The startup sound is turned off by default in Windows 10 likely because most users find it not so useful. However, there are few users who would like to turn on the startup sound and set a custom sound as Windows 10 startup sound.
Although turning on and off the startup sound is extremely easy in Windows 10 and earlier versions, changing the default startup sound is not easy. Because Windows 10 (like its predecessors) doesn’t offer an option to change the default startup sound and the audio file used for startup sound is buried in system files, changing the startup sound is not an easy task.
Luckily, there is a free software out there to enable you change the default Windows 10 startup sound.
In this guide, we will see how to turn on the startup sound and change the startup sound in Windows 10.
Enable Windows 10 startup sound
The startup sound is not turned on by default in Windows 10. You need to turn on the startup sound in order to make your Windows 10 PC play the startup sound.
Step 1: Right-click on the volume/sound icon in the system tray of the taskbar and then click Sound to open the Sound dialog.
Step 2: Switch to the Sounds tab. Here, check Play Windows startup sound box and then click the Apply button to turn on Windows 10 startup sound.
You may now restart your PC once to make sure that Windows 10 plays the startup sound upon turning on your PC. The startup sound will play when your PC boots to the lock screen.
If the startup sound is not playing or audible, please make sure that you have not muted your PC’s speakers or check if the volume level is too low.
Change Windows 10 startup sound
The Startup Sound Changer program is not fully compatible with Windows 10. So, we advise not using that program.
Instead, we recommend using the WinAero Tweaker (from the developer of Startup Sound Changer) which offers an option to change the Windows 10 startup sound with ease.
Follow the given below directions to change the Windows 10 startup sound.
IMPORTANT: Changing the default startup sound in Windows 10 requires editing system files. While the program changes the startup sound with ease, we recommend you create a system restore point so that you can restore the original file and sound if things go south.
Step 1: Download, install and run WinAero Tweaker on your Windows 10 PC. Note that after running the setup, you can select the portable version if you don’t want to install the program on your PC.
Step 2: After running the WinAero Tweaker, navigate to Appearance > Startup sound.
Step 3: On the right-side, click Replace startup sound option and then browse to the .WAV audio file that you would like to set as the new startup sound.
As said, the audio file must be in .WAV format only. If you have the audio file in MP3 or any other format, please convert it to .WAV format using an online service or third-party utilities.
Select the audio file, and then click Open button. When you see the prompt, click Reboot now or Reboot later button.
The next time when you reboot your PC, Windows 10 will play the new startup sound.