Windows 1.04

Overview

Windows 1.04 is the final and most refined release of the Windows 1.x series, introduced in 1987. It is best known for adding support for VGA graphics, making it the most compatible and widely used version of Windows 1.x. Functionally similar to earlier releases, it provides a basic graphical interface on top of MS-DOS with windows, menus, mouse support, and simple multitasking. Windows 1.04 is the recommended version for retro PC users who want the most stable and flexible Windows 1.x experience.

Release Information

  • Release year: 1987
  • Type: Final Windows 1.x release
  • Platform: MS-DOS
  • Last update: No service packs; this is the last revision of Windows 1.x
  • Predecessor: Windows 1.03
  • Successor: Windows 2.03

Build and Distribution

  • Based on the Windows 1.03 codebase with major display driver improvements.
  • First Windows release to support VGA graphics adapters.
  • Distributed on multiple 5.25-inch floppy disks.
  • Included updated printer drivers and expanded hardware support.

System Requirements

Minimum Hardware

  • CPU: 8086 or 8088 processor
  • RAM: 256 KB
  • Storage: Two double-sided floppy drives or one floppy + hard drive
  • Graphics: CGA, Hercules, EGA, or VGA
  • Input: Microsoft Mouse or compatible serial mouse

Recommended Hardware (1987–1988)

  • CPU: 8086/8088 at 8 MHz or higher
  • RAM: 512 KB
  • Storage: 10–20 MB hard drive
  • Graphics: VGA for the best display quality

Maximum Supported Hardware

  • CPU: Up to 80286 (runs in real mode only)
  • RAM: Up to 640 KB conventional memory (DOS limit)
  • Graphics: Full VGA compatibility
  • Storage: Up to ~32 MB FAT12/FAT16 partitions (DOS-dependent)

Supported Components

Graphics Cards

  • IBM CGA
  • Hercules Monochrome
  • EGA
  • VGA (first Windows release to support VGA)

Sound

Windows 1.04 has no built-in sound system. Audio is handled entirely by DOS applications using the PC speaker or external sound hardware supported by those DOS programs.

Input Devices

  • Microsoft Serial Mouse
  • Bus mice (with DOS drivers)
  • Keyboard (full navigation supported)

Storage

  • 5.25-inch floppy drives
  • MFM/RLL hard drives
  • Early IDE drives (with DOS support)

Networking

Windows 1.04 does not include networking features. Any networking would rely on separate DOS networking stacks or third-party solutions.

File System Support

Windows 1.04 depends on MS-DOS for file system support, so capabilities vary with the DOS version installed.

Supported

  • FAT12: Floppy disks
  • FAT16: Early hard drive partitions

Limits

  • Typical maximum partition size: around 32 MB with DOS 3.x
  • No long filenames
  • No NTFS
  • No FAT32

Driver Information

Driver Sources (1980s Era)

  • Included on Windows 1.04 installation disks
  • Bundled with MS-DOS
  • Provided with hardware (graphics cards, mice, printers)

Common Drivers

  • Mouse: DOS mouse drivers such as MOUSE.COM
  • Printers: Expanded list of dot-matrix and daisy-wheel printers
  • Graphics: Updated CGA, Hercules, EGA, and VGA display drivers

Driver Notes

  • VGA support is the major improvement in this release.
  • No dedicated sound drivers are required for Windows itself.
  • No USB support (USB did not exist yet).

Updates & Patches

Windows 1.04 did not receive formal service packs. It is the final and most complete version of the Windows 1.x line, with improved hardware compatibility and VGA support.

Related Versions

  • Windows 1.01: Original U.S. release
  • Windows 1.02: First international release
  • Windows 1.03: Expanded language and hardware support

Installation Notes

Installation Media

  • Multiple 5.25-inch floppy disks
  • Requires MS-DOS to be installed first

Typical Installation Steps (Historical)

  1. Boot into MS-DOS.
  2. Insert the first Windows 1.04 Setup disk.
  3. Run SETUP.EXE.
  4. Select the correct display adapter (CGA, Hercules, EGA, or VGA).
  5. Install mouse driver if available.
  6. Optionally install printer drivers.

Virtual Machine Notes

Windows 1.04 runs well in modern emulators and virtual machines that support MS-DOS:

  • PCem
  • 86Box
  • DOSBox-X
  • VirtualBox (with DOS installed)
  • VMware (with DOS installed)

Known Issues & Fixes

Common Issues

  • Limited to 640 KB of conventional memory due to DOS constraints.
  • Performance can be slow on CGA graphics hardware.
  • No multitasking for DOS applications.
  • No built-in networking.
  • No built-in sound system.

Stability Notes

  • Runs best on period-correct hardware or accurate emulators.
  • VGA support makes this the most stable and compatible Windows 1.x release.

End of Support

  • Windows 1.04 predates Microsoft’s formal support lifecycle. It was effectively unsupported by the early 1990s as newer versions of Windows replaced it.

Retro PC Tips

Best Hardware to Run Windows 1.04

  • IBM PC, XT, or AT class machine
  • 8086 or 8088 CPU
  • At least 512 KB RAM
  • VGA graphics for the best experience
  • Serial mouse

Keeping It Stable

  • Use MS-DOS 3.3 or a similar version for best compatibility.
  • Stick to small hard drive partitions to avoid DOS limitations.
  • Use real floppy disks or accurate floppy emulation.

Finding Software and Drivers Today

Software and drivers suitable for Windows 1.04-era systems can often be found on archival and retro-computing sites, as well as enthusiast forums dedicated to DOS and early Windows.

Running on Modern Hardware

  • Best run inside emulators such as PCem, 86Box, or DOSBox-X.
  • Direct installation on modern PCs is generally not practical due to BIOS/UEFI and hardware incompatibilities.