Windows 95 came out 25 years ago with a big marketing campaign

Microsoft released Windows 95 exactly 25 years ago. The operating system was presented with a dance by leading figures such as Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer. Microsoft also made a promotional video with Jennifer Aniston.

Windows 95 was the successor to Windows 3.11 and was a big step forward for Microsoft. The operating system combined DOS with Windows and the graphical interface was completely renewed. Microsoft introduced the taskbar and start menu in Windows 95, elements that are still in use today. Plug-and-play technology also made its appearance; hardware was first automatically recognized when installing the operating system.

To run Windows 95, at least an Intel 386DX CPU, 4MB ram and 55MB HDD space were required. Virtual memory also had to be used in this minimal configuration; 8MB ram was therefore recommended. Windows 95 came on a CD, but was also released on floppies. The basic version contained thirteen 3.5 “floppies.

Microsoft sold Windows 95 with a commercial that contains the song Start Me Up by The Rolling Stones. The event that celebrated the release of the new operating system on August 24, 1995, featured big names like Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer dancing on stage to that music.

Microsoft also had an extensive promotional video made with Jennifer Aniston and Matthew Perry in the lead. In the half hour cyber sitcom the actors show novelties such as the File Explorer. Microsoft spent $ 200 million on marketing for Windows 95.

Internet Explorer 1.0 was also introduced together with Windows 95. However, the browser was not a standard part of the operating system, but was part of the Plus package with additional software, which Microsoft offered at the time for a fee.

Windows 95 was succeeded by Windows 98 three years later, but received updates until December 31, 2001. If you want to return to a bygone era, you can start a virtual version of the operating system, including the characteristic sounds, in the browser.