Release Date (U.S. Retail Launch)
On August 24, 1995, Microsoft officially released Windows 95 to the public. This day is remembered as one of the biggest events in personal computing history.
Complete History Timeline of Windows 95
Below is the timeline with key milestones. The table is provided in HTML format so you can embed it directly into your page
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1992 (March) | Development begins under the codename “Chicago,” designed as the successor to Windows 3.1 and MS-DOS. |
| 1995 (July 14) | Release to Manufacturing (RTM) — Windows 95 finalized for OEMs. |
| 1995 (Aug 24) | U.S. retail launch with massive advertising and midnight sales events. |
| 1996 (Feb 14) | OEM Service Release 1 (OSR1) released. |
| 1996 (Aug 30) | OEM Service Release 2 (OSR2) introduced, adding FAT32 support and other improvements. |
| 2000 (Dec 31) | Mainstream support officially ended. |
| 2001 (Dec 31) | Extended support ended; Windows 95 fully retired. |
Behind-the-Scenes Facts (Fun Trivia per Year)
・1992 – Project “Chicago”
Internally named “Chicago,” Windows 95 was originally intended as part of a dual-line OS strategy, but later evolved into a unified OS combining DOS and GUI enhancements.
・July 1995 – RTM Secrets
After the RTM milestone, Microsoft continued last-minute bug fixes and marketing prep before the big public debut.
・August 24, 1995 – The Big Day
The Empire State Building lit up in Windows colors; CN Tower displayed a huge Windows 95 banner.
Rolling Stones’ “Start Me Up” was used in ads to highlight the brand-new Start button. Contrary to rumors of $8–14 million, Microsoft later confirmed it cost around $3 million.
A quirky promotional “Cyber Sitcom” featuring Jennifer Aniston and Matthew Perry taught users how to use Windows 95 in a fun, sitcom-style video.
Over 1 million copies sold in the first 4 days, making it the fastest-selling OS launch at the time.
・1996 – OSR1 and OSR2
OSR updates added FAT32, USB support, and other modern hardware capabilities.
・2000–2001 – The End of an Era
After mainstream and extended support ended, Windows 95 became a nostalgic icon and collector’s item.
Fun Trivia Highlights
Trivia: The “Start Me Up” Strategy
The Rolling Stones song wasn’t just catchy; it directly tied into the brand-new Start button — the first time Windows had one.
Trivia: Midnight Launch Madness
Stores held midnight launches with long lines; entire city skylines lit up to celebrate.
Trivia: “Friends” Cast Promo Video
A 30-minute promotional video featuring Jennifer Aniston and Matthew Perry helped make tech approachable for everyday users.
Key Facts About Windows 95’s Legacy
First OS with a Modern GUI
Windows 95 introduced the Start menu and taskbar, creating the foundation for how we navigate desktop environments today.
Plug and Play Era Begins
It made adding hardware much easier through Plug and Play, reducing the need for manual driver configuration.
32-bit Architecture
By moving to a hybrid 16/32-bit kernel, Windows 95 allowed better multitasking and memory management compared to Windows 3.1.
Massive Marketing Success
Over 1 million copies were sold within the first 4 days, making it one of the fastest-selling software launches of all time.
Global Impact
Although it launched in the U.S. on August 24, 1995, other regions—including Japan—followed later the same year, helping Windows become the dominant global PC OS.
Legacy in Future Versions
Many UI conventions (Start button, taskbar, system tray) remained in Windows 98, XP, and even modern Windows 10/11, showing its lasting influence.
Conclusion
Windows 95 changed the computing world forever. It introduced the Start menu, plug-and-play hardware support, long filenames, and an entirely new user experience. The marketing spectacle around its launch remains legendary — combining technology and pop culture in a way that set the standard for future tech launches.
Even today, nearly three decades later, Windows 95 is remembered not only for its groundbreaking features but also for how it shaped modern user expectations. Its legacy lives on in every Start button and desktop interface we use today. Looking back on August 24, 1995 reminds us how innovation, marketing, and culture combined to change personal computing forever.
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