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Windows 95
August 24, 2020

Looking back—The 25th Anniversary of Windows 95

Windows 95 was launched on August 24, 1995, introducing us to many of the experiences our customers still use to interact with their PCs today such as the Start menu and Taskbar. Over the past 25 years, we have evolved these experiences, building on this rich history of innovation. Join us in looking back at how Windows has changed over the years to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more!

In addition to this video looking back at Windows 95, we have also done a special two-part episode of this month’s Windows Insider Podcast where Jason Howard interviews two engineers who worked on Windows 95 and still work at the company:

  • The Start of Something Different, Part 1: In the first part of this month’s two-part episode, Jason is joined by Raymond Chen, a Principal Software Engineer in Windows. He reflects on the history of Windows 95 and the early days of application compatibility and testing. You can also read more Windows history from Raymond through his blog here called The Old New Thing.
  • The Start of Something Different, Part 2: In the second half of this month’s two-part episode, Jason is joined by Chris Guzak, a Principal Software Developer in Windows. They explored the history of iconic Windows 95 experiences including the Start menu, Taskbar, and the early days of software usability testing.

I was a 12-year-old aspiring Windows geek when Windows 95 came out and after it did, all my neighbors were getting their first PCs so they could get on the Internet. I was obsessed with learning the in’s and out’s of Windows 95 and after I did, I was going to all my neighbors houses and helping them learn how to use their PCs and browse the web. Do you have a favorite Windows 95 memory? Share it with us by replying to us on Twitter with the #Windows95 hashtag!

Thanks,
BLB