Windows Vista is an operating system developed by Microsoft and released in January 2007. It introduced a new graphical user interface, enhanced security features, and improved search capabilities. Vista aimed to provide a more visually appealing and user-friendly experience compared to its predecessor, Windows XP. Despite its innovative features, Windows Vista faced criticism for its high system requirements and compatibility issues with existing software and hardware. Over time, it was succeeded by Windows 7 in 2009, which addressed many of the concerns users had with Vista, leading to a more positive reception.