On what date was Windows 95 released to consumers?

Windows 95 was released to consumers on August 24, 1995.

That date refers to the retail launch of Microsoft's consumer operating system. Windows 95 had already been released to manufacturing on July 14, 1995, but the public could buy the boxed retail version beginning August 24. Keeping those dates separate resolves a common mix-up in technology timelines: a product can be finalized and shipped to manufacturers before it reaches consumers.

Windows 95 replaced Windows 3.1 and introduced a dramatically revised interface, including the Start button, Start menu, taskbar, notification area, desktop shortcuts, and Windows Explorer. It also brought improved Plug and Play support, long filenames, and a more substantial 32-bit computing environment, although it still depended on MS-DOS components.

Microsoft promoted the launch with an unusually large campaign, creating lines at stores and extensive media attention. The release became one of the most influential events in personal-computer history. Windows 98 followed in 1998, while mainstream support for Windows 95 ended on December 31, 2000, followed by extended support through December 31, 2001.