Microsoft put Weezer’s Buddy Holly on Windows 95 just for “fun” — but only after a legal battle no one talks about
February 15, 2026
In a recent installment of his Old New Thing series, Raymond Chen, a seasoned software engineer at Microsoft, unveiled a fascinating narrative surrounding the multimedia content included in the Windows 95 CD. This story not only highlights the creative vision behind the product but also illustrates the intricate negotiations that Microsoft navigated to overcome copyright challenges that could have jeopardized their plans.
Behind the Scenes of Windows 95
During a time when Microsoft was less focused on artificial intelligence and more on delivering an engaging user experience, the company sought to enhance the appeal of Windows 95 with an array of multimedia extras. As Microsoft pivoted towards user feedback to refine Windows 11, it’s interesting to reflect on how they approached multimedia integration in the past.
Initially, Microsoft secured the rights to use audio content, but the next hurdle was visual media. The video component was particularly noteworthy, as it featured a recreation of the beloved television show Happy Days, which originally aired in the late 1950s through the 1980s. This posed a unique challenge for the software giant.
Chen elaborated on the complexities involved: “Clips from that show were spliced into the music video to create the illusion that many of the characters from the show were part of the video.” This required the legal team to reach out to the original cast members for their consent, including the iconic Henry Winkler, known for his portrayal of Arthur ‘The Fonz’ Fonzarelli. Remarkably, the lawyer tasked with this endeavor found great enjoyment in the assignment, navigating the permissions with enthusiasm.
Such behind-the-scenes stories not only reveal the lengths to which Microsoft went to enrich the Windows 95 experience but also serve as a reminder of the collaborative spirit that underpins successful innovation in the tech industry.
What’s the most memorable Windows 95 extra for you? Let me know in the comments.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentralto share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
Microsoft put Weezer’s Buddy Holly on Windows 95 just for “fun” — but only after a legal battle no one talks about
In a recent installment of his Old New Thing series, Raymond Chen, a seasoned software engineer at Microsoft, unveiled a fascinating narrative surrounding the multimedia content included in the Windows 95 CD. This story not only highlights the creative vision behind the product but also illustrates the intricate negotiations that Microsoft navigated to overcome copyright challenges that could have jeopardized their plans.
Behind the Scenes of Windows 95
During a time when Microsoft was less focused on artificial intelligence and more on delivering an engaging user experience, the company sought to enhance the appeal of Windows 95 with an array of multimedia extras. As Microsoft pivoted towards user feedback to refine Windows 11, it’s interesting to reflect on how they approached multimedia integration in the past.
Initially, Microsoft secured the rights to use audio content, but the next hurdle was visual media. The video component was particularly noteworthy, as it featured a recreation of the beloved television show Happy Days, which originally aired in the late 1950s through the 1980s. This posed a unique challenge for the software giant.
Chen elaborated on the complexities involved: “Clips from that show were spliced into the music video to create the illusion that many of the characters from the show were part of the video.” This required the legal team to reach out to the original cast members for their consent, including the iconic Henry Winkler, known for his portrayal of Arthur ‘The Fonz’ Fonzarelli. Remarkably, the lawyer tasked with this endeavor found great enjoyment in the assignment, navigating the permissions with enthusiasm.
Such behind-the-scenes stories not only reveal the lengths to which Microsoft went to enrich the Windows 95 experience but also serve as a reminder of the collaborative spirit that underpins successful innovation in the tech industry.
What’s the most memorable Windows 95 extra for you? Let me know in the comments.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.