Windows 95 Copy Turns 28: A Rare Find
Windows 95 turned 28 years old in August 2023, marking a significant milestone for one of Microsoft’s most popular operating systems. Despite official support ending in 2001, a new memento has emerged that has captured the attention of collectors and tech enthusiasts alike.
Former Microsoft executive Brad Silverberg, who played a key role in developing and launching Windows 95, recently shared photos of an unopened and shrink-wrapped copy of the operating system from its launch day. This rare find, containing 13 floppy disks, serves as a reminder of a bygone era in the PC industry.
Describing the unopened box as a “priceless memento,” Silverberg expressed his attachment to this piece of history. He recalled, “I have the first copy of Windows 95 that came off the production line. I’ve kept very few mementos from my years at Microsoft. But I kept that one. Priceless.”
Windows 95 revolutionized the PC industry with its introduction of the iconic Start menu, taskbar layout, and the ability to run multiple applications simultaneously. The operating system also played a significant role in boosting PC sales, 32-bit software adoption, and enhancing the overall PC gaming experience for users of that era.