It was Microsoft's main operating system for home users until the introduction of its successor Windows XP on October 25, 2001.

Although Windows Me was still ultimately based around MS-DOS like its predecessors, access to real-mode DOS was restricted to decrease system boot time.

[7] Windows Me was initially positively received when it was released; however, it soon garnered a more infamous reputation from many users due to numerous stability problems.

Known as Development Preview 1, it was very similar to Windows 98 SE, with the only major change being a very early iteration of the new Help and Support feature that would appear in the final version.

[12] The first beta version was released to testers and the industry press on September 24, 1999, with the second coming on November 24 that year.

[13] By early 2000, Windows Me was reportedly behind schedule, and an interim build containing the new automatic update feature was released to allay concerns about a delayed-release.

However, Thurrott alleged that the real motivation behind both case to force software developers to move to Windows 2000.

[14] Three days later, following a write-in and call-in campaign by hundreds of readers, Microsoft announced that Windows Me (including development versions) would ship to MSDN subscribers after all.

Microsoft also apologized personally to Thurrott, claiming he received misinformation, though in a follow-up article he stated that it was "clear that the decision [...] actually changed".

[12] Shortly after Windows Me was released to manufacturing on June 19, 2000,[17] Microsoft launched a marketing campaign to promote it in the U.S., which they dubbed the Meet Me Tour.

The two files thus contain only settings and preferences which configure the "global environment" for the computer during the boot phase or when starting a new virtual DOS machine (VDM).

Several features of its predecessors did not work or were officially unsupported by Microsoft on Windows Me, including Automated Installation,[42] Active Directory client services,[43] System Policy Editor,[44] Personal Web Server and ASP.

Other features that were removed or never updated to work with Windows Me included Microsoft Fax,[46] QuickView and DriveSpace, as well as the GUI FAT32 conversion tool.

[56] However, in order to give customers more time to migrate to newer Windows versions, particularly in developing or emerging markets, Microsoft decided to extend support until July 11, 2006.

[63] Windows Me initially received generally positive reviews, with reviewers citing the operating system's integrity protection (branded as "PC Health") and the new System Restore feature as steps forward for home users.

[66][10] As time went on, reception of Windows Me became more negative, to the point where it was heavily panned by users, mainly due to stability issues.

Retrospectively, Windows Me is viewed as one of the worst operating systems of all time, being unfavorably compared to its immediate predecessor and successor.

[8][9][10] A PC World article dubbed Windows Me the "Mistake Edition" and placed it 4th in their "Worst Tech Products of All Time" feature in 2006.