How to prevent users from changing Sound Scheme in Windows 10

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Do you get annoyed by the fact that someone changed the sound of Recycle Bin or opening of a folder or the Login screen sound? Also called the sound scheme is a customization element in Windows 10 and comes as part of themes. So, if you want to prevent Windows 10 users from changing the sound scheme, this quick and easy guide will help you.

What is Sound Scheme in Windows?

The sound theme in Windows is a customizable feature that allows users to change the system and event sounds on their operating system. An event can be an action that you perform, such as emptying the Recycle Bin, or an activity that Windows performs, such as notifying you when you receive a new e‑mail.

prevent change sound scheme Windows 10

Prevent Changing of Sound Scheme in Windows 10

Sometimes you do not want to be interrupted while working on a substantial project. You like to turn off all the possible sounds that might distract you in any way. Here is how you can make sure the users on the computer do not change it.

  1. Using the Local Group Policy Editor
  2. Using the Registry Editor

Let’s follow them one by one.

1] Using the Local Group Policy Editor

prevent changing sound scheme policy editor Windows 10

The Windows 10 Group Policy Editor is a vital configuration editor that allows users to change settings and customize the functionality of their operating system. It is possible to remove the Sound tab by using a specific policy setting. Follow these steps:

  • Press Windows + R key to open the Run dialogue box
  • Type msc in the search box > Press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor
  • Navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Control Panel > Personalization.
  • Now double click on the Prevent changing sounds policy in the right pane > Choose Edit
  • Select Enabled > Click on Apply/OK > Exit

Policy settings change automatically in most cases. If it does not update automatically, you will need to enforce the group policy. Follow these steps to do so:

Type cmd in the search bar > Click on Run as administrator. It will launch an elevated Command Prompt on your screen. Inside the Command Prompt, type the command gpupdate /force and press the Enter key to execute it.

Now check the required changes. If done, proceed further to the following step.

2] Using the Registry Editor

Registry Editor disable changing sound Windows 10

You can also remove the Sounds tab from Windows by using Registry Editor. A Windows registry stores information relating to programs and operating systems. You will be automatically updated with the Registry Editor when you are already using the Local Group Policy Editor.

When you use this method directly in Windows Home, you will have to create missing keys and values. It would be best if you make it under the Current User hive. Follow these steps to remove the Sounds tab:

  • Press Windows + R key to open a Run dialogue box.
  • Type regedit in the search box > Press Enter to open the Windows Registry Editor.
  • Now navigate to the following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows
  • If you cannot locate the Personalization key, right-click on the Windows key and select the New > Key.
  • Rename the key as Personalization and double-click on it.
  • Right-click anywhere in the right pane > Select the New > DWORD (32-bit) Value option to create a new key.
  • Name this key as NoChangingSoundScheme and double-click on it.
  • Type 1 under Value Data to disable the Sounds tab.
  • Reboot your system to save the changes.

You can always enable the Sounds tab again by changing the value data to 0. Deleting the NoChangingSoundScheme DWord value will also help.

A user can’t alter any of the Sound Scheme settings if this option is enabled. I hope this post will help you prevent users from changing the Sound Scheme in Windows 10.

Nandini Keshri
Nandini Keshri is a student, writer, and tech enthusiast. When not writing about tech, she loves to write poetry and explore the world.

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