Windows 95 was the operating system that allowed Microsoft to go mainstream. It opened up PCs to many people who lived far outside the tech enthusiast bubble. Now, its iconic start-up sound has been officially recognised as having historic value.

Windows 95 democratised the PC by making the user interface easy to understand and control. It was also one of the first to emphasise multimedia features, and made it possible for people to make and share art and music. It was also the first version of Windows to include Internet Explorer, letting many take their first steps into the World Wide Web, as it was known in those days.

The start-up chime can still bring a pang of nostalgia to those who remember it, and the United States Library of Congress has recognised its value and decided to add it to the National Recording Registry, or NRR.

The NRR is an expansive library of sounds that are considered to have cultural or historical significance. The pieces listed for inclusion in 2025 include Elton John's hit album “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” along with the original cast recording of the Hamilton stage musical.

“Under the terms of the National Recording Preservation Act of 2000, the Librarian of Congress, with advice from the National Recording Preservation Board, selects 25 titles each year that are “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” and are at least 10 years old.”

National Recording Registry

Legendary musician composes iconic sound

The Library of Congress blog post announcing the inclusion also features some information on how the Windows 95 start-up sound was created. The short tune was composed by legendary British musician Brian Eno, who is best known for his work with Roxy Music.

Brian Eno delivered 84 sound elements to Microsoft. The Windows 95 design team then spent a while sorting through the options until the iconic sound was decided on. Amazingly, the sound we are now familiar with was originally considered to be too long. However, the team thought it properly conveyed the “sense of welcome, hopefulness and progress,” that they wanted.

Further details on the 2025 list of NRR additions can be found on the LoC website.

About the Author

Rebecca Hills-Duty

Writing and journalism experience at VRFocus, UploadVR, The Escapist, HTC, PC Gamer, Tech Radar+ and Dexerto. Can sometimes be found playing with retro tech.