How to Change the Windows 10 Startup Sound?
Are you sick of the monotonous noise your Windows computer makes when it first starts up? You have two options for upgrading the Windows 10 launch sound. You can choose to either disable the startup sound or replace it with a different jingle. Even better, you can improve things by personalizing the Windows 10 startup sound. Listen to your favourite song or your preferred TV show’s theme tune.
It’s fairly simple to change the startup sound on a Windows 10 PC. However, you can run into certain problems because of the way your gadget is set up.
You may modify the Windows 10 startup sound with this step-by-step tutorial. The process is easy and just takes a brief amount of your time.
Although Windows 10 is a fantastic operating system, the startup sound can be a little harsh by default. This post will explain how to do so if you wish to switch it to a more pleasant sound or simply disable the sound altogether.
One of the most recognizable noises in computing is the Windows 10 launch sound. It’s a sound that is easily recognizable, and many people have come to adore it. However, some individuals dislike the startup sound or just want to tweak it to add their unique touch.
If it describes you, you should read this guide. In just a few easy steps, we’ll teach you how to modify the Windows 10 startup sound.
What is the Windows 10 Startup Sound by Design?
The first sound you hear when Windows 10 launches is a cheery melody. The notion has been a component of Microsoft’s operating system for years, although the sound changes with (nearly) every major release. Similar to the start-up chirp on Apple computers, many Windows startup sounds have gained notoriety.
One of the most iconic beeps in the computer world, the sound has experienced a few alterations throughout the years.
Even though Microsoft had thought about forgoing startup sounds, they have made a comeback in more recent iterations of Windows.
Therefore, you’ll recognize the melody as originating from Windows 10 the next time you hear it, and you may be proud to use one of the most widely used operating systems in the world. But what if you wish to switch this song to a different one? Find out by reading on!
How to Change the Windows 10 Startup Sound from the Default?
Everybody wants their technology to be personalized and suited to their needs. This includes little particulars like your system’s startup sound. You can use a theme from a previous version of Windows, such as the Windows Vista or Windows 7 theme, on Windows 10. As an alternative, you can even include a unique sound!
Here is a step-by-step tutorial on how to alter the sound if you wish to.
Step 1: First, turn off Fast Startup
The Windows 10 startup sound is silenced when Fast Startup is turned on. Therefore, you must disable Fast Startup if you wish to listen to music while your system boots up. This is how you do it:
To find the Control Panel, first, click the Windows icon in your taskbar. From the search results, start the program.
Changing your Windows 10 Startup Studown Logon and Logoff Sounds
Click Power Options in step two. Change the view mode to either Large or Small icons if you can’t see this.
In the left-side pane, select the link labelled “Choose what the power button does” You’ll be taken to a different page.
You must select the “Change settings that are temporarily unavailable” link before making any changes. Your options will be opened as a result.
Ensure that the option labeled Turn on Rapid startup (recommended) is unchecked. To make the changes effective, be sure to click the Save changes option.
Step 2: Turn on Windows Startup Sound
You must turn on the Windows 10 startup sound in your system after successfully disabling Fast Startup. This is how you do it:
From the context menu that appears when you right-click on the Sound icon in your system tray (located in the taskbar), select Sounds.
Switch to the Sounds tab and confirm that the option to play the Windows Startup sound is selected.
Remember to check your hidden objects by clicking on the up arrow in your tray if you can’t see the sound icon.
Select Apply, then click OK to exit the window.
Step 3: Download Startup Sound Changer
Using a third-party program called Startup Sound Changer is the simplest way to change your startup sound. Downloading it to your computer is simple, secure, and free. The following procedures should be taken after Windows 10’s startup sound has been enabled:
Launch any web browser and go to the download page for Startup Sound Changer.
To begin the download process, click the Free Download icon and adhere to any instructions on the screen. Depending on the speed of your internet connection, this can take a while.
To start the program after the download is finished, double-click the StartupSoundChanger.exe file you downloaded to your computer.
After the software has started, click the Replace option and go to the right area on your computer to find your sound file. Keep in mind that this program only supportss.wav sound files! Use CloudConvert to convert your sound into another format (like MP3).
Click Play to hear a preview of the audio track you choose to use as your startup. Simply close the window whenever you’re satisfied with the song to complete the changes.
The personalized startup sound will play as soon as you restart your computer!
How To Turn Off Windows 10’s Startup Sound?
Some users might want to turn off their system’s startup sound completely. This can be done for several reasons, such as the desire to utilize another software that starts up with a sound or just because you dislike the Windows 10 startup sound.
Here is a simple tutorial on how to turn off your system’s startup sound if you need to.
Select Settings from the Start menu. The Windows I keyboard shortcut can also be used to open the interface fast.
From the menu of choices, select the System button. Many of your sound settings can be found here.
Click the Sounds tab, then double-check that the Play Windows Startup sound checkbox is not checked. Simply click the checkmark to remove it if it is.
Press OK after pressing the Apply and OK buttons. When you restart your system, you will no longer hear any starting noises.
Additional Customization Options For Windows 10
You can modify other aspects of your Windows 10 computer besides sound. Microsoft offers consumers a plethora of options for personalizing their experience. Here are some additional ways to personalize Windows 10:
- Change your background image by launching the Settings app and selecting Personalization Background.
- Change your colour scheme: Go to Settings Personalization Colors to alter the Windows 10 interface’s colour scheme.
- Modify the taskbar’s settings: The taskbar in Windows 10 can be customized extensively. Go to Settings Personalization Taskbar to modify its settings.
- Change your icons by navigating to Settings Personalization Themes Desktop icon settings if you wish to use different icons for your shortcuts and files.
- Modify your lock screen: When you turn on your computer, the lock screen is the first thing you see. Go to Settings Personalization Lock screen to modify it.
- There is probably a way to tweak anything you want on your Windows 10 computer. Microsoft offers users limitless customization options so you may adjust your experience to meet your needs.
Not able to Change Windows 10 Startup Sound? Do This
The length of the audio file is probably to blame if you’ve changed your computer’s startup sound but it still plays the pre-installed melody. The maximum launch sound duration for Windows 10 is 4 to 6 seconds.
Trim the audio file to 6 seconds in WAV format to resolve the issue before trying again. Reduce the file to 4 seconds if the startup sound doesn’t alter after that. To shorten the length of your audio file, you can utilize an online audio cutter or trimmer (like Clideo.com).
The shut-down sound on Windows 10 is similarly limited to the same maximum length. Trim the audio file to a maximum of 4–6 seconds if your PC still plays the default sound after changing the shutdown sound.
Conclusion
You can quickly and easily personalize your computer and make it feel like yours by changing the Windows 10 launch sound. Changing the starting sound is a wonderful place to start, whether you’re searching for a method to annoy your pals or just want to add a personal touch to your PC.
I appreciate your reading. We also hope this information was useful.
How to Disable Startup Sound in Windows 11/10
While the Iconic Windows Startup is pleasing to ears and loved by users, you may sometimes find the need to Disable Startup Sound on your Windows 11/10 computer.
Disable Startup Sound in Windows 10/11
As mentioned above, the only reason to disable the Startup Sound on your computer would be to prevent the possibility of other people around you being disturbed.
Such occasions can range from starting up the computer in a Meeting to starting the computer late at night or very early in the morning.
Hence, Windows 10/11 provides the option to disable the startup sound and re-enable it back again at any other time on your computer.
Steps to Turn OFF Startup Sound in Windows 11
Click on the Start button Settings Icon select Personalization in the left-pane and click on Themes card in the right-pane.
On the next screen, click on Sounds tab in the right-pane.
On the Sound screen, uncheck Play Windows Startup Sound option and click on Apply/OK to save this change on the computer.
From now on, you will no longer find your Windows 11 computer playing the startup sound when you switch ON the computer.
As mentioned above, you can always make your computer to Play the Usual Startup sound by checking the Startup Sound option.
Steps to Switch OFF Startup Sound in Windows 10
Go to Settings Personalization select Themes in the left-pane and click on Sounds in the right-pane.
On the Sound screen, uncheck Play Windows Startup Sound option.
Make sure you click on Apply and OK to save this change on your computer.
From now on, you will no longer find your Windows 10 computer playing the startup sound when you switch ON the computer.
How to Enable or Disable Startup Sound in Windows 10
For many, the Windows startup chime brings back lots of fond memories from their childhood, when their Windows XP or Windows 7 machines used to play a distinctive sound every time the machine was switched on. However, the startup sound no longer plays by default in Windows 10, although, you can still enable it in a few simple clicks. So today, we will show you how you can enable/disable the Windows 10 startup sound in three simple ways.
E nable/Disable Startup Sound in Windows 10
In this tutorial, we will show you three distinct ways to enable startup sound in Windows 10. While the first method is the easiest one (via Sound Settings) and can be done in a few simple clicks, the second one is through the Local Group Policy Editor. The third one, meanwhile, will require you to edit the Windows Registry (Regedit). So without further delay, let’s check out the three ways to enable or disable Windows startup sound in Windows 10.
Note: I am using Windows 10 for this demo, but the methods detailed below will work in Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1 as well.
Method 1: Using Sound Settings
- Right-click or press and hold the ‘Volume’ icon on the bottom-right corner of your Windows Taskbar. Now click or tap on ‘Sounds’.
- In the Sound Settings menu, select the checkbox next to ‘Play Windows Startup Sound’. Now click on ‘Apply’ or ‘OK’ for your change to take effect.
The next time you switch on your Windows 10 computer, it will play your familiar startup sound.
Method 2: Using Local Group Policy Editor
Note: The Local Group Policy Editor is only available in the Pro, Enterprise and Education editions in Windows 10.
- In the Run box, type in gpedit.msc and press Enter or click on ‘OK’ to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
- In the Group Policy Editor window, navigate to Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\System\Logon using the left pane. On the right pane, double-click on the option that says ‘Turn off Windows Startup sound’.
- In the resultant popup window, select ‘Enabled’ or ‘Disabled’ based on your choice. Remember to click on ‘Apply’ or ‘OK’ to save your change.
That’s it. You have now successfully turned on startup sound in your Windows 10 computer.
Method 3: Using Registry Editor (Regedit)
- Open the Registry Editor on your PC by searching for ‘Regedit’ in the Windows Search Bar and choosing the obvious option.
- Within the left pane of the Registry Editor window, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Authentication\LogonUI\BootAnimation.
- In the right pane, right-click on the entry that says ‘DisableStartupSound’ and from the popup menu, choose ‘Modify’.
- The hexadecimal value should be “0” for Enabled and “1” for Disabled. By default, it should be the latter in Windows 10. Make the change according to your choice. Finally, click on ‘OK’ and close the Regedit window.
That’s it. You now know three different ways to enable or disable startup sound in Windows 10. Your machine will now play a sound or tune of your choice every time you fire it up. You can also download a collection of startup sounds from all versions of Windows from the Microsoft Store (free).
Enable/Disable Windows Startup Sound in Windows 10
Windows 10 doesn’t play a startup sound by default, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enable it on your computer. Of course, you can also disable it any time by going through the same process if you don’t like to hear the chime every time you switch on. Meanwhile, since Windows 10 is your platform of choice, you should also check out some Windows 10 tips and tricks, how to use God Mode in Windows 10 and how to use PowerToys on Windows 10 to get the best out of your computer.
Twenty Thousand Hertz Explores The Death Rebirth of Windows Startup Sounds
Hear Part 2 of The Award-Winning Podcast’s Deep Dive Into Microsoft’s Sonic History, Revealing Two Secret Noises Nearly Lost to Time:
“Go listen to this podcast…it’s both a good listen and a funny time capsule. You’ll know immediately when you started using computers as soon as you hear the right startup sound”
Today, Twenty Thousand Hertz — the leading podcast about sound — releases “Windows_Logon.wav,” the second episode in a two-part series uncovering the epic, intricate history of Windows startup sounds. In the first episode “Ta-da! It’s Windows” – which The Verge says to go listen to, if you haven’t – host Dallas Taylor broke down the sonic logos that have introduced millions of computer users to a world of possibilities: from a triumphant “ta-da” in the early ‘90s, to ambient compositions from both Brian Eno and a British rockstar, all the way up until Microsoft made the radical decision to kill the startup sound all together in 2012’s Windows 8.
In “Windows_Logon.wav,” Taylor explores the forces that led to that choice, unpacking how Microsoft channeled the music of language into their new UI sounds, while revealing two secret startup sounds that were nearly lost to time. Featuring conversations with former Microsoft Lead UI Designer Jensen Harris and Sound Designer Matthew Bennett, the episode takes listeners through the death and rebirth of the Windows startup sound.
Windows 8 was a huge revamp, with an all new operating system — so the natural inclination was to create novel, exciting music to kick off the user experience. But after the designers had gone through countless iterations of micro-music and decided on a winner, they realized something: In the 20 years since Windows 3.1, when, where and how people used computers had changed quite a bit. Back in the ‘90s, people would sit down at their desk, press the power button and wait for their machine to boot up — so part of the startup sound’s job was to announce, “Hey, I’m ready to go!”
But in 2005, laptops outsold desktop PCs for the first time ever. Computer usage was now a casual, everyday occurrence — booting up didn’t really need a big fanfare, it was just a given. So with some sadness, former Microsoft Lead UI Designer Jensen Harris decided to turn the new startup sound off by default. But the new sound was still there, buried deep in a media folder, and named “Windows Logon.” Of course, the few people who stumbled across that wav file had no idea just how much time had been spent on it.
Removing the startup sound made the UI sounds even more important. Between Microsoft’s own UI and the myriad of online experiences people were having everyday — IM-ing, Googling, posting and more — platforms were coming together to form a full soundscape of technology, barraging users with noises from all angles. With Windows 8, sound designer Matthew Bennett wanted to create a calmer, more intuitive experience for people. So he designed a suite of soft, gentle tones that all sounded remarkably similar—breaking with the traditional mindset that UI sounds should have a lot of contrast in order to be understood by users.
How to change the Startup sound in Windows 10
With Windows 10, they pushed this concept even further. Embracing the idea that music is a universal language, the Microsoft team began exploring the inherent melody of language, aspiring to create sounds that made sense regardless of background or culture. Ultimately, every sound on Windows 10 was developed around a linguistic sensory model, combining phrases in countless languages to compose sounds based on the contours of spoken language.
Microsoft had removed the startup sound from Windows 8 and Windows 10. But over the years, the team began to hear from people who missed it, nostalgic for the old models — and then the designers realized that some people actually didn’t just miss it, but needed it. Those who were visually impaired, for instance, really needed a startup sound to know when their system was booted up and ready for their input. So with Windows 11, Microsoft decided to bring the startup sound back. Created by composer Phi Bui, with help from Josh Cain and Savoy Schuler, the Windows 11 startup sound was named Petals, as in flower petals. It was meant to represent a small idea blooming into something greater, and it sounded delicate, elegant, and simple.
In the early days of startup sounds, it was trying to make an announcement, celebrating the advent of technology, attracting attention to the grand phenomenon of kicking off the age of computers. In the decades that followed, the primary purpose of UI sounds had changed: now, they were centered around functionality, to support people being productive and being creative.
“I think the future of sound design is less about sound and hearing and more about sound and feeling,” Bennett shared. “It’s all about creating that immersive experience that supports attention and FOCUS, and giving people what they need, when they need it, and then getting out of the way.”
Twenty Thousand Hertz is an Ambie and Webby award-winning show about the world’s most recognizable and interesting sounds. Produced out of the sound design studios of Defacto Sound, the podcast previously revealed the origins of Netflix’s “Ta-Dum” for the first time ever, in addition to dissecting the HBO Theme Static Angel, the McDonald’s “I’m Lovin’ It” jingle, and much more available here: https://www.20k.org/archive
About Twenty Thousand Hertz
Twenty Thousand Hertz is a lovingly crafted podcast that reveals the stories behind the world’s most recognizable and interesting sounds. With 20 million lifetime downloads, 125,000 listeners per episode, and 3 Webby awards to its name, Twenty Thousand Hertz is the world’s leading podcast about sound. Episodes of Twenty Thousand Hertz have been featured on Planet Money, 99% Invisible, Endless Thread, and Every Little Thing. The show has also been covered by The New York Times, Marketplace, Entertainment Weekly, Salon, Popular Science, and many others.
About Dallas Taylor
Dallas Taylor is the host and creator of Twenty Thousand Hertz, a lovingly crafted podcast revealing the stories behind the world’s most recognizable and interesting sounds. Dallas is also the Creative Director of Defacto Sound, where he has led thousands of high-profile sound design projects. from blockbuster trailers and advertising campaigns, to major television series and Sundance award-winning films. Additionally, Dallas is a TED mainstage speaker, a regular contributor to major publications, and a respected thought leader on the narrative power of sound.
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