It’s of great significance! Former Microsoft manager shows off first-ever retail version of Windows 95

[ Tinydeal Technology News]According to Tinydeal, a former Microsoft manager recently released a photo showing the retail version of Windows 95 nearly 30 years ago. This isn’t just a universal release: it’s the first one to roll off the production line.

First retail version of Windows 95

According to German media reports, Brad Silverberg has had a successful career as a computer scientist, developer, and investor. He worked at Microsoft through the 1990s and was one of the key people responsible for developing and launching Windows 95.

At the request of the German media, Silverberg posted a photo on his X account showing the first retail version of Windows 95 ever produced by Microsoft. As Silverberg explains, it’s a copy of an operating system so important to Microsoft, still in its original foil-sealed packaging.

On July 14, 1995, almost exactly 29 years ago, managers at Microsoft were excited. The then three-year-old project for a new version of Windows was about to be completed. At that time, Silverberg, the head of Microsoft’s personal systems department, was in charge of Windows. His colleague, David Cole, was directly responsible for Windows 95 product development. Together, they submitted the signatures of the so-called “Golden Master.” Afterward, production of a batch of retail boxes began.

Silverberg still has a piece of paper that came with the first version of Windows 95. It featured an image of the iconic Start button that Microsoft first introduced with the new operating system. The note also said: “We produced the first Windows 95 on Friday, July 14, 1995, at 5:15 PM.”

After production began, the Windows team held a party on the company’s campus in Redmond to celebrate the launch, which remains legendary in Microsoft circles. Those present also received a somewhat “special” version. Microsoft released this Windows 95 “Special Edition” 3,000 times and gave it away to journalists, partners, and employees.

Original Windows 95 “Special Edition”

People are currently trading special editions on eBay, with prices sometimes reaching around 2,000 euros (approximately RMB 15,750). However, Silverberg’s first retail version of Windows 95 could be worth much more.