Why Microsoft Jensen Harris Killed the Windows Startup Sound

[Brink]

It was me—I killed the Windows startup sound. From the earliest versions through Windows 7, logging into Windows played a sound. In 2010, I had it removed, never (so far) to return in any future version. Why did I do it?

Was it malice? Incompetence? Or was there more to the decision? Learn the history of computer startup sounds, and hear the story and the design thinking behind why I removed the sound from the Windows user interface. AND... there's a bit of a reveal at the finish, so stay tuned all the way to the end.

   Tip

How to Turn On or Off Play Windows Startup Sound in Windows 10

 

[file3456]

That takes me back.

You know, this is where Microsoft is messing up. Trying to put a Surface OS on a desktop computer. There really should be two versions. Mobile and desktop. But hey! All about those profits, right?

This used to be my startup sound back in ~2007. Box

 

[BlueGuy]

Right!