A Windows bug-finding enthusiast recently brought to light an intriguing quirk in the latest Insider Build of Windows 11, specifically within the Beta and Dev channels. Upon booting to the desktop, users are greeted with the nostalgic sounds of the Windows Vista startup melody. This unexpected auditory experience, however, was not a deliberate homage to the past, as Microsoft Senior Program Manager Brandon LeBlanc humorously clarified that it was, in fact, “an actual bug.”
The Insider Preview Build in question is 26200.5651 from the Dev Channel, and its release coincided with the timing of the initial tweet from the observant user, Xeno. This particular build was touted for introducing several new features, including enhanced Copilot+ PC experiences, a new Recall export function, and an expanded clock/calendar display in the notification center, among other updates.
Interestingly, the retro audio glitch has been classified as a ‘known issue’ within this latest flight. As we approach the 30th anniversary of Windows 95, which will be celebrated on August 24, one might ponder whether the iconic startup sound from that era could have made a fitting return. However, LeBlanc, while maintaining a light-hearted tone, admitted he was unable to locate the appropriate .WAV file for that particular operating system release, further emphasizing the mix-up as a genuine bug rather than a nostalgic nod.
Apple’s Vista?
The timing of this Windows anomaly is almost comically serendipitous, especially as Apple faces scrutiny for seemingly reviving the glassy Windows Aero aesthetic with its latest macOS 26 Tahoe release. This upcoming operating system will mark the final version to support the aging fleet of Intel Macs still in operation.
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