How to Disable the System Sounds in Windows XP

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. 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.


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


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


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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.


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


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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!

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.