What Day Was the release of Windows 95?

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Microsoft released Windows 95, a major overhaul of its operating system that introduced the Start menu and taskbar, interface elements that (in evolved form) remain part of Windows to this day.

The launch was marked by an unusually large marketing campaign, including licensing the Rolling Stones' "Start Me Up" for its advertising and long overnight lines at some retailers.

Windows 95 was also notable for being one of the first mainstream operating systems to build in native, simplified internet and dial-up networking support for everyday consumers.

The operating system's release event, held on Microsoft's campus, included a spoof video co-starring Jay Leno and Bill Gates, an unusually elaborate promotional effort for a piece of software at the time.

Reviewers at the time noted the operating system required a comparatively steep hardware upgrade for many existing PC owners, an early example of new software driving a wave of consumer hardware purchases.