Windows 11 startup sound, UI, wallpapers, and more emerge following leaked build
With a build of Windows 11 leaking earlier today, we finally have a first look at the new operating system from Microsoft.
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What you need to know
The firstWindows 11build hasleaked online. Our senior editor Zac Bowden is working quickly to get a closer look at the operating system. The leaked build gives us a first look at how Windows 11 will look, including the new Start menu and Taskbar.
Since this is a leaked build, some parts of it may not look the same as the version of Windows 11 that ships to the public. That being said, Bowden states that the Start menu and Taskbar are representative of what will ship with Windows 11.
First glimpse at Windows 11 UI
Soon after the build leaked online, we grabbed some shots of its Start menu and Taskbar. Our senior editor Zac Bowden has a full piece breaking down the newWindows 11 Start menu and Taskbar.
Windows 11 startup sound
Bowden also shared a clip of the new Windows 11 startup sound and compared it to the one from Windows 95.
I may be listening too much into things, but does the new Windows 11 start up noise sound a little like a modern take on the Windows 95 start up noise?pic.twitter.com/WDnhHeT7iqI may be listening too much into things, but does the new Windows 11 start up noise sound a little like a modern take on the Windows 95 start up noise?pic.twitter.com/WDnhHeT7iq— Zac Bowden (@zacbowden)June 15, 2021June 15, 2021
Windows 11 wallpapers
24Windows 11 wallpapersappeared online following the leaked build of the operating system. You can sneak a peek at some of the wallpapers below and can also download them for yourself. Twitter user@ChangeWindowsgathered them together and put them in aOneDrive folder.
Widgets on Windows 11
While they don’t show any content in the shared screenshot, Mehedi Hassan shared an image of what appear to be widgets on Windows 11.
Windows 11 has widgetspic.twitter.com/1p0cBJUCbEWindows 11 has widgetspic.twitter.com/1p0cBJUCbE— mehedi (@mehedih_)June 15, 2021June 15, 2021
Windows 11 setup process
Well-known Twitter userADeltaXshared an entire thread going through the Windows 11 startup process from the leaked build. The first tweet of the thread is below.
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Windows 11 Setuppic.twitter.com/uNZnVoarF5Windows 11 Setuppic.twitter.com/uNZnVoarF5— ADeltaX (@ADeltaXForce)June 15, 2021June 15, 2021
Windows 11 File Explorer and menus
ADeltaX also shared images of the Windows 11 File Explorer and menus.
pic.twitter.com/icirjQrOcZpic.twitter.com/icirjQrOcZ— ADeltaX (@ADeltaXForce)June 15, 2021June 15, 2021
What do you think of Windows 11?
We want to know what you think of the first glimpse of Windows 11. Do you love it? Do you hate it? Are you holding judgment until you can see me? Let us know in the poll above and in the comments below.
This is a developing story. We will continue to add screenshots and clips as they come in. A full video walkthrough is also on the way.
Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
