How to Change or Disable Notification Sounds in Windows 11

Windows 11 brings a fresh new look, but those constant notification sounds? Not so fresh. If you’re tired of hearing the same chime every time an email lands or a system alert pops up, you’re not alone. Here’s how to take control—whether you want to change the sound, turn it down, or silence it completely.

Step 1: Open the Settings App

Start by clicking the Start menu and selecting Settings, or just press Win + I on your keyboard.

Step 2: Go to System > Sound

In the left-hand menu, click on System, then choose Sound from the right-hand pane. This is where all your audio settings live.

Step 3: Access the Sound Control Panel

Scroll down and click More sound settings under the Advanced section. This opens the classic Sound Control Panel.

Step 4: Tweak Notification Sounds

In the Sound window:

1. Click the Sounds tab.
2. Under Program Events, scroll down until you find Notification.
3. In the Sounds dropdown below, choose a new sound from the list or select (None) to turn it off completely.
4. You can click the Test button to preview your selection.

Want to Mute Everything?

If you want to silence all system sounds, set the Sound Scheme at the top of the window to No Sounds.

Tip: You can also create your own custom sound scheme. Pick different sounds for each event, then click Save As… to name and save it for future use.

Step 5: Apply and Exit

Once you’ve made your changes, click Apply and then OK to lock them in.

Bonus: Turn Off Notification Pop-Ups Too

If you’re going for peace and quiet, you might also want to turn off visual pop-up notifications:

• Go to Settings > System > Notifications.
• Toggle off Notifications at the top, or individually disable apps that send alerts.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to live with distracting or repetitive sounds. Windows 11 gives you the tools to customize—or kill—notification sounds in just a few clicks. Whether you want subtle, custom tones or complete silence, now you know exactly how to make your PC sound the way you want.

Got a favorite notification sound or a sound scheme tip? Drop it in the comments below!