Microsoft releases Windows 95

24th August 1995
Microsoft releases Windows 95

On 24th August 1995, Microsoft released a new version of its Windows operating system, Windows 95.

The release was accompanied by a huge marketing campaign, featuring the The Rolling Stones' 1981 single "Start Me Up", and promotional videos starring Jennifer Aniston and Matthew Perry.

Windows 95 introduced a wide variety of new features, including the Start button, task bar, recycle bin, and desktop shortcuts.

Brian Eno composed a six-second pice of music for Windows 95, played on start-up and known as The Microsoft Sound.

Windows 95 sold 7 million copies in its first five weeks on sale.

Related information:

• Centre for Computing History: Microsoft
• Centre for Computing History: Microsoft Windows 95
• The Register: Start Me Up: 25 years ago this week, Windows 95 launched
• The Music Network: The odd story of how Brian Eno composed the Windows 95 startup sound

Image:

• Bill Gates at Windows 95 launch event
  Credit: Microsoft. Images remain the copyright of the original copyright holder. Used under fair use policy for educational purposes only.

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