On This Day: 24 August 1995 – Windows 95 Released
Here are the Top 10 reasons why the release of Windows 95 still matters.
On 24 August 1995, Microsoft launched Windows 95, a release that changed how the world used personal computers. For many, it was the first time a PC felt easy, friendly, and made for everyday people.
1. The Day Computers Changed
Before the Windows 95 release, most people had to type commands on a black screen. It was hard and confusing if you weren’t a tech expert. Microsoft Windows 95 changed that with a colorful desktop, icons, and windows you could click and drag. For the first time, computers looked simple enough for anyone to try.
2. A Rock Concert for Software
The Windows 95 launch event didn’t feel like a normal tech release. Microsoft made it a show. Bill Gates was on stage, and the Rolling Stones’ song Start Me Up played—a fun nod to the new Start menu in Windows 95. It was the first time software became a cultural moment.
3. Midnight Madness
Across the United States, stores opened at midnight for the Windows 95 launch. People lined up outside as if waiting for a new movie. Shoppers carried home big boxes with CDs and manuals. In just a few days, millions of copies were sold. For many, this was their first step into the world of Microsoft operating systems.
4. The Famous Start Button
The green Start button in Windows 95 became the heart of the new system. Everything—programs, documents, and settings—was in one easy place. This single feature gave people confidence to explore their PC without fear of mistakes.
5. The Taskbar Revolution
Along with the Start menu came the Windows 95 taskbar. Users could switch between programs with a single click. It may seem normal now, but at the time it was revolutionary. That little strip at the bottom of the screen became a standard feature in every Microsoft Windows version that followed.
6. Plug and Play Magic
Adding printers or scanners before 1995 was a nightmare. With Windows 95 Plug and Play, the system could detect devices on its own. It wasn’t always perfect, but it was a major step forward. This feature made personal computers less scary for first-time users.
7. Meeting the Internet
The mid-90s was also the start of the internet era. Windows 95 and Internet Explorer gave people a way to connect online. With dial-up support built in, homes could now browse the web, send emails, and explore new opportunities. Windows 95 helped bring the internet to millions of users worldwide.
8. Flaws and Frustrations
Windows 95 was popular, but it wasn’t perfect. Many users remember the blue screen of death in Windows 95. Crashes were common, and the system was heavy for the hardware of the time. Still, people kept using it because the benefits far outweighed the problems.
9. Impact in India
In India, the Windows 95 operating system arrived at just the right time. During the late 90s, more schools, offices, and homes adopted computers. Windows 95 made them easier to use. Students could learn faster, office workers could manage files with ease, and first-time users weren’t afraid to try. It played a key role in India’s growing computer culture.
10. A Lasting Legacy
The legacy of Windows 95 is still visible today. The Start menu, taskbar, and user-friendly design are part of every modern version of Windows. Even Windows 10 and 11 carry the DNA of 1995. For many, it was their first step into the personal computing world—a step that changed technology forever.
Final Thoughts
On this day, 24 August 1995, Microsoft didn’t just launch software. It launched an idea: that computers could be for everyone. Windows 95 turned PCs from complex machines into everyday tools for homes, schools, and offices. It wasn’t perfect, but it was unforgettable.
References
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Microsoft Official Blog – History of Windows (https://blogs.windows.com)
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The New York Times Archive – Microsoft Releases Windows 95 (August 1995)
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BBC News – How Windows 95 Changed the PC World (https://www.bbc.com)
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PCMag – Windows Through the Ages: From 95 to 11 (https://www.pcmag.com)
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The Guardian – Remembering Windows 95 and the Start Button Revolution (https://www.theguardian.com)
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CNET – Windows 95: A Look Back at the OS That Changed Everything (https://www.cnet.com)
