Unlike older versions like Windows 7, Windows 11 boots silently by default, without any startup sound. While this can help reduce distractions, the startup sound is useful for several reasons—it provides audible feedback when your computer starts, serves as an accessibility feature, and adds a touch of personalization to your Windows experience. Fortunately, you can easily turn on the Windows 11 startup sound quite easily. Once enabled, you’ll hear a chime each time your PC boots, signaling that it’s ready to go.
Of course, if you don’t like the startup chime after enabling it and want your computer to boot silently, you can turn off the startup sound on Windows 11. I will show both, follow the one you need. Let’s get started.
Steps to Turn ON Startup Sound on Windows 11
- Press “Windows key + I” to open Settings.
- Go to the “Personalization” tab on the sidebar.
- Click the “Themes” option on the main panel.
- Click the “Sounds” option.
- Select the “Play Windows startup sound” option at the bottom.
- Click the “OK” button.
- Restart Windows 11.
- With that, the startup sound is enabled on Windows 11.
Detailed Steps (With Screenshots)
First, open the Settings window. The quickest way to do it is by pressing the “Windows key + I” shortcut. Go to the “Personalization” tab in the Settings window and click the “Themes” option on the right panel.
On this page, click the “Sounds” option at the top. This action opens the Sounds panel.
Here, select the “Play sound on startup” checkbox at the bottom and click the “OK” button to save the changes.
Finally, restart your computer. On restart, you will hear the startup chime after every time Windows 11 boots up successfully.
Steps to Turn OFF Startup Sound on Windows 11
If you prefer your computer to boot up silently, you can turn off or disable the startup chime in Windows 11.
- Right-click the Start button on the taskbar.
- Go to the “Personalization“.
- Click the “Themes” option.
- Click the “Sounds” option.
- Uncheck the “Play Windows startup sound” option.
- Click “OK” and reboot Windows 11.
- With that, you’ve disabled the startup chime on Windows 11.
Detailed Steps (With Screenshots)
First, press the “Windows key + I” shortcut on your keyboard to open the Windows 11 Settings app. After opening the Settings app, go to the “Personalization” > “Themes” page.
Here, click the “Sounds” option.
The above action opens the old Sound control panel window. Here, uncheck the “Play Windows Startup sound” option. Finally, click the “OK” button and reboot Windows 11.
The startup sound is disabled, and you will not hear the Windows 11 startup sound on boot.
Wrapping Up — Windows 11 Startup Chime
Whether you’re feeling nostalgic or simply want to add a personal touch to your computer, enabling the startup sound in Windows 11 is quick and easy. Just check the “Play Windows Startup sound” option, and you’re all set. However, keep in mind that, for now, there’s no straightforward way to customize the startup chime. If you prefer a silent boot experience, you can just as easily disable the startup sound with a few clicks. Just follow the steps I’ve laid out.
If you have any questions or need help, comment below. I’ll be happy to assist.