Windows has a set of sounds applied to events in Windows and programs, such as "Close Program", "Default Beep", "Maximize", "Minimize", etc. The collection of all these sounds is called a sound scheme and is associated with a Windows theme. For example, the default theme - Windows 7 - has the sound scheme Windows Default. If you change your theme to the funky Characters, then the sound scheme is also changed to Characters. The same applies to every theme in Windows 7. The good news is that, if a sound scheme does not suit your tastes, you can customize it very easily. Let’s see how.

Finding the Sound Scheme Customisation Window

To customize the Windows 7 sound scheme, you need to open the Sound window for your current Windows 7 them. This window can be opened in several ways.

One way is to right-click on your desktop and click Personalize. Then click on the Sounds link at the bottom of the Personalization window.

Alternatively, you can open the Control Panel and choose Appearance and Personalization.

Then under Personalization choose Change Sound Effects.

A third and faster way is to search for "sound scheme" in the Start Menu search box and click on the result named "Change system sounds".

How to Change the Sound Effects

You can change the scheme used by your current Windows 7 theme by choosing a predefined one, from the list of available sound schemes.

NOTE: If you like your computer to stay silent, there is a "No Sounds" scheme available.

To customize a scheme, start by clicking on an item in the Program Events box for which you want to change the sound and click Browse.

Choose the new sound you want for the event and click on Open.

You can hear the new sound by clicking on the Test button. Do this for every event you want changed.

VERY IMPORTANT: Windows 7 only uses .wav files for sound schemes. So if the clip you want to use is an .mp3, .wma or some other format, you will have to convert it to the .wav format first. There are many sites on the web that will convert audio formats online, such as Media.io - Online Audio Converter or Online Converter. If you prefer a desktop application for your conversion, CNET's Download.com lists over 1,000 conversion software.

NOTE: You can also enable or disable the Windows Startup Sound, as shown in a previous tutorial: How to Disable or Enable Windows 7's Startup Sound.

If you want to create a completely new sound scheme, it is best to first select the one called No sounds, which has no sounds included, and add the sounds you want to use for the Windows events that interest you.

How to Save a Sound Scheme

Once you finish changing the sounds included in a sound scheme, you should save it so that your hard work will not get lost. Click on the Save As button.

Type in a name for the sound scheme you just created and click OK.

If you modify a scheme and do not save it, Windows 7 will display the sound scheme with the text "(modified)" next to it.

How to Delete a Sound Scheme

If you would like to delete the scheme you created, simply select the sound scheme you want eliminated and click on the Delete button.

Windows will ask you to confirm this action. Click Yes and the scheme is gone.

NOTE: Be aware that you cannot delete the built-in sound schemes though. Only the stuff you created.

The Connection Between Sound Schemes and Windows Themes

One thing you must remember: sound schemes are associated with Windows 7 themes. Therefore, if you change the sound scheme of a theme, a “new theme" will be created, called Unsaved Theme. If you want the theme to be saved with the new sound scheme you created, you should save the theme and give it a name. Check this guide to learn how: How to Customize Windows 7 Themes.

Also, the sound scheme you just modified or created, will be played as long as your current Windows 7 theme is active. If you change the Windows theme, the active sound scheme will change as well. If you want to keep the same sound scheme, you need to edit the newly applied Windows 7 theme and select the sound scheme you want used for it, as shown in this article.

Conclusion

And there you have it. Your computer will now play your chosen sounds when certain Windows events occur. If you have any questions about modifying or creating sound schemes, don’t hesitate to ask using the comments form below.

Related articles:

How to Disable or Enable Windows 7's Startup Sound
How to Disable System Beep in Windows 7
Top 7 Screen Savers for Windows 7