Azernews.Az

By Alimat Aliyeva

Sounds from Windows 95 have been added to the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress, Azernews reports.

The registry includes sound recordings deemed worthy of preservation for posterity, based on their cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance. In 2025, the iconic launch sound of Windows 95, Microsoft's legendary operating system released in 1995, was also included.

The soundtrack, now recognized as a national treasure, was composed for Microsoft by British musician and ambient music pioneer Brian Eno. Eno, renowned for his contributions to the ambient genre, created a series of versions for Windows 95. According to the Library of Congress, Eno prepared 84 different compositions for the project, from which Microsoft selected one. The chosen track, which turned out to be nearly twice as long as originally requested, became the unforgettable start-up sound for the operating system. The sound was designed to evoke feelings of "welcome, hope, and progress," the Library of Congress noted, making it not just a technical feature but a cultural touchstone.

In addition to Windows 95, the National Recording Registry in 2025 also included the soundtrack "Volume Alpha" from Minecraft, the best-selling video game of all time. The soundtrack, composed by German producer Daniel Rosenfeld under the pseudonym C418, has become a defining sound of the gaming world and is credited with helping to shape the atmosphere of Minecraft’s expansive virtual world. The inclusion of Minecraft’s music further emphasizes the increasing recognition of video game soundtracks as important cultural artifacts.

Other notable additions to the 2025 registry include Elton John's iconic album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and Celine Dion’s timeless ballad My Heart Will Go On, further highlighting the diversity of works that have earned a place in this prestigious collection.

The inclusion of these works not only preserves important pieces of audio history but also acknowledges the evolving landscape of cultural significance, where video games, digital technology, and their related sounds are becoming just as influential as traditional music and film.