireSpider Solitaire gameGameMicrosoft Plus! 98Windows 7Microsoft Solitaire Collection
System File CheckerUtility that allows users to scan for and restore corruptions in Windows system filesSecurityWindows 98Windows Server 2003Windows Resource Protection
TinkerPuzzle game in which the player controls a robot through various mazes and obstacle coursesGameWindows VistaWindows Vista
Video for WindowsMultimedia frameworkAPIWindows 3.1Windows 95DirectShow
Windows Address BookList of contacts that can be shared by multiple appsContact managerInternet Explorer 3Windows XPWindows Contacts, People, or Windows Live Mail
Windows Desktop GadgetsWidget engine for Microsoft GadgetsUser interfaceWindows VistaWindows 7Live tiles
Windows File ProtectionSub-system in the operating system, aims to prevent apps from replacing critical Windows system files.SecurityWindows Me as System File ProtectionWindows XPWindows Resource Protection
Windows JournalNotetaking application that allows for the creation of handwritten notesAccessoriesWindows XP Tablet PC EditionWindows 10 Threshold 2General improvements in Ink API
Windows MessagingE-mail clientE-mailWindows 95Windows 95Internet Mail and News, Windows Mail, or Windows Live Mail
Windows MessengerInstant messaging clientInternet messagingWindows XPWindows XP, Windows Server 2003Windows Live Messenger or Skype
Windows Movie MakerNon-linear video editing softwareVideoWindows MeWindows VistaWindows Live Movie Maker or Microsoft Photos
Microsoft NetMeetingVideo conferencing clientWeb conferenceWindows 95 OSR2Windows XPWindows Meeting Space
Windows Photo GalleryImage organizerPhotoWindows VistaWindows VistaWindows Live Photo Gallery or Microsoft Photos
Windows Picture and Fax ViewerImage viewerPhotoWindows XPWindows XPWindows Photo Gallery, Windows Fax and Scan, Windows Live Photo Gallery, Windows Photo Viewer, or Microsoft Photos
WordPadSimple word processor with basic formatting, successor to Microsoft Write. It has facilities to format and print text, but lacks intermediate features such as a spell checker and thesaurus.Word processorWindows 95Windows 11, version 23H2None
Microsoft WriteSimple word processorWord processorWindows 1.0Windows NT 3.51WordPad

APIs

[edit]

Miscellaneous (to be categorized)

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Shultz, Greg (February 28, 2015). "Control Panel and Settings: Why are both still UI options in Windows 10?". TechRepublic. Retrieved October 7, 2022.
  2. ^ "Get $Windows Camera from the Microsoft Store". apps.microsoft.com. Retrieved October 7, 2022.
  3. ^ "Xbox Support". support.xbox.com. Retrieved October 7, 2022.
  4. ^ Hoffman, Chris (January 4, 2021). "How to See FPS in Any Windows 10 Game (Without Extra Software)". How-To Geek. Retrieved October 7, 2022.
  5. ^ The Xbox Game Bar Team (May 22, 2019). "Introducing the New Xbox Game Bar". Xbox Wire. Microsoft. Archived from the original on September 21, 2019. Retrieved August 21, 2019.
  6. ^ "System Services". technet.microsoft.com. Microsoft. 2014. Archived from the original on November 5, 2017. Retrieved September 2, 2014. The Application Experience service (AELookupSvc) is a part of the Application Compatibility Administrator. It processes application compatibility lookup requests for applications as they are started, provides support for Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista–based computers running apps in compatibility mode, reports on compatibility issues, and automatically applies software updates to apps.
  7. ^ "Description of the Microsoft Computer Browser Service". Microsoft. Archived from the original on January 1, 2015. Retrieved November 3, 2017.
  8. ^ a b Mackie, Kurt (August 16, 2016). "Microsoft Clarifies Windows 10 'Delivery Optimization'". Redmond Magazine. 1105 Enterprise Computing Group. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 27, 2018.
  9. ^ Hachman, Mark (March 29, 2017). "How Delivery Optimization in Windows 10 Creators Update helps avoid data overage fees". PCWorld. IDG. Archived from the original on August 25, 2017. Retrieved January 27, 2018.
  10. ^ Halfin, Dani; Poggemeyer, Liza; Lich, Brian; Kieselbach, Oliver; Childs, Andrew (April 30, 2018). "Configure Delivery Optimization for Windows 10 updates". docs.microsoft.com. Microsoft. Archived from the original on July 23, 2018. Retrieved July 23, 2018.
  11. ^ "Distributed Link Tracking on Windows-based domain controllers". Microsoft. Archived from the original on February 25, 2015. Retrieved October 28, 2008.
  12. ^ "Distributed Transaction Coordinator (MSDTC)". Microsoft. Archived from the original on September 10, 2016. Retrieved June 27, 2008.
  13. ^ "Event Log". Microsoft. Archived from the original on September 10, 2016. Retrieved June 27, 2008.
  14. ^ "What is Indexing Service?". Microsoft. Archived from the original on January 1, 2011. Retrieved June 27, 2008.
  15. ^ "Windows 2000 Professional and Server Service Pack 4 Services Configuration by Black Viper" Archived December 17, 2019, at the Wayback Machine, notice that the service is listed on this page. Retrieved April 2013
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