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Launch of Windows 95

Launch of Windows 95

The release of Microsoft’s much-anticipated new operating system was marked by midnight store launches and lines of customers worldwide.

The iconic system, which came on CDs and had a startup sound composed by Brian Eno, introduced the Start button and task bar, recycle bin and desktop shortcuts. It also added support for longer file names and new “plug and play” capability for installing hardware. Windows 95 sold 7 million copies in its first five weeks, becoming the world’s most popular operating system.