StartupSound.prefPane for Mac

Used StartupSound.prefPane for Mac?

StartupSound.prefPane Analysis

AI Assisted Content · June 11, 2026

Not written by CNET Staff.

StartupSound.prefPane is a free multimedia utility designed for Mac users, allowing them to manage and customize their startup sounds effortlessly. This application provides a user-friendly interface that enables users to enable or disable the sound that plays when their Mac boots up. Additionally, it offers options to choose different sound files, giving users the flexibility to personalize their startup experience.

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Trial version

This program is lightweight and integrates seamlessly into the Mac system preferences, making it easily accessible. With its straightforward functionality, StartupSound.prefPane is perfect for users looking to enhance their startup experience without complicated configurations. As a free tool, it offers a simple solution for those who wish to modify their Mac's audio settings during startup.

StartupSound.prefPane for Mac

Used StartupSound.prefPane for Mac?

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: September 15, 2009

Latest update: June 11, 2026

Version: 1.1

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Mac

Operating System: Mac OS X

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 9,219

Downloads Last Week: 0

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Last Updated

User Reviews

4.3/5

17 User Votes

GREAT ITEM!!
mlkknightJanuary 14, 2013
Pros
Does what I need it to do. No more sound when I startup my Mac
Cons
None that I can think of.
Summary
Until Apple comes out with a way to turn off/mute your startup sound this is the tool you need.
Do not use!!!
Pookie8CookieJanuary 5, 2012
Pros
None - never worked.
Cons
It corrupted my OS and ended up having to do a clean reformat/reinstall of my OS (snow leopard). I was not even able to start my Mac in safe mode. Please do not use this program.
Summary
JUST WORKS!
friedchikkinApril 23, 2011
Pros
SET IT AND FORGET IT!
Cons
SEE PROS!!!
Summary
Install it, set your preference, boot your Mac without letting the neighbors know! Solves a huge caveat with Apple's Mac designs that I have- imagine this annoyance every time you turn on your iOS device!
An excellent little gadget. Why not included by Apple?
Karl-Erik HalleniusJanuary 16, 2011
Pros
I really love it. Running OS X 10.6.6 on an iMac, late 2010. It is soothing to get rid of a loud startup, sound, waking up the rest of my family, when I start up my MAC in the morning or late at night. It is worth some money to the author!
Cons
Can't find any!
Summary
It is, as I said before, a very nice preference pane. It serves a very useful purpose and I just cant understand why something like this hasn't already been included by Apple among the standard preference panes. Should gladly pay some money for it. Nice of the author to give it away for free and not even suggest a voluntary "donation". (And I can' find out whereto send a donation :-))
Simple, fast, and does exactly what it's supposed to do
syordyApril 23, 2010
Pros
Fast download, easy & clean install, simple, does just what it's supposed to do. Sad that that's a big plus, but it doesn't happen often enough. Not only can you shut off the sound, but have the option of setting the volume just where you want it.
Cons
Only thing that would make this better is if it allowed you CHANGE the startup sound. When Mac makes an effort to make things so much easier than a PC do they make this one aspect so hard.
Summary
Got the software to work.
h.toelleJanuary 23, 2010
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />From h.toelle (at) cogeco (dot) ca I am pleased to report that with the adjustment of some prefs in the other package StartupSoundprefPane is now functioning as it should, After many years of Macs behind me the Startup chime has become a familiar staple. A comforting sound letting one know your machine should give you yet another session of performance. Controlling the level of that chime is something Apple has seemed have dropped recently, although I do not know why.
Preference pane to adjust the startup sound of a Mac.
RonaldAchesonJune 25, 2009
Pros
Simple to download and install it adds a new preference pane to the System Preferences which has a slider to set the sound or a check box to mute it altogether.
Cons
Repeating a restart sets the sound louder.
Summary
This is a freeware programme which I have found does it's job cleanly and effectively. It fills a gap in the Macintosh system software for which I am most grateful.
Works great but not perfect
VersionTrackerUserOpinionJanuary 23, 2007
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />I have Harmon Kardon Soundstick II's and still get a rather loud startup sound coming through the speakers on pref panel's next to lowest setting. I actually have to turn pref panel's volume all the way down or mute. A bit of a bummer as I would still like to hear even the slightest chime.
Thank You!
rumo--2008May 19, 2006
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />I couldn't get the startup chime on my G4 Mac Mini set to a lower volume. I read the postive reviews and gave this application a try. It works great!
Silence is Golden
MAC_1984April 12, 2006
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />A wonderful must-have pref pane for those who wish to lessen or silence the StartUp chime. Worth its weight in gold when you have to work late and wish not to disturb others. Nice pref pane icon, which really should be the icon shown here for the app. Remember, this is a beta, as stated...so far, so good for me.

Developer’s Description

By Arcana Research

control volume of startup chime

StartupSound.prefPane is the software which controls the volume of the startup sound of your Macintosh computer. StartupSound.prefPane mute the startup sound without changing the output volume setting. And StartupSound.prefPane limits the startup volume so that it may not become loud even if you make the output volume louder. To set up the startup volume, you select the "Startup Sound" pane added to the "System Preferences."