Microsoft

Microsoft 236-00017 Windows NT Workstation 4.0 (Old Version)

5.0 (1 reviews)

A legacy business operating system that brought Windows 95 ease of use to NT's enterprise-grade reliability and security.

$59.99*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 28, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 occupies an important place in computing history as the operating system that brought the reliability of the NT kernel to everyday business desktops. Released in 1996, it paired the Windows 95 shell — complete with the Start menu, Taskbar, and desktop shortcuts — with the preemptive multitasking, memory protection, and security model of Windows NT. For IT departments of that era, it offered a compelling alternative to Windows 95 by providing crash resistance and user-level security without sacrificing interface familiarity.

This package includes a single-user license and ships with built-in administration utilities such as Setup Manager, Windows NT Diagnostics, User Profiles, and System Policies. These tools gave administrators centralized control over workstation configurations across a network. While this product is long past its supported lifecycle and unsuitable for modern use, it remains a sought-after piece of software history for retro computing enthusiasts and organizations maintaining legacy equipment that depends on NT 4.0 compatibility.

Specifications

Brand
Microsoft
Product
Windows NT Workstation 4.0
Model
236-00017
License
1-User
Interface
Windows 95 Shell
Included Tools
Setup Manager, Windows NT Diagnostics, User Profiles, System Policies

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Enterprise-grade stability and security not found in consumer Windows versions of the same era
  • Familiar Windows 95 interface reduces the learning curve for business users
  • Includes management tools like Setup Manager, User Profiles, and System Policies for IT administration
  • Lightweight system requirements compared to later NT-based operating systems

👎 Cons

  • Extremely outdated software with no security patches or support from Microsoft
  • Incompatible with modern hardware, drivers, and contemporary software applications
  • Limited multimedia and plug-and-play support compared to Windows 95 and 98
  • Single-user license limits deployment flexibility

Frequently Asked Questions

It was designed as a desktop operating system for business computing, combining the familiar Windows 95 interface with the stability and security architecture of the Windows NT platform.
This is a 1-user full license for Windows NT Workstation 4.0.
It uses the Windows 95 user interface, including the Start button, Taskbar, Shortcuts, Network Neighborhood, and My Computer.
No. Windows NT Workstation 4.0 is a legacy product intended for vintage or period-correct hardware. It will not run on modern PCs and is no longer supported by Microsoft.