Windows Sound Effects
The Windows startup chime and the error ding were heard on hundreds of millions of PCs, which is why they still work as instant nostalgia or a comic “something went wrong” sting.
Windows XP sounds come first, then error and notification sounds from other versions, then remixes and meme edits.
Windows Sound Effects buttons
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Windows XP startup sound?
Near the top of the page, together with the XP shutdown sound. Both are the original short chimes, not the longer remixes further down.
Which one is the Windows error sound?
Look for “Windows error sound” and the XP critical stop. They are the short ding and the lower thud that play when a program fails.
Can I use these sounds in my videos?
You can download them as MP3s for your own edits. The original Windows sounds belong to Microsoft, so check the platform's rules before publishing commercially.