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The original chime comes from Microsoft Windows XP, released in 2001, and it quickly became one of the most recognisable sounds of early home computing. Decades later, distorted remixes began circulating on meme soundboards and in short-form videos, where creators exaggerate familiar technology for comedy. This version was made with Voicemod, according to its uploader, turning a calm boot-up cue into an intentionally ruined effect. Its appeal is nostalgia mixed with absurdity, so it still appears in edits about old computers, broken software and technology failing at the worst moment.
About this sound
A heavily distorted version of the Windows XP startup chime, warped and blown out for comic effect. Creators use it for broken tech jokes and glitch edits.
This clip takes the familiar, gentle Windows XP startup melody and pushes it through extreme distortion until it barely holds together. The soft chime becomes loud, crunchy and overloaded, with the notes stretching, clipping and collapsing into a harsh, buzzing wall of sound. It still hints at the original tune underneath the noise, which is exactly why it lands so well. Hearing something once associated with a calm, working computer turn into a chaotic blast feels absurd and funny, like the machine itself is screaming as it boots up. It works best as a sudden punchline, turning an ordinary moment into something deliberately broken and over the top.
