The 5 Best Free Sites to Download Windows Sound Effects

Windows will play a sound when you log on if your battery is running low and if you encounter an error. But what if you want to mix things up a bit and change the sound scheme for your computer?

Most people will change their wallpaper or screensaver, but let’s take it one step further by altering sound. A lightsaber swoosh when you receive an email? A famous movie quote when you shut down? The sky is the limit!

This guide will briefly walk you through how to change your sound scheme and point you to some of the best places to download alternative audio.

How to Alter Individual Sounds or Set a Scheme

It’s simple and quick to customize sound on Windows 10. You can edit specific sounds or build an entirely new sound scheme. To begin, press Windows key + I to open Settings and go to Settings > System > Sound > Sound control panel and switch to the Sounds tab.

Click a Program Event from the list, then click Browse… to locate the sound file. Repeat this for all the Program Events you want to change. When done, beneath Sound Scheme, click Save As… to name your scheme.

For more detail on how to set your sounds, check our customizing your Windows sound effects guide.

Top Resources for Windows Sound Downloads

Now you know how to customise your sound schemes, it’s just a case of picking out those perfect audio files. If you don’t have any suitable choices, take a gander at the list below for some free resources.

It’s important to note that you can only use .wav files for your audio files. If you’re using your own clips, rather than those from the specialized sites below, it’s likely they’ll be in .mp3 format or similar. Don’t fear, it’s not a problem—you’ll just need to convert your audio files before Windows will let them be used. Happily, you can use a handy free and online tool called media.io to convert your files.

These are some of the top resources we found, but be sure to visit the comment section below to add your own suggestions.

1. FindSounds

There’s a load of variety on offer at FindSounds because it searches all over the web to hunt down the audio. Whether you want your computer to play a different guitar chord for every event, fancy some animal noises to get you in the jungle spirit, or want a Simpsons makeover, FindSounds has got you covered.

FindSounds has been going strong for over 15 years and it continues to grow. Just type in what you’re looking for and click Search or you can view their list of examples to get the inspiration flowing.

2. Freesound

Freesound is incredibly active and new sounds are constantly being added from users all over the globe. There are over a quarter of a million sound effects and counting, making it a hugely varied source. There’s the standard stuff that you can expect, like nature noises and drum beats, but there are also more unusual choices like the ambient noise inside a walk-in freezer.

You don’t even have to convert anything since you can sort all the results by file type, meaning you can pick out the .wav files that’ll keep Windows happy. Also, there’s a feature that allows you to follow specific users or tags. You’ll then be notified whenever these are updated through weekly emails, which is great for those who like to keep their sounds fresh.

3. freeSFX

Sound effects and music tracks aplenty are on offer at freeSFX. Grab a comical squish, the chug of a train or the fax modem signal (just in case you miss the olden days.) There are even very specific, specialized noises, which make freeSFX a unique place.

There’s also a variety of royalty free music, should you want to opt for some lengthier tunes to accompany your Windows actions. You might want to use this as your log in sound in order to start the day with a track you enjoy—opting for smooth jazz, for example, is a sure-fire way to keep calm!

4. SoundBible

There are thousands of free sound effects for you to grab from SoundBible, with more added every week. A slot machine, race car, and ice cubes in a glass are just some of the sounds that you can download from their site.

If you can’t find a specific sound you want, they have a Patreon that you can pay to join and request something. Though chances are you’ll be able to find it in their archives already, or from one of the other sites suggested here.

5. BBC Sound Effects

The BBC has been broadcasting on the radio since the 1920s, which is probably longer than you’ve been alive. In that time they’ve collected together a vast array of sounds. Over 16,000, to be more precise.

Everything you can dream of—and more—can be found here, to an insanely specific measure. Interior noises at a seafood restaurant? Sure. Someone wiping a bar? Yes. The sound of acid blobs? I bet you want to know what that sounds like. Handily, you can easily find all of this and more through the categories and search box, then download straight to your computer.

Enhance Your Sound on Windows 10

Go forth and edit your Windows sound schemes to your heart’s content. You can make as many as you like, allowing you to switch things up when different moods strike.

Looking for even more audio advice? We’ve got you sorted, with our nifty sound enhancements for Windows 10.

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