Windows 11 brings a redesigned user interface and an overhaul to the system sounds, including different sounds for Light Mode and Dark Mode.
When developing Windows 11, the Microsoft audio team developed new system sounds designed to provide a calm experience while still being able to notify you of something as necessary.
"Windows 10 sounds were sharp, literally created with sharp wave lengths. In Windows 11, we have focused on making the technology calm. In order to do this, we needed to reevaluate our sound scape to also be calm," Microsoft told BleepingComputer in a statement.
"The new sounds have a much rounder wavelength, making them softer so that they can still alert/notify you, but without being overwhelming."
"Just like we rounded UI visually, we rounded our sound scape as well to soften the overall feel of the experience."
Unlike all previous versions of Windows, Microsoft also created different versions of the system sounds for Windows 11, depending on whether you are in Light Mode or Dark Mode.
For Light Mode users, the sounds are meant to be brighter and louder, while in Dark Mode, the sounds will be quieter and more subdued with a slight echo.
"We introduced light and dark sound options so that people who may have low visibility or no vision can still experience light and dark themes audibly. Themed sounds improve productivity by matching your working style through your theme. Dark Sounds help you stay in focus while Light Sounds ensure you’re always engaged" - Microsoft spokesperson.
The Light Mode sounds are still stored under the C:\Windows\Media folder with the new Dark Mode sounds stored under C:\Windows\Media\dm.
Compare the Windows 11 Light and Dark mode sounds
With Windows 11, Microsoft created ten new system sounds that will be played while in Dark Mode. These ten sounds, and their Light Mode counterparts, are displayed below to compare their differences easily.
The Light Mode sound will be in audio control with a white background, while the Dark Mode sound will be the dark background.
We have also labeled each sound based on default assignment under the 'Program Events' section in the Windows 11 Sound properties screen.
Asterisk, Default Beep, Exclamation, Low Battery Alarm, System Notification: This system sound is played when an alert is displayed, such as a warning message.
Critical Battery Alarm and Critical Stop: This sound is played when an error occurs.
Device failed to connect: This sound will play when an inserted device could not be correctly set up by Windows 11.
Device Disconnect: This sound will play when you disconnect a device, such as a USB key, from your computer.
Calendar Reminder: This sound will be played when a Calendar event occurs.
New Email Notification and New Fax Notification: When a new email or fax is received, this sound will play.
New Text Message Notification: This sound will play when you receive a new text message.
Notification: This sound will play when a program wants to issue a notification.
Windows User Account Control: This system sound will play when a User Account Control prompt is displayed in Windows 11.
There are still quite a few system sounds that do not have new Dark Mode versions. So we will have to wait and see if Microsoft adds other sounds in the future.
Comments
MadmanRB - 2 years ago
No the quiet sounds mainly come from only a small fraction of people being able to use windows 11...
Its going to flop... HARD
yawnshard - 2 years ago
Lol, machines as old as 2017 are listed as working. It's usually just sour grapes from people that cannot run it. My 3700X and board can just fine, but I don't see the point to swap a perfectly fine Windows 10 for a theme pack that is Windows 11.
Though I agree from the standpoint:
It's like with those endless redesigns that Android forces each update. There is nothing more vapid for me than "style over substance" as a motto. Windows 10 receives security patches till Oct 2025. This is where I belong, a comfy armchair without vapid change.
h_b_s - 2 years ago
"Lol, machines as old as 2017 are listed as working. It's usually just sour grapes from people that cannot run it. My 3700X and board can just fine, but I don't see the point to swap a perfectly fine Windows 10 for a theme pack that is Windows 11.
Though I agree from the standpoint:
It's like with those endless redesigns that Android forces each update. There is nothing more vapid for me than "style over substance" as a motto. Windows 10 receives security patches till Oct 2025. This is where I belong, a comfy armchair without vapid change."
Yeah, I mostly agree. No one is really going to care. People will get an update when they believe they need a new system. New & Shiny chasers will get it when they can. Everyone else will stick with 10. Sour Grapes is noisy, but he's going to be a small minority. I may update one computer to 11 for support purposes, but otherwise I won't bother. It's just 10 with enforced hardware security backing and a new coat of paint. Otherwise it's just 10 warmed over. BFD.
yawnshard - 2 years ago
I just was listening to spacesynth and checked the sounds here. I thought I had lost hearing for a moment. All these sample clips are as if they just pushed something though a low-pass filter and compressed it afterwards. Yes I get it that high frequencies stress for notifications, but this sounds really dull.
doriel - 2 years ago
I agree. Its the same sound, but the peak was lowered, sonds like filter from VLC media player.. Looks like dreamjob to me, create sounds for Microsoft sallary would be fine for me too. Where can I apply for the job?
Winston2021 - 2 years ago
ghacks.net: "The new Windows 11 Start Menu feels like a trimmed down version of Windows 10's Start Menu; it lacks customization options, and is barely usable for a number of reasons."