Can I change the default Windows 7’s start-up sound?

Q  I am using Windows 7 and would like to use a different Windows start-up sound, but I can’t figure out how to do this. The Change system sounds link (within Hardware and Sound in Control Panel) doesn’t list the start-up sound as an option.

The Sound dialogue box just has a tick box labelled ‘Play Windows Startup sound’ that toggles it on and off.
Allan Curtis

A  Unfortunately, as you have already found, the Windows 7 start-up sound cannot be changed by normal means. It can only be disabled so it either plays, or it doesn’t.

There is a way of achieving this but it involves a complex modification of a Windows system file: get it wrong, and it could cause problems using your PC.

It’s not really a method we would recommend but if you are really keen, the technique for changing Windows' 7's start-up sound is discussed on Microsoft’s support forum.

Alternatively, why not remove the tick from the box to disable the Windows start-up sound and instead set the sound of your choice for the Windows Logon option (in the Program Events list of the Sound dialogue box)? This will play whenever you log into Windows 7, shortly after the PC starts up.