Redazione RHC : 26 August 2025 12:18
August 24, 2025, marked the 30th anniversary of the launch of Windows 95, Microsoft’s first mass-market 32-bit consumer operating system, which significantly revolutionized the world of personal computing. In the era of limited home Internet connectivity, the software was sold in boxes, and demand was record-breaking: one million copies were sold in the first four days, and approximately 40 million within a year.
Windows 95 represented a turning point in corporate strategy. Following the success of Windows 3.0, Microsoft set out to unite the disparate worlds of MS-DOS and Windows into a single user experience. To reach the widest possible audience, the minimum requirements were kept very low: a 386DX processor, 4 MB of RAM and 50-55 MB of disk space. In practice, many 16-bit “gaming” PCs of the time did not meet these standards, which led to mixed reactions from users at their launch.
The major innovations quickly became industry standards. There was a Start button and menu, a unified interface based on Windows Explorer, a full 32-bit Win32 API, and a pre-selected multitasking environment.
The system ran software from three generations simultaneously—DOS programs, 16-bit Windows applications, and new 32-bit applications—thanks to a hybrid architecture in which the 16-bit DOS “kernel” served as the bootloader and compatibility layer. Even the installer relied on several mini-systems to support the maximum number of PC configurations.
Contrary to popular belief, it wasn’t “DOS 7 with a shell”, but a fully-fledged 32-bit multitasking operating system that set new standards in both technology and marketing.
Official support for Windows 95 ended in December 2001, but its influence is still felt today, from computing habits to approaches to software development and distribution.
The thirtieth anniversary of Windows 95 isn’t just a nostalgic celebration: it represents recognition of an operating system that marked a turning point in consumer computing. With its unified interface, Start menu, and 32-bit multitasking support, Windows 95 laid the foundation for modern operating system standards and changed the way millions of people interact with computers.
The immediate success and mass adoption demonstrate the importance of making technology accessible, keeping minimum requirements low, and combining innovation and convenience. Even today, many of the ideas introduced back in 1995—from user experience to legacy software integration—influence the design of contemporary operating systems, confirming Windows 95’s enduring legacy in the computing world.
When launching Windows 95, Microsoft chose the Rolling Stones’ famous song, “Start Me Up,” as the soundtrack for its advertising campaign. This decision not only made the operating system’s debut memorable, but also marked a turning point in technology marketing.
The choice of “Start Me Up” proved to be perfect: the song’s title perfectly matched the new “Start Button” introduced in Windows 95. However, obtaining the rights to use the song was not easy. According to Brad Chase, Windows 95 marketing manager, Microsoft faced difficult negotiations with representatives of the Rolling Stones, who initially demanded a considerable fee for the use of the song. Brad Chase
Despite the challenges, the deal was reached, and “Start Me Up” became the soundtrack to one of the most iconic commercials in tech history. The advertising campaign, which also included appearances by celebrities such as Jay Leno, Jennifer Aniston, and Matthew Perry, helped make Windows 95 a cultural phenomenon, attracting the attention of millions of consumers worldwide.
This move demonstrated the importance of creative and targeted marketing, capable of associating a technological product with elements of popular culture, creating an emotional connection with the public. The use of “Start Me Up” transformed the launch of Windows 95 into a memorable event, cementing its place in computing history.
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