The reason for Microsoft’s recent, mysterious throwback tweets and Instagram posts has finally been revealed. It turns out that the posts were in reference to Microsoft’s newest collaboration with the Netflix show,Stranger Things.
According to an emailed press release from the technology company, as of Monday, July 8, Microsoft and Netflix are launching a collaboration to celebrate the premiere of the third season ofStranger Things.The third season of the hit show from Netflix is set in 1985, which happens to be the same year Microsoft celebrated its 10-year anniversary, and the release of Windows 1.0.
On July 1, Microsoft posted nearly identical social media posts onTwitterandInstagram, announcing what seemed to be a new (’80s-style) operating system named Windows 1.0. At the time, Microsoft hadn’t released any further details on Windows 1.0, at least not anything beyond a“totally tubular” reply tweet. Which only added to the confusion and to the pile of follow-up questions we had for these posts: Why include an ’80s throwback theme in the ad? And what’s up with that pale blue logo at the end paired with the sad, plain serif font? That new logo seems important to whatever Microsoft has planned, because both of Microsoft’s Twitter and Instagram accounts feature it as the profile picture.
In the days since, Microsoft continued to post more nostalgic, cryptic social media posts, including a tweet posted on July 5, with the biggest clue yet: A Netflix logo emblazoned on an old computer screen:
Before we move forward, are you sure you're ready to go know where? .— ..- .-.. -.– / —..pic.twitter.com/iX2237uYsK
— Windows (@Windows)August 02, 2025
A full week later, on July 8, Microsoft announced the reason behind the weird posts: Its new collaboration with Netflix, which is essentially a joint celebration of everything related toStranger Thingsand anolder version of Windows OS. The collaboration is supposed to include a new Windows 1.11 app, freeStranger Things-themed coding camps for teens, andStranger Things-inspired Xbox content and prizes.
The Windows 1.11 app is available for download on theWindows websiteand contains Paint and other Terminal programs from Windows 1.0, as well asStranger Thingscontent and puzzles.
Microsoft is also offeringStranger Things-themed STEM coding camps for teens (13 and over) at Microsoft Store locations. The camp program is called Camp Know Where and interested teens can register at a Microsoft Store oronline.
Lastly, Microsoft’sStranger Thingscampaign also includes an Xbox contest in which fans can win a Stranger Things prize pack: aStranger Things 3collectible arcade cabinet, an Xbox One X, and a 12-month membership for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (which includes Xbox Live Gold).
