Microsoft has started airing its much talked about Bill Gates meets Jerry Seinfeld television ad.

The ad takes place in a shoe store and is designed to show how Windows has become a part of the fabric of our lives just like shoe shopping, according to Microsoft.

"Windows is entering a new chapter in our history," said Bill Veghte, senior vice president for online services and the Windows Business Group at Microsoft.

"We are renewing our commitment to consumers and working with our partners to deliver quality and value on the PC across devices and across the web."

More ads are to follow in the campaign, which is backed by information designed to encourage people to get more from the platform and tap into the potential of Windows as it spreads onto mobile and consumer devices, the firm said.

"Customers have told us they want Microsoft to play a more active role in their technology experiences by helping direct them to the specific products, services and technologies that will most benefit their unique needs," said Brad Brooks, corporate vice president for Windows Consumer Product Marketing.

The campaign is the largest consumer marketing event in Microsoft's history. The company allegedly paid $8m (£4.5m) to use the Rolling Stones' Start Me Up as the soundtrack to its Windows 95 launch.