Windows 11 startup sound, UI, wallpapers, and more emerge following leaked build

News
By
last updated

With a build of Windows 11 leaking earlier today, we finally have a first look at the new operating system from Microsoft.

Windows 11 Leak
Windows 11 Leak (Image credit: Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • The first build of Windows 11 has leaked online.
  • We're grabbing images as quickly as we can to show off how the operating system looks.
  • Since this is a leaked build, it may not represent the final look of Windows 11.

The first Windows 11 build has leaked 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 new Windows 11 Start menu and Taskbar.

Image 1 of 2
Windows 11 Leak

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.

Windows 11 wallpapers

24 Windows 11 wallpapers appeared 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 @ChangeWindows gathered them together and put them in a OneDrive folder.

Image 1 of 4
Img

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 setup process

Well-known Twitter user ADeltaX shared an entire thread going through the Windows 11 startup process from the leaked build. The first tweet of the thread is below.

Windows 11 File Explorer and menus

ADeltaX also shared images of the Windows 11 File Explorer and menus.

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
Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

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_.