answer to the question
Did a version of Windows ever behave this way?
The short answer is yes. Windows has had a number of different versions over the years, and some of them have behaved differently than others.
The earliest version of Windows, known as Windows 1.0, was released in 1985. It was a 16-bit graphical user interface (GUI) operating system that ran on top of MS-DOS. It was a very basic system, with only a few basic features, such as the ability to create folders and run programs. However, it did not have any of the features we now associate with Windows, such as the Start menu, the taskbar, and the ability to multitask.
The next version of Windows, Windows 2.0, was released in 1987. This version introduced the iconic Start menu, as well as the ability to run multiple programs simultaneously. It also added support for more powerful graphics and a larger number of colors.
Windows 3.0 was released in 1990, and it was the first version of Windows to become widely used. It included many of the features that are still used today, such as the taskbar, the Start menu, and the ability to run multiple programs at once.
The next major version of Windows was Windows 95, released in 1995. This version introduced the Windows Explorer, which made it easier to navigate the file system. It also introduced the concept of plug-and-play, which allowed devices to be connected to the computer without the need for manual configuration.
Windows 98 was released in 1998, and it included some major improvements over Windows 95, such as the Windows Update feature and Internet Explorer. It was also the first version of Windows to include USB support.
Windows XP was released in 2001, and it was the first version of Windows to be sold as a single product. It included a number of new features, such as the Windows Media Player, the Windows Movie Maker, and the Windows Firewall.
Windows Vista was released in 2006, and it included a number of improvements over Windows XP, such as improved security and better graphics.
Windows 7 was released in 2009, and it featured a number of improvements over Windows Vista, such as improved performance and increased stability.
Windows 8 was released in 2012, and it was the first version of Windows to be designed primarily for touchscreens. It included a number of new features, such as the ability to run apps in full-screen mode and the ability to switch between multiple apps quickly.
Windows 10 was released in 2015, and it is the latest version of Windows. It includes a number of new features, such as the ability to access the Start menu from any screen, the ability to snap apps to the side of the screen, and the ability to use multiple virtual desktops.
In conclusion, yes, there have been a number of different versions of Windows over the years, and they have all behaved differently. The earliest versions of Windows were very basic, while the latest versions have included a number of improvements and new features.