As technology has advanced over the years, the various versions of Windows have evolved and improved in functionality and user-friendliness. Here we rank the 10 greatest versions of Windows ever released.

1. Windows 7 – Released in 2009, this version of Windows was a game-changer. It was widely embraced by users and had a robust set of features including improved security, enhanced taskbar, and greater performance.

2. Windows XP – This version was released in 2001 and was widely used until Windows 7 came out. It was praised for its stability, usability, and compatibility with most programs.

3. Windows 10 – This version came out in 2015 and is still being updated regularly. It has a slick and intuitive interface, Cortana voice assistant, and improved gaming performance.

4. Windows 95 – This was the first version of Windows to introduce a user-friendly graphical user interface that revolutionized computing. It paved the way for future versions of Windows.

5. Windows 8 – Despite being a bit controversial since it introduced a new touch-centric interface, Windows 8 had excellent performance and was optimized for tablets and touchscreen devices.

6. Windows 98 – This version of Windows was a significant improvement over Windows 95, offering more features, including USB support, better hardware and software compatibility, and Internet Explorer 4.0.

7. Windows Vista – This version of Windows was a mixed bag. It had a slick interface, but its technical requirements were relatively high, and it suffered from instability issues. Compatibility issues with older software also plagued this version.

8. Windows ME – This version of Windows was released in 2000 and was intended to be an upgrade to Windows 98. However, it was plagued with stability issues and had a bad reputation in the computing world.

9. Windows NT 4.0 – Released in 1996, this version of Windows was designed for business use and was an excellent alternative to Unix and other operating systems.

10. Windows 3.1 – This version of Windows was released in 1992 and was the first version that supported virtual memory and could take advantage of the Intel 386 processor.

In conclusion, these are the top ten greatest versions of windows with windows 7 taking the lead. Although some versions were plagued with issues, they have all contributed to the advancement of technology over the years. Windows continues to evolve and provide an excellent user experience for its users.