Microsoft fixes Windows 11 glitch that played Vista startup sound as a jab at Apple
In an unexpected twist, some Windows 11 Insider build users found themselves greeted by the familiar sound of the Windows Vista startup chime. Contrary to initial speculations, this was not an intentional move by Microsoft, but rather a bug that was eventually fixed.
The bug, which was discovered among Windows Insiders, caused the Windows Vista boot sound to play instead of the usual Windows 11 chime in preview builds, including build 27913. Microsoft acknowledged the issue as an accidental one and promised a fix, which was delivered in build 27913. The release notes explicitly state that the issue was fixed, saying, "Fixed an issue where the Windows Vista boot sound was unexpectedly being used instead of the Windows 11 boot sound."
Rumours swirled when the bug's timing coincided with Apple's release of its Vista-esque Liquid Glass UI. Some speculated that Microsoft was deliberately trolling or planting an Easter egg. However, Microsoft quickly denied any such intentions, confirming that it was a simple mistake in the code that their engineers worked to resolve over several months.
This incident serves as a reminder of the attention users pay to even the smallest interface details, such as startup sounds, and the nostalgic impact of classic OS elements within modern releases. It's worth noting that startup sounds have been a constant presence in Microsoft's operating systems since the launch of Windows 3.1.
Jensen Harris, former Director of Program Management for the Windows User Experience team, has shared insights about Windows startup sounds. Harris even revealed the jingle that was created for Windows 8 but never used. Interestingly, a slight variation of this jingle was also made for Surface PCs.
In a quirky turn of events, this bug resulted in a fun surprise blast from the past for some users. Microsoft, in a nod to the nostalgia, later released a slo-fi remix of all Windows startup sounds from throughout history.
[1] Microsoft (2021). Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27913. [Online]. Available: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-insider/builds/27913
[2] Microsoft (2021). Release notes for Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27913. [Online]. Available: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-insider/builds/27913/notes
[3] The Verge (2021). Microsoft confirms Windows 11 Vista startup sound was a bug, not a feature. [Online]. Available: https://www.theverge.com/2021/8/10/22624160/microsoft-windows-11-vista-startup-sound-bug-fix
[4] The Guardian (2021). Windows 11 Insider build 27913: What you need to know. [Online]. Available: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/aug/10/windows-11-insider-build-27913-what-you-need-to-know
- Despite the Windows 11 Insider build users hearing the Windows Vista startup chime, Microsoft confirmed it was a bug, not their intention to evoke nostalgia.
- Microsoft acknowledged the issue in the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27913 release notes, stating that the problem with the Vista boot sound was fixed.
- The unexpected playback of the Windows Vista startup sound coincided with Apple's release of Liquid Glass UI, leading to speculation about Microsoft's motives, which the company swiftly denied.
- Reflecting on the incident, it highlights the importance of minor interface details like startup sounds in modern technology and the impact of classic OS elements on modern releases.
- Jensen Harris, former Director of Program Management for the Windows User Experience team, has revealed insights about Windows startup sounds, including the jingle created for Windows 8 but never used, and its slight variation for Surface PCs.
- In a humorous twist, Microsoft later released a slowed-down remix of all Windows startup sounds throughout history as a nod to the nostalgia stirred by the bug.
