How to Disable the System Sounds in Windows XP

July 26, 2020 / By

This brief tutorial will show you how to disable (turn off) the system sounds in Windows XP. Because they’re annoying.

The steps outlined below won’t disable sound in Windows XP, they’ll disable the “system sounds” – the beeps and other annoying noises that are built into the operating system.

  1. Start by clicking the Start button and selecting the Control Panel

    2. the Windows XP Start Menu with the Control Panel highlighted

  2. If you’re using the Category view, you’ll be presented with a very similar screen as the one below. If you’re using the Classic view, please jump down to Step 4 below.

    Select the Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices icon.

    3. the Windows XP Control Panel
    click to enlarge

  3. Click the Change the sound scheme option and then skip down to Step 5 below.

    4. the Windows XP Sounds section of the Control Panel
    click to enlarge

  4. If you’re using the Classic view of the Control Panel, double-click the Sounds and Audio Devices item.

    5. XP Control Panel with Change the sound scheme highlighted
    click to enlarge

  5. Now select the Sounds tab from the top (if it isn’t selected already) and then from the Sound scheme: drop down list. Finally, choose No Sounds.

    6. the Sounds tab of the Windows XP Sounds and Audio Devices Properties window
    click to enlarge

  6. If you’re prompted to save your previous sound scheme, click Yes

    7. Confirm Sound change in Windows XP
    click to enlarge

  7. Give it a name – it really doesn’t matter what. When you’re done, click OK, and then OK again. Ta-da! You have now disabled system sounds in Windows XP – no more annoying Windows XP sounds!

    8. disable system sounds XP

Though XP is certainly old (and Microsoft strongly advises you upgrade), it is still in use. If you need any additional help with Windows XP, try running a search for Windows XP here on Simple Help.

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10 thoughts on “How to Disable the System Sounds in Windows XP”

  3. Me Myself and I

    Since you were so kind as to provide me with the answer to end my Windows audio torment, I thought I should take the time to say, very sincerely, Thank You..

    No more beeps, clicks, pops, cords, hums, etc. Just silent computing.

  9. Accenture

    That has worked perfectly for me, and stopped the annoyance of beeping computers all around us at work.

    Thanks for solving our problem, and taking away the headache.

  10. Mind Power

    Great tip! Noticed how the PC boots up, shuts down and generally does tasks faster without sounds.

    By the way, does anyone know how to terminate unresponsive apps faster?

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