Guide to Adding Windows 95 Startup Sound or Any Other Sound to Windows

2024/03/30

Key Notes

Disable Fast Boot to enable the startup sound.
Navigate through the Control Panel to access sound settings.
Edit the registry to add startup sound options.

Nostalgia Reborn: Adding the Windows 95 Startup Sound to Windows 11

Are you longing for the nostalgic Windows 95 startup sound? This guide will walk you through adding this iconic jingle to your modern Windows 11 system. It’s more than just customization; it’s a journey back to the joyful days of early computing. Install the sound and reminisce each time you power up your device.

Step 1: Disable Fast Boot

Step 1: Turn Off Fast Boot

To ensure your startup sound plays, you must first disable Fast Boot. This feature keeps your system in hibernation, preventing the actual startup process that triggers sound playback. To do so, click Start, type control panel, and hit Enter.

Pro Tip: Change the ‘View by’ option to ‘Large icons’ for easier navigation.

Then, navigate to Power Options. Within the Power Options window, select Choose what the power buttons do and uncheck the Turn on fast start-up box. If the option is not available, click Change settings that are currently unavailable, then uncheck the box.

Step 2: Enable the Windows 95 Startup Sound

Step 2: Activate Windows Startup Sound

Next, you must enable the startup sound. In Windows, go to Start again, search for Change system sounds, and select it. Alternatively, you can right-click on the speaker icon in the notification area and select Sound settings.

In the Sound settings, click the Sounds tab and ensure Play Windows Start-up sound is checked. Click Apply to confirm.

Step 3: Download the Windows 95 Startup Sound

Step 3: Get the Windows 95 Sound File

To use the classic Windows 95 sound, download or convert it to a .wav file. You can find the original sound online. Ensure the file is in the correct format because Windows won’t play it otherwise. Websites like Sound Bible or Orange Free Sounds offer this nostalgic sound. Simply right-click and save it as a file.

Step 4: Replace the Windows 11 Startup Sound

Step 4: Set Your New Sound as the Startup Tone

Unfortunately, Windows 11 hides the startup sound option. To make it available, you need to edit the registry. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press OK.

Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Sound. Double-click ExcludeFromCPL and set its value to 0. This enables the option back in your Sounds settings.

Once done, return to the Sound tab, find Windows logon, and select Browse to upload your downloaded sound file. Alternatively, place your sound file in C:\Windows\Media, enabling it via the sound settings.

Finally, assign the Windows 95 sound as your logon sound, apply the changes, and restart your PC to enjoy the classic startup jingle!

Step 5: Troubleshoot Startup Sound Issues

Step 5: Resolve Common Sound Issues

If you’re encountering problems with sound playback, check these items:

Your sound file must be in .wav format. Convert any other formats as needed.
Ensure your sound file is playable without issues—corrupted files will not work.
Verify your speakers are functioning and not muted before booting Windows.
Sometimes Bluetooth connections can delay audio playback, causing you to miss the startup sound.
You can troubleshoot sound settings through Windows’ built-in troubleshooting tools.

Additional Tips

Don’t just settle for the startup sound; explore other Windows sound schemes to personalize your PC further.
Try customizing notification sounds for a more personalized experience.
For more extensive customization options, consider looking into third-party sound management tools.

Summary

By following this guide, you can efficiently add the beloved Windows 95 startup sound to your Windows 11 system. You’ll relive the nostalgia every time your PC boots up by disabling Fast Boot, enabling the startup sound, downloading the appropriate sound file, and navigating simple registry edits.

Conclusion

Enjoy the joy that comes from revisiting the classic sounds that defined early computing. Whether you’re a long-time fan or have just discovered the nostalgic properties of the Windows 95 sound, take the plunge into customization and transform your Windows 11 experience!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I use other sounds aside from the Windows 95 startup sound?

Yes, you can replace the startup sound with any .wav audio file by following the same steps outlined in this guide.

What happens if the startup sound does not play?

If the sound does not play, confirm it’s a .wav file, check your sound settings, and ensure that your speakers are working properly before the system starts up.