Share this article
Latest news
With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low
Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app
Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities
Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount
Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier
Windows 11 22H2 startup sound quality is getting lowered by Microsoft
3 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
Share this article
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Key notes
Microsoft Executive Vice President and Chief Product Officer, Panos Panay, has been on an unrelenting campaign to educate users about just how quality-focused Windows 11 really is.
The Redmond-based tech company’s main concern is to deliver a superior product, unparalleled in quality and client friendliness.
However, it seems that Microsoft decided to reduce the quality of certain aspects of the new operating system, an action that sort of contradicts all previous statements.
We’re referring to the user-friendly and warm startup sound for Windows 11, which apparently took a quality hit when least expected.
Microsoft lowers Windows 11 startup sound quality
It seems that Microsoft has further plans for its latest OS that contradict statements made not that long ago, about everything that has to do with Windows 11 being superior.
We said that because, allegedly, the tech giant has lowered the bit rate of the Windows 11 Startup sound in the upcoming version 22H2, Sun Valley 2.
The audio file for the Windows 11 startup sound has a reduced bit rate of 1,536 Kbps, compared to the 2,304 Kbps it had in last year’sbuild 22463.
This change was noticed in Beta Channelbuild 22621, which has been confirmed to be theRTM releasecandidate for Windows 11 22H2.
During Nickel’s development, the Windows 11 startup sound in imageres.dll.mun had its bitrate lowered from 2304 to 1536.pic.twitter.com/WIxIDGuPbr
We’re actually looking at a 33% reduction in the bit rate, which let’s be honest, will not ultimately lead to a perceptible difference in the fidelity of the Windows 11 startup sound.
Some netizens say that Microsoft has also made changes to the music itself, mentioning that the silence at the very start of the sound has been slightly prolonged in Build 22621.
We’re not saying that this might be the end of Windows 11 as we know it. However, some users, using high-fidelity sound equipment, may be ticked off by this reduction.
As for the rest of us, happy with a regular pair of headphones or a plain pair of PC speakers won’t really realize that something happened in the first place.
And, since we’re on the topic of Windows 11, remember that Microsoft releasedBuild 25163to the Dev Channel, with some prettyimportant changes coming to the Store.
Two days ago it also releasedbuilds 22621.436 and 22622.436 (KB5015888)to the Beta Channel, along with a new tutorialvideo series for Windows 11 beginners.
KB5015882also brought some important fixes, in case you didn’t catch up yet. Also, if you are a Windows OS enthusiast, keep in mind that Microsoft will release new operating systems once every 3 years.
With that in mind, don’t forget to check all the updates surroundingWindows 12and a potential 2023-2024 release.
Considering what you just read, what is your take on Microsoft lowering the Windows 11 startup sound quality?
Share your opinions and thoughts with us in the comments section below.
More about the topics:Windows 11 Software & Apps
Alexandru Poloboc
Tech Journalist
With an overpowering desire to always get to the bottom of things and uncover the truth, Alex spent most of his time working as a news reporter, anchor, as well as TV and radio entertainment show host.
A certified gadget freak, he always feels the need to surround himself with next-generation electronics.
When he is not working, he splits his free time between making music, gaming, playing football, basketball and taking his dogs on adventures.
User forum
0 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Alexandru Poloboc
Tech Journalist
With a desire to always get to the bottom of things and uncover the truth, Alex spent most of his time working as a news reporter.
