Microsoft officially released Windows 95 in August 1995. This was one of the GUI-based Windows programs released by Microsoft, and it had major changes compared to all its predecessors.
When Microsoft released Windows 95, they fully merged MS-DOS and Windows. Unlike the previous versions, users now don’t have to boot into DOS to access the GUI. Though there was still DOS, it was hidden and users were directly booted into the graphical interface.
Windows 95 was a game changer for the Windows operating system ; it introduced elements that are still a core part of modern Windows. Despite being out of support, this OS is still a good option for old PCs.
Windows 95 ISO Download Links
Windows 95 ISO (OSR2)
Windows 95 Hard Disk
About Windows 95
Windows 95 revamped the look of the complete Windows OS lineup. To begin with, it introduced the Desktop, which is still the main workspace for all the latest Windows. The taskbar was a new feature with Windows 95, which made it easier for users to navigate through all the open apps.
In addition, Microsoft released a Start Button with Windows 95 and launched a new Windows Explorer, which made searching through the system’s files relatively easier.
This version of Windows also introduced Internet Explorer, which enabled users to connect to the Internet. Although not initially part of the release, Microsoft started Internet Explorer in 1996 with Windows 95.
Windows 95 Features
This version of Windows offers groundbreaking features and core UI elements that we still see in the latest Windows, including Windows 10 and 11 . These are some of the features of Windows 95 that still make it a usable option for old PCs even after 20 years:
- New UI: Desktop, Start Menu, Taskbar
- Plug and Play support
- Preemptive multitasking
- New Windows Explorer replaced File Manager
- Supports 255-character file names
- Backward compatible with MS-DOS
- Recycle Bin for deleted files
- Added right-click context menu, device manager, and Registry Editor
Windows 95 Screenshots
Windows 95 System Requirements
Here are the system requirements for Windows 95:
| System Requirements | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel 80386 or higher | Intel 80486, Intel Pentium or higher |
| RAM | 4MB or more | 8MB or more |
| Storage | At least 80MB | At least 100MB |
| Display | VGA or higher resolution | VGA or higher resolution |
| Mouse and Keyboard | Microsoft-compatible keyboard and mouse | Microsoft-compatible keyboard and mouse |
