Windows 96 is a Web OS that emulates the Windows 9x user interface. The site was created by two people (ctrlz, Dan) during a school drama performance, and was inspired by Ubuntu Online tour, windows93.net, and some other web desktops.
The idea of Windows 96 was conceptualized as a web Windows XP clone in 2017, but the project was abandoned a few weeks later. The project was to be named Windows EXP (creative, right?) and was meant to be a parody OS filled with memes and jokes.
Whilst Windows 96 is still somewhat considered a parody OS by its developers, there is also a massive push towards actual usability and utility. The site is potentially useful for devices which are confined to a browser for external content (e.g. chromebooks).
In some respects, Windows 96 is also a website designed to show off what modern browsers are capable of doing. The idea that an entire OS can be contained in a web page is pretty crazy.
Windows 96 receives many updates in general.
Major updates are labelled as "service packs", minor updates are labelled as "patches", and if enough patches/major updates are applied, the OS version number bumps up.
Windows 96 has had several hugs as of now. A hug is when an influx of users visit your site (aka an unintentional DDoS).