The Early Windows 95 Builds Microsoft DIDN'T Want Us To See

Windows 95 began development in earnest in mid-1992 under the codename "Chicago". A combination of a few other internal projects at Microsoft, 95 would create the template that Windows would follow for years to come. So, let's chart its development process with the help of some leaked Chicago builds! Support The Channel: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ctrlaltrees Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/ctrlaltrees Episode Links: Betawiki Chicago Builds: https://betawiki.net/wiki/Windows_95 Featured Builds Downloaded From Archive.org: https://archive.org/details/chicago-collection Photo Credits & Additional Info: https://ctrl-alt-rees.com/2025-02-13-the-early-windows-95-builds-microsoft-didn-t-want-us-to-see.html VIP Superfan Steves & Executive Producers: 🐢 Action Retro: https://www.youtube.com/ActionRetro Alyxx The Rat: https://www.youtube.com/AlyxxTheRat Arthur Ludwiczak ANE-ZWNBSP BitterBlitter Catriona Christian Langeland Craig Over Damouze Endzs Erik Erik Has Beard, Plays Games: https://www.youtube.com/blcollier Justin D. Morgan: https://www.youtube.com/c/jdmcs Karl Bate Kevin Leah (AKA Zoinks!) Laurent Mark 'Kurbeco' Simpson Naokia Saito: https://www.youtube.com/@NaokisRC Peter (Melair) polymatt: https://www.youtube.com/@polymatt Richard Shears Simon Green Steve's Tech Shed: https://www.youtube.com/StevesTechShed stween Tim's Retro Corner: https://www.youtube.com/@TimsRetroCorner Vanessaira: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpTtrHwPGoEpSTZW6amhROw Socials: Official ctrl-alt-rees Discord: https://discord.gg/5k922pd8PW BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/ctrl-alt-rees.com Mastodon: https://oldbytes.space/@ctrlaltrees Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctrl.alt.rees Chapters: 00:00 The Chicago Story & Windows 95 Launch 03:56 1992-07-20: Build 07200022 08:47 1993-08-09: Build 58s 14:22 1993-11-23: Build 73f 19:41 1994-03-17: Build 89e 21:45 1994-06-10: Build 122 [Beta 1] 24:24 1994-09-21: Build 189 [Beta 1.4] 29:22 Final Conclusions & Summary