Back in August 2023, Windows 95 celebrated its 28th birthday, marking a nostalgic milestone for tech enthusiasts. Official support for Windows 95 ceased in 2001, making way for successors like Windows 98, XP, and Vista—each evolving with new features and advancements, though not without their own quirks and challenges.
We’ve often fondly recalled our experiences with Windows 95, a time of both joy and frustration. But now, a remarkable artifact has surfaced: the original, untouched copy of Windows 95—the very first one ever produced. Still wrapped in its pristine packaging, this piece of computing history holds significant value, especially among collectors.
Who possesses this invaluable relic? None other than Brad Silverberg, a former Microsoft manager pivotal to Windows 95’s development and launch. As a memento of his time at Microsoft, Brad acquired this first-ever edition, crafted on the historic “Release to Manufacturing” day of July 14, 1995, complete with its 13 floppy disks for the OS upgrade.
Recently, Brad shared a glimpse of this rare treasure on social media, describing it as a “priceless memento” that continues to hold a special place in his heart.
Windows 95 left an indelible mark on the tech landscape, hailed for innovations like the Start menu and taskbar. It revolutionized PC gaming with titles such as Age of Empires, Diablo, and Command & Conquer, driving hardware advancements and the popularity of 32-bit software.
Despite its successes, Windows 95 wasn’t without flaws—security vulnerabilities and infamous blue screens tested users’ patience. Nevertheless, its impact was profound, laying the foundation for Microsoft’s future achievements.
