Windows XP launched in 2001 and became one of Microsoft's most widely used operating systems, so its startup and shutdown chimes were heard daily in homes, schools and offices for years. As XP was retired, those melodies turned nostalgic and began circulating in meme edits, often boosted, distorted or paired with an error sound for comic effect. Loud versions spread on soundboards and short videos as a shorthand for a system, or a person, powering down. It remains popular because almost everyone recognises the tune instantly, even at an exaggerated volume.