Windows 1.11 is a Promotion for “Stranger Things”

Last week, Microsoft began mysteriously teasing the first version of Windows on Twitter. Now we know why. It’s just a TV show tie-in.

“Introducing the all-new Windows 1.0, with MS-Dos Executive, Clock, and more!!,” the official Windows account tweeted. It later tweeted about Excel, Chart, and even Flight Simulator,” other Microsoft products from the 1980s. And a lot more.

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The account also changed its profile photo to the original Windows 1.0 logo, which indicated that this system only supported tiled application windows, and not floating windows.

And it changed its header photo to another fun Windows 1.0 image.

Clearly, something was going on. I theorized that Microsoft was inspired by my Programming Windows series and was getting nostalgic for the 1980s again. But no. All it is, is a promotional tie-in for the Netflix series Stranger Things, which just launched its third season, set in 1985, the same year that Windows was first released.

And part of that promotion included a new Microsoft Store app for Windows 10 called Windows 1.11.

“With Windows 1.11, experience 1985 nostalgia with a special edition PC app inspired by Windows 1.0 and Stranger Things 3,” the Microsoft Store says of the Windows 1.11 app. “Play games, discover clues and Easter eggs, and unlock secrets and unique Stranger Things 3 content and more. But, beware the Mind Flayer…”

According to the Store, Windows 1.11 is not currently available for some reason. But it was apparently available previously this weekend, so perhaps that is just a temporary glitch. Expect to see it return to the Store on Monday, July 8.

Speaking of glitch, it’s fun that Microsoft is waxing nostalgic, but The Verge claims that the word “Microsoft” is never even uttered once in Stranger Things season 3, nor do any characters use a PC. (I’ve not watched it yet.) Classic.

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Conversation 17 comments

  • dcdevito

    06 July, 2019 - 10:31 am

    <p>This whole thing is so bizarre, especially since I am yet ti see any Microsoft, Windows or PC reference in Stranger Things (2 episodes in). So odd. </p>

  • ndragonawa

    06 July, 2019 - 11:03 am

    <p>I saw a PC in the newspaper office, but it wasn't used and was just part of the background.</p>

    • Phil Barker

      06 July, 2019 - 12:37 pm

      <blockquote><em><a href="#439983">In reply to Ndragonawa:</a></em></blockquote><p>Yeah it looked like an original IBM PC.</p>

  • MikeGalos

    06 July, 2019 - 11:07 am

    <p>Remember that Microsoft also did a great MS-DOS Mobile app for Windows Phone as an April Fool's Day joke.</p><p>It actually worked and included a mini version of Windows 3.0 and a game (that required you to edit the config.sys to run use himem and support the sound card)</p>

    • safesax2002

      08 July, 2019 - 12:32 pm

      <blockquote><em><a href="#439984">In reply to MikeGalos:</a></em></blockquote><p>That was awesome. Sure miss it.</p>

  • Darekmeridian

    06 July, 2019 - 11:22 am

    <p>lol</p><p><br></p><p>There were computers used in the Season 3 episodes but i don't remember seeing any Windows 1.0, there must be some easter-egg in the show because now the store is asking you to redeem a code.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

  • martinusv2

    Premium Member
    06 July, 2019 - 1:08 pm

    <p>Sad, I would like to try Windows 1 in a VM just for fun. </p>

  • Lordbaal

    06 July, 2019 - 1:42 pm

    <p>I was hoping it was for a 6th season of Halt and Catch Fire.</p>

  • longhorn

    06 July, 2019 - 1:52 pm

    <p>Embrace the modern era with the Windows 95 app.</p><p><br></p><p>https://github.com/felixrieseberg/windows95</p><p><br></p&gt;

  • BlackForestHam

    06 July, 2019 - 10:28 pm

    <p>Nobody cared in ‘85, as Paul and I weren’t the only ones going cuckoo for the upcoming Amiga. And nobody cares today. </p>

  • Intara

    07 July, 2019 - 2:43 am

    <p>They mentioned an Atari in the German version of the series. Atari or Amiga or C64 – these were the computers kids used in the 80ies. </p>

  • SuperCoco

    07 July, 2019 - 3:05 pm

    <p>"<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Windows 1.0 logo, which indicated that this system only supported tiled application windows": Like Windows 10 and all UWP and Tiles garbage. </span></p>

  • dontbe evil

    08 July, 2019 - 2:02 am

    <p>One more UWP app, guess where? in the Store … not bad for 2 dead things according to Thurrot</p>

  • waethorn

    08 July, 2019 - 12:22 pm

    <p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Windows 1.0 cross-marketing was Bill Gates' idea.</span></p><p><br></p><p>There is no mention of PC's or Windows anywhere in the series. This is just one bizarre marketing ploy because of the Gates+Obama tie-in with Netflix designed to push a pro-vax agenda with mutant GMO mosquitoes while you still have that nostalgia of the mid-80's.</p>

  • betsig250

    08 July, 2019 - 1:31 pm

    <p>As a 7 year old in summer 1985, Atari and arcades were the rage. Later that year in October for a late 8th bday present the Nintendo Entertainment System was the bomb. I still hadn't heard of windows then but I for sure knew how to do this. load "*",8,1 :)</p>

  • choicereaderss

    09 July, 2019 - 9:11 am

    <p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Thank you very much for share this important information.</span></p>

  • mrbill

    29 July, 2019 - 2:44 pm

    <p>I ran that off floppy for a day or two on a IBM PC till one of the floppies went bad from all the read/write activity. Added a hard card, that worked for a bit, but I remember it was slow and the ugly mouse with the steel ball was horrendous. </p>

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