Microsoft eliminates the lingering scent of Vista from the Windows 11 Insider Preview
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More than a month after its introduction, Microsoft has finally resolved the issue that caused the Windows Vista boot sound to play on modern Windows 11 machines. The bug, which was first noticed in some Windows 11 Insider Preview builds in June, has been a source of frustration for many users.
The problem, referred to as "Proof that Windows 11 is really the new Windows Vista" due to its similarities with the reviled operating system, Windows Vista, was a known issue for Microsoft. The company acknowledged the problem and announced plans to fix it.
The bug was introduced in a Windows Insider Preview build in June and affected users heard the Windows Vista startup sound instead of the intended Windows 11 boot sound. The fix involved Microsoft's internal update flow, replacing the legacy sound reference with the correct Windows 11 boot sound in the affected preview builds.
Microsoft officially stated that they had fixed an issue where the Windows Vista boot sound was unexpectedly being used instead of the Windows 11 boot sound. The fix was rolled out by late July, ending user experiences of the "blast from the past" Vista sound during startup in Windows 11 Insider previews.
Windows 11, like Windows Vista, has been criticised for its hardware compatibility issues, unwanted gadgets, and widgets. However, with the resolution of this bug, Microsoft has taken a step towards improving the user experience for Windows 11 Insider users.
[1] Microsoft Support - Fixed an issue where the Windows Vista boot sound was unexpectedly being used instead of the Windows 11 boot sound (https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/fixed-an-issue-where-the-windows-vista-boot-sound-was-unexpectedly-being-used-instead-of-the-windows-11-boot-sound-c1c8d73f-d640-4f8a-b76e-f703c6d2c0c0)
[2] The Verge - Microsoft fixes Windows 11 boot sound bug that played the Windows Vista boot chime (https://www.theverge.com/2025/7/28/22518624/microsoft-windows-11-boot-sound-bug-fixed-windows-vista-boot-chime)
[3] Windows Central - Microsoft fixes Windows 11 boot sound bug that played the Windows Vista boot chime (https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft-fixes-windows-11-boot-sound-bug-that-played-windows-vista-boot-chime)
[4] TechRadar - Microsoft fixes Windows 11 boot sound bug that played the Windows Vista boot chime (https://www.techradar.com/news/microsoft-fixes-windows-11-boot-sound-bug-that-played-the-windows-vista-boot-chime)
[1] The resolution of the Windows Vista boot sound issue marks a step forward in refining the user experience on Microsoft's latest operating system, Windows 11, highlighting their commitment to hardware compatibility and AI-driven technology innovations.
[2] As advancements in AI integration and technology continue to shape the future of Windows, eradicating bugs like the Windows Vista boot sound issue demonstrates Microsoft's focus on providing a seamless and unified experience for their users.
