Windows 11 Users Report Hearing the Classic Vista Boot-Up Melody
Microsoft has released Windows 11 build 27898 , packed with useful new features like smaller taskbar buttons, enhanced Quick Machine Recovery options, and various under-the-hood improvements. But among the updates, users have noticed something unexpected — and quite nostalgic: the return of the classic Windows Vista startup sound .
Yes, you read that right. Once again, the familiar five-note chime from Microsoft’s much-maligned OS is making an appearance — at least for now.
A Nostalgic (and Accidental?) Surprise
The return of the Vista startup melody isn’t entirely new. Just a few weeks ago, a similar bug appeared in earlier Dev and Beta Channel builds , sparking rumors and even some wild speculation about whether Microsoft was intentionally reviving it as part of a retro design trend.
Some even linked it to Apple’s recent macOS redesign, joking that Microsoft might be experimenting with nostalgia-driven UX choices. However, Microsoft quickly clarified that it was just an unintended error — not a feature rollout.
Still, despite attempts to fix it, the sound returned once more in build 27898 , this time appearing in the Canary Channel , which typically hosts experimental and early-stage development builds.
What Users Are Hearing
When booting up devices running Windows 11 build 27898 , many users report hearing the unmistakable “Windows is starting” tune first introduced in Windows Vista back in 2007.
This is not the modern, minimalist Windows 11 startup sound introduced in 2021 — but the full, nostalgic version that instantly transports longtime Windows users back in time.
As expected, reactions are mixed:
- Some users find it amusing and enjoy the trip down memory lane.
- Others are confused or annoyed by the sudden blast from the past.
Official Response from Microsoft
Brandon LeBlanc, Senior Product Manager for the Windows Insider Program, addressed the issue on X:
“This is unintentional — we’re working on restoring the correct startup sound in an upcoming update.”
In short: if you’re enjoying the throwback vibe, savor it while it lasts. It won’t be around forever.
Is This Bug Here to Stay?
Unlikely. While the sound seems to be triggered by a misconfiguration or leftover assets from older system files, Microsoft has already acknowledged the issue and plans to fix it in a future update.
So, for those who love the nostalgia, consider this a brief and unexpected gift from the Windows engineering team.
For everyone else? Don’t worry — the modern Windows startup tone should return soon enough.
How to Change or Disable the Startup Sound
If you’d rather skip the nostalgia trip, Windows gives you full control over startup sounds:
- Open Settings
- Go to Personalization > Themes > Sounds
- Under the Sounds tab , locate the “Windows Startup” event
- Choose a different sound or select None to disable it entirely
You can also choose a custom WAV file if you’d like to personalize your PC’s startup experience.
Final Thoughts
While it may seem like a small detail, the reappearance of the Windows Vista startup sound in a modern Windows build reminds us how deeply tied sound design is to our perception of technology. Whether it’s a bug or a hidden Easter egg, its return has sparked conversation — and a bit of fun — across the Windows community.
So, enjoy the Vista vibes while they last — and stay tuned for the next Canary update, where everything will likely go back to normal.
