In August 2023, Windows 95 turned 28, a reminder of its enduring legacy in the tech world. Support for the OS ended in 2001, making room for subsequent editions like Windows 98, XP, and Vista, each bringing new features and, inevitably, new challenges.
We’ve often looked back fondly on our experiences with Windows 95—a mix of nostalgia and exasperation. But now, a truly remarkable artifact has come to light: the original, unopened copy of Windows 95—the very first one ever produced. This pristine piece of computing history, still in its shrink-wrap, holds immense value, particularly among collectors.
And who is the custodian of this invaluable relic? None other than Brad Silverberg, a former Microsoft manager who played a pivotal role in Windows 95’s development and launch. For Brad, acquiring this inaugural edition, created on the momentous “Release to Manufacturing” day of July 14, 1995, with its 13 floppy disks for installation, was a poignant reminder of his time at Microsoft.
Recently, Brad shared an image of this rare treasure on social media, describing it as a “priceless memento” that holds significant personal meaning.
Windows 95 made significant strides in computing, introducing innovations like the Start menu and taskbar. It revolutionized gaming with titles such as The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall, Diablo, and Grand Theft Auto, fueling hardware sales and popularizing 32-bit software.
Despite its successes, Windows 95 faced criticism for security vulnerabilities and frequent crashes. Yet, its impact was undeniable, paving the way for Microsoft’s subsequent achievements and shaping the future of personal computing.