UPDATE: In a surprising twist, the seemingly obsolete Windows 95 operating system is still actively utilized, notably on a farm near Düsseldorf, Germany. This revelation comes just after the software celebrated its 30-year anniversary on August 24, 2025.
Daily operations on the farm involve an egg sorting machine powered by Windows 95, which efficiently processes up to 40,000 eggs each day. The machine, measuring approximately 40 by 40 meters (or 131 by 131 feet), meticulously sorts eggs by size, weight, and origin, packaging them into boxes for supermarket distribution.
Farmer Peter Huber shared, “Windows 95 has been running smoothly ever since this thing was installed here. If something hangs somewhere, I just reboot. And then it boots up again on its own. It runs more smoothly than newer programs.” This reliable performance highlights a unique relationship between old technology and modern agricultural needs.
The software’s primary function is to record sorting results, with an equally vintage Brother printer still compatible with Windows 95 handling the necessary printouts. Huber faces a daunting challenge: if the printer fails, he will need to source another outdated model due to the original programmer being unreachable for updates or patches. Should the software fail completely, Huber would have to revert to manual record-keeping, a labor-intensive process.
Despite the looming risks, Huber has no plans to replace the egg sorting machine, which would cost as much as a house yet provide no significant benefits over the current system. As Windows 95 continues to operate effectively, its relevance in the agricultural sector raises intriguing questions about the longevity of technology.
The persistence of Windows 95 in such a critical role emphasizes the unexpected intersections of technology and industry. This story not only showcases a nostalgic reflection on tech history but also highlights the everyday realities faced by farmers in a rapidly evolving world.
As the tech landscape continues to advance, the story of Windows 95 reminds us that sometimes, older systems can still hold their ground, proving that the past can indeed coexist with the present.
Stay tuned for more updates on technology’s influence in unexpected places.
