For the first time since Windows 7, Microsoft resurrected the startup chime for Windows 11. By default, every time you turn on your computer and the lock screen appears, the operating system plays a bright, orchestral chord.
If you work in a quiet office environment, or if you frequently boot up your laptop late at night while others are sleeping, this loud musical chime is highly disruptive and unnecessary.
You can easily silence your machine by diving into the legacy audio configuration menus.
How to Disable the Startup Sound
This setting is not located in the primary volume controls; it is tied to your desktop theme.
- Open the Windows 11 Settings app by pressing
Windows Key + I. - In the left-hand navigation pane, click on Personalization.
- In the main right-hand menu, click on Themes.
- At the top of the Themes page, you will see a small square button labeled Sounds (it will likely say “Windows Default” underneath it). Click this button.
A classic, legacy Windows properties box will appear on the screen, opening directly to the “Sounds” tab.
- Look near the bottom of this small window, just below the large scrolling list of program events.
- You will see a checkbox labeled Play Windows Startup sound.
- Uncheck the box so it is completely blank.
- Click Apply in the bottom right corner, and then click OK.
You can now close the Settings app. The next time you power on your computer, the boot sequence will be completely silent, allowing you to sign in without disturbing anyone nearby.