By Key Points
- Windows 11 test build plays Vista startup chime
- Issue found in Dev Channel build 26200.5651
- Microsoft acknowledges and jokes about the bug
- Fix is underway to restore Windows 11 boot sound
If you’ve been testing the latest version of Windows 11 and heard a very familiar chime during startup, you’re not imagining things. Microsoft has accidentally replaced the Windows 11 boot sound with the nostalgic boot tone from Windows Vista in its newest Dev Channel preview build.
There appears to be a bug where the Windows Vista/7 startup sound is used in the latest Windows 11 Beta and Dev channels
— Xeno (@XenoPanther) June 13, 2025
The unusual change appeared in Windows 11 Dev build 26200.5651, released last Friday. After users reported the odd sound, it was traced back to the imageres.dll file, where the startup sound is stored. Instead of the calm and modern chime associated with Windows 11, users were greeted with Vista’s more dramatic and memorable sound — one that hasn’t been heard officially in over a decade.
We added this as a known issue for today’s Dev and Beta Channel flights.
— Brandon LeBlanc (@brandonleblanc) June 13, 2025
Microsoft quickly addressed the issue in the release notes, stating:
“This week’s flight comes with a delightful blast from the past and will play the Windows Vista boot sound instead of the Windows 11 boot sound. We’re working on a fix.”
Although the cause hasn’t been fully explained, many online believe the wrong audio file was mistakenly included during the build process.
Also worth noting is that Microsoft has been testing more audio-related changes, similar to how platforms are working on innovative audio overview features for easier content discovery.
Microsoft has accidentally swapped Windows 11’s startup sound with Windows Vista’s 😲 The boot sound switch is in the latest preview build of Windows 11, and Microsoft says it’s a bug it will fix. Full details: www.theverge.com/news/687417/…
— Tom Warren (@tomwarren.co.uk) 16 June 2025 at 14:57
Microsoft Embraces the Mix-Up with Humor
This kind of glitch might have confused in the past, but in 2025, it sparked amusement. Brandon LeBlanc from the Windows Insider team chimed in on X (formerly Twitter), joking that he “went in and had some fun with the sound files in Windows and thought folks needed a blast from the past” — before confirming that it was, in fact, just a bug.
I went in and had some fun with the sound files in Windows and thought folks needed a blast from the past 😉 You did say how much you loved Vista.
— Brandon LeBlanc (@brandonleblanc) June 13, 2025
The timing of the issue is also interesting. Just days before, Microsoft made a tongue-in-cheek remark suggesting that Apple’s new Liquid Glass UI resembles its old Aero Glass design from Windows Vista. While that comparison was more about visuals than sound, the sudden return of a Vista element — even by accident — made headlines.
The boot sound swap was unintentional, but it opened a floodgate of nostalgic posts online. Many users found the mishap charming, calling it a “fun bug” and reminiscing about their time using Windows Vista, a version of Windows that, while criticized in its time, left a design legacy.
This wave of tech nostalgia seems to be on trend lately — from Microsoft’s retro sound bugs to Nintendo Switch 2’s upcoming sales boost, the industry keeps blending the past with the present.
It’s an actual bug.
— Brandon LeBlanc (@brandonleblanc) June 13, 2025
The Legacy of Startup Sounds in Windows
This bug serves as a reminder of how deeply embedded sounds are in the Windows experience. From Windows 95’s iconic startup to Windows XP’s cheerful tune, and now Windows 11’s soft chime, each version’s boot sound carries emotional weight for users.
The Windows 11 boot sound was carefully crafted to match the OS’s modern, minimal aesthetic. It’s subtle, calming, and reflects the design simplicity of today’s user interfaces. In contrast, the Vista sound was richer and more orchestral, fitting the bold Aero Glass visuals of its time.
For many, hearing the Vista sound unexpectedly was more than a bug — it was an emotional callback to their early computing years. Startup sounds have always served as a subtle but powerful part of Windows branding. That’s why this small glitch sparked such a big response.
Interestingly, this isn’t the only area where sound tech is making waves. Audio continues to evolve across devices, whether it’s in the Anker Sleep A30 earbuds designed for better rest or Sony’s WH-1000XM6 headphones offering deep audio with generous perks.
This shows that even minor changes — like the Windows 11 boot sound — can ignite strong feelings across the tech community. It also proves how much people notice even the smallest details in system updates.
What Happens Next for Dev Channel Users
As expected, Microsoft is already working on a fix. Future Dev Channel builds will return to the correct Windows 11 boot sound, and this Vista-era mishap will fade into another fun footnote in Windows development history.
For now, if you’re part of the Windows Insider Dev Channel and using build 26200.5651, you’ll continue to hear the Vista sound until the next update rolls out. There’s no manual way to change it without editing system files, and Microsoft doesn’t recommend doing that.
This also serves as a lighthearted reminder of why preview builds exist — to catch bugs, test features, and get community feedback. And sometimes, they deliver a surprise throwback that makes you smile (or jump out of your seat if your volume is too high).
Microsoft isn’t the only company testing bold ideas. Even on mobile, Android’s next version is expected to bring big shifts — read about the latest Android 16 changes that could redefine how smartphones behave.
While the Windows 11 boot sound will soon be restored, the chatter around this mix-up will live on as one of those rare, funny tech stories where a bug actually brought joy to users instead of frustration.
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