Do you know that the first version of Windows wasn't called "Windows" at all, but rather "Interface Manager"? Thankfully, the codename didn't stick, because "Microsoft Interface Manager 11" isn't as unique as "Windows 11."

So, why did Microsoft decide to call its OS just “Windows”? Let’s find out.

Why Is Windows Called “Windows”?

Before we get into the specifics of why Microsoft chose the name "Windows" for its flagship operating system, it's important to understand the context. Or, in this example, the technological scene at the time Microsoft decided to create Windows.

In the 1980s, operating systems featuring a graphical user interface (GUI) were uncommon. Computers had single-task operating systems to meet their needs back then. A command prompt was used to control these single-tasking systems. MS-DOS is a good example of such an operating system.

However, these operating systems were difficult to operate because the commands had to be remembered. Not only that, but you had to keep track of the OS's current status as well. For example, in order to travel to your destination, you had to first figure out where you were in the file directory.

In his Palo Alto lab, Xerox developed the first prototype GUI to address these issues.

Users could just look at the screen and tell what was going on, thanks to Xerox's GUI which reflected the state of the OS on the screen. At the time, the GUI displayed each function or software in its own window on the screen.