To the surprise of many insiders, the latest beta version of Windows 11 has brought out the startup sound of an older Microsoft OS. A simple bug? We remain perplexed.
Windows 11 has just received its new Patch Tuesday on June 11, 2025. On this occasion, Microsoft added many new features to its OS, such as a more comprehensive HDR mode, a file search boosted by Copilot AI, and the integration of an FAQ in Settings to learn more about its configuration.
Members of the Insider program were also treated to a new beta version of the OS. The program includes new experiences for Copilot+ PCs, a redesigned Recall export function, and a redesigned clock/calendar in the notification center.
Windows 11 starts... with the sound of Vista!
In this build 26200.5651 (developer channel), however, experienced user XenoPanther made a rather surprising discovery. For some reason, the usual Win 11 startup sound has been replaced by the one from… Windows Vista! “The WAVE file inside imageres.dll.mun (folder where the startup sound is located) has had the Win11 startup sound replaced by the Vista sound,” he wrote on X.
Shortly after publishing his discovery, a Microsoft executive reacted on the social network. And it's no small feat, namely Brandon LeBlanc, Senior Program Manager of the Insider program: “I went in and played around with the Windows sound files and thought people needed a little boost from the past. You mentioned how much you loved Vista,” he said. Without further ado, XenoPanther suggested that it would have been more appropriate to opt for the Windows 95 startup sound. This is because the OS is about to celebrate its 30th anniversary in August. To which LeBlanc replied: “I haven't been able to find the wav file, but I'll keep looking!”
Simple bug or another dig at Apple?
Finally, the manager put an end to the deception by declaring that it was indeed a bug in this latest Preview version of Win 11. Still, the timing seems a little too perfect to unwittingly resurrect Vista from the dead. Indeed, you may know that Microsoft recently made fun of Apple and macOS 26 Tahoe. For the Redmond company, the new Liquid Glass interface looks a lot like Aero Glass. Vista's graphical interface already offered transparent windows and a glassy effect that allowed the desktop to be seen in the background. So is this just a coincidence or is it another small swipe from Microsoft against macOS 26? You be the judge.
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