How to Turn Off the Windows 11 Startup Sound

The Return of the Startup Sound

For many years, Microsoft intentionally silenced the Windows operating system. In Windows 8 and Windows 10, the computer booted up silently by default, acknowledging that most people use their laptops in public spaces, offices, or late at night where a sudden, loud jingle is unwelcome.

However, with the release of Windows 11, Microsoft decided to bring back the startup chime to give the operating system a more distinct personality. While the new sound is certainly softer and more modern than the iconic (and aggressive) Windows XP or Windows 95 sounds, it can still be incredibly disruptive if you open your laptop in a quiet library or a sleeping household.

Fortunately, Microsoft left the ability to disable this sound inside the system settings, though it is buried slightly deeper than most audio controls.

How to Disable the Startup Sound in Windows 11

You will not find the startup sound toggle in the standard volume controls or the main “Audio” settings page. Because the sound is considered a part of the operating system’s visual and auditory theme, it is hidden in the Personalisation menu.

1. Click the Start button on your taskbar and open the Settings app (the gear icon). Alternatively, press the Windows Key + I on your keyboard to open Settings instantly.
2. Look at the left-hand sidebar menu and click on Personalisation.
3. On the right side of the screen, scroll down and click on Themes.
4. At the top of the Themes page, you will see a small, rectangular button labeled Sounds (it usually says “Windows Default” underneath it). Click this button.

Using the Hidden Control Panel Window

Clicking the “Sounds” button will open a small, grey window that looks significantly older than the rest of Windows 11. This is a legacy Control Panel window that Microsoft has not yet updated to the modern design.

1. Make sure you are on the Sounds tab at the top of this small window.
2. Look near the bottom of the window, just above the “OK” and “Cancel” buttons.
3. You will see a checkbox labeled Play Windows Startup sound.
4. Uncheck this box.
5. Click the Apply button in the bottom right corner, then click OK to close the window.

Your computer will now boot up completely silently. You can safely close the main Settings app.

Why Is My Computer Still Making a Noise?

If you have followed these steps and you still hear a loud noise when you turn your computer on, the sound is likely not coming from Windows 11 itself.

Many laptop manufacturers (such as Asus, Lenovo, or MSI) program their own distinct “brand chimes” directly into the motherboard firmware (the BIOS/UEFI). This manufacturer sound plays the moment you press the physical power button, several seconds before Windows 11 even begins to load.

Because this sound happens before the operating system boots, the Windows 11 settings cannot control it. To disable a manufacturer’s boot chime, you must restart your computer, press the specific key to enter your BIOS/UEFI settings (usually F2, F12, or Delete), and look for a setting called “Boot Audio,” “POST Sound,” or “Logo Chime” to disable it. Be very careful when changing settings in the BIOS, as altering the wrong setting can prevent your computer from starting.