Windows 10 lets you enable or disable the built-in Windows startup sound through the Sound control panel, but it does not provide a normal supported Settings command for replacing that startup sound with any WAV file you choose.
Turn the Windows startup sound on or off
- Open the Windows sound settings or Control Panel sound options.
- Open the Sounds tab in the Sound dialog.
- Find Play Windows Startup sound.
- Check or clear the box depending on whether you want the startup sound enabled.
- Select Apply, then OK.
Why changing the actual startup audio is different
Older Windows customization guides often use Registry changes, resource-file modifications, scheduled tasks, or third-party utilities to substitute a different startup sound. Those methods are not equivalent to a supported Windows personalization setting and can stop working after updates.
For safer sound customization
If your goal is simply to personalize Windows audio, use the supported sound-scheme controls for system events that Windows exposes in the Sounds tab. Avoid modifying protected Windows files merely to change startup audio.
Windows 10 normal support ended October 14, 2025. On an older PC, moving to a supported operating system is more important than applying unsupported startup-sound modifications.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
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