Microsoft Celebrates 20th Anniversary Of Windows 95 With Free ‘Start Me Up’ Download — The OS Radically Changed Personal Computing

Microsoft triggered the hashtag #Windows95 by making people feel nostalgic about the vintage but insanely successful Windows Operating System that radically altered personal computing for the better.

Windows 95 was launched on August 24, 1995 amidst euphoric fanfare from Microsoft. To commemorate the launch, the company had invited The Rolling Stones to perform their hit song “Start Me Up.” To celebrate the OS’s 20th anniversary, Microsoft allowed everyone to download the song for free, reported the Verge.

The video of the launch of Windows 95 from 1995 may be in low resolution, but it shows the team that developed the OS, including Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer, dancing with feverish enthusiasm. The launch was a really big deal for Microsoft as Windows 95 was the first truly commercial and easily usable full-fledged desktop operating system with a graphical user interface controlled by a keyboard and mouse. Though Windows 3.1 was its predecessor, Windows 95 was much more successful.

Windows 95 was initially launched with a price tag of a little less than $100, and just like in modern times, the purchase was valid for anyone with a powerful enough PC running DOS/3.11. Microsoft also ensured that all the DOS -based programs ran well by ensuring backwards compatibility.

While it is quite rare to find a working computer today that runs Windows 95, it was a rage when it was launched. In fact, those born in the ’80s and ’90s would certainly remember working on the OS. The software’s launch two decades ago was accompanied by a commercial set to “Start Me Up” by The Rolling Stones. Microsoft had offered that iconic track for free, probably because the song will forever be associated with Windows 95, reported Ubergizmo.

Microsoft allowed everybody to download “Start Me Up” by The Rolling Stones for free until 11:59 p.m PST from the Windows Store. Those interested to reminisce about the struggles of working on Windows 95 or simply want to listen to The Rolling Stones could visit the store to download the track. For those who missed the opportunity, here’s the YouTube video:

Windows 95 is certainly a relic now as Microsoft has launched many iterations, including Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and now Windows 10. But the geeks of yesteryears will certainly remember the OS and may even try to load it on their mobile devices that are way more powerful than the computers that ran Windows 95. Who has aged well — Windows OS or The Rolling Stones?

[Image Credit | Don Emmert / Getty Images]