The U.S. Library of Congress has added the iconic Windows startup sound and music from the video game Minecraft to its National Recording Registry. Both audio pieces were recognized as culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant contributions to American sound heritage.
The Windows startup sound, introduced with Windows 95, was composed by musician Brian Eno and has since become one of the most recognizable digital audio cues in the world. Meanwhile, the calming and minimalist soundtrack of Minecraft, originally created by composer Daniel Rosenfeld (known as C418), has defined the atmosphere of one of the most popular games in history.
Each year, the Library of Congress selects 25 recordings for preservation that reflect the richness of American audio culture. The inclusion of these digital sounds marks a growing recognition of the impact of technology and gaming on modern life and collective memory.
The list also features works from legendary artists like Green Day and The Notorious B.I.G., alongside historical recordings and landmark speeches.
