Change system sounds

You can have your computer play a sound when certain events happen, for example when you log on or when you receive a new e-mail. Windows comes with several sets of sounds that play for common program events. Additionally, some desktop themes have their own sound schemes. You can choose one of these, you can create your own custom sound scheme, or you can modify an existing scheme.

Mouse actionsKeyboard actions
1

To open the Ease of Access Center, select:

  • Start.
  • Control Panel.
  • Ease of Access.
  • Ease of Access Center.

To open the Ease of Access Center, press:

  • Windows logo key Windows logo key+U.
2

Under Explore all settings, select:

  • Use text or visual alternatives for sounds.

Under Explore all settings, select:

  • Use text or visual alternatives for sounds by pressing TAB, then ENTER.
3

Under See also, select:

  • Audio Devices and Sound Themes.

Under See also, select:

  • Audio Devices and Sound Themes by pressing ALT+I.
4

In the Sound dialog box, select:

  • Sounds tab.

In the Sound dialog box, select:

  • Sounds tab by pressing CTRL+TAB.
5

On the Sounds tab, under Sound Scheme, select:

  • A Sound Scheme from the drop-down list.

    • Note: Before saving your selections, see below for more options.

  • Select OK.

On the Sounds tab:

  • Select Sound Scheme by pressing the ALT+H.
  • Select the Sound Scheme you want from the drop-down list by pressing the arrow keys.

    • Note: Before saving your selections, see below for more options.

  • Select OK by pressing TAB, then ENTER.

To change system sounds associated with a program event

Mouse actionsKeyboard actions
6

Under Program, select:

  • The program event you want to change from the list.
  • A sound to apply to it from the list under Sounds.
  • Test the sound by selecting the Test button.

Note: You can also look for other sounds by selecting Browse and following the interface to add them to the sounds list.

Under Program:

  • Select the program event you want to change from the list by pressing TAB, and the arrow keys.
  • Apply a sound to it from the list under Sounds by pressing ALT+S, and the arrow keys.
  • Test the sound by pressing ALT+T.

Note: You can also look for other sounds by selecting Browse (ALT+B)and following the interface to add them to the sounds list.

To save your selections as a new Sound Theme

Mouse actionsKeyboard actions
7

After making all selections, select:

  • Save As.

In Save Scheme As:

  • Type a name for your new Sound Scheme.
  • Select OK.

After making all selections, select:

  • Save As by pressing ALT+V.

In Save Scheme As:

  • Type a name for your new Sound Scheme.
  • Select OK by pressing TAB, then ENTER.
Screenshot of how to change system volume