The legendary Windows 95 startup melody has rightfully secured its place in history.
This week, the United States Library of Congress declared that the well-known chime — that calming jingle heard during the boot-up of Windows 95 — has been included in the National Recording Registry (NRR). The sound, immediately recognizable to anyone who used a PC in the ’90s, is now acknowledged as a culturally significant piece of audio.
The startup tone was created by Brian Eno, the acclaimed musician and producer celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to ambient music. It now joins a distinguished roster of audio recordings safeguarded by the Library of Congress for their cultural, historical, or artistic significance. Other recent entries to the registry include Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On,” the original Broadway cast recording of Hamilton, and Elton John’s classic album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.
“These are the sounds of America — showcasing our diverse history and culture. The National Recording Registry represents our ever-evolving nation’s playlist,” stated Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden in a statement. “The Library of Congress takes pride and honor in choosing these audio gems worthy of preservation, featuring iconic music from various genres, field recordings, sports history, and even the sounds of our everyday lives with technology.”
Thus, whether it was the initial sound that greeted you upon starting your childhood computer or a cherished recollection from the early era of personal computing, the Windows 95 startup chime is now officially part of American audio heritage.