In recent Windows 11 preview builds, an unexpected bug has surfaced: the startup chime has been replaced by the 20-year-old Windows Vista startup sound. This nostalgic glitch has caught the attention of users and developers alike.
Microsoft acknowledged the issue earlier this month, noting that the Vista startup sound was inadvertently introduced in the latest Windows 11 preview builds. While some speculated that this was a deliberate nod to nostalgia, especially in light of Apple's recent "Liquid Glass" announcement, Microsoft has denied any intentional connection. The company is actively working to restore the correct startup sound.
In the most recent Windows 11 preview builds released this week, Microsoft attempted to address the issue. The fix was successfully implemented in the Beta Channel; however, the Dev Channel still exhibits the incorrect chime. The updated release notes state, "This fix for this issue unfortunately is not working correctly in this build." Brandon LeBlanc from the Windows Insider team acknowledged the failed attempt, assuring users that the fix will be included in the next Dev flight.
This discrepancy between the Beta and Dev channels highlights the complexities of the Windows 11 preview program. Despite similar changelogs, underlying differences can lead to unexpected outcomes, underscoring the challenges developers face in maintaining consistency across builds.
Beyond the startup sound issue, the latest Windows 11 preview builds have introduced notable features, including a new Home page for Recall and enhanced customization options for system indicators. While these additions offer users more control, some popular feedback requests, such as the ability to move the taskbar to the top or sides, remain unaddressed. Nonetheless, Microsoft's responsiveness to user feedback suggests that further improvements may be on the horizon.
The startup sound has long been a significant aspect of the Windows experience. In Windows 11, Microsoft reintroduced the startup chime after its absence in Windows 8 and 10, responding to user feedback and accessibility considerations. The current bug serves as a reminder of the intricate interplay between system components and the importance of thorough testing in software development.
As Microsoft continues to refine Windows 11, users can anticipate further enhancements and resolutions to existing issues, ensuring a more polished and user-friendly operating system.
Source: Neowin Microsoft failed to fix Windows Vista startup sound in Windows 11, but it is not giving up
