How can I turn off Windows startup sound without with neither GUI nor admin rights?

Question

On my Windows 11 computer I'd like adjust a few settings programtically (hidden). Basically it should be performed without elevated rights, so standard users can use it too. By the way, it's my own idea, no office work.

Currently I try to turn off the standard startup sound in mmsys.cpl -> Sounds. Though its a global settings for all users, from within the GUI its easy to do (simply unchecking the box) and doesn't need elevated rights. Strange, but seems like intended by Microsoft. But I have to do it without any GUI. There are several posts online how to change it in registry (under HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Authentication\LogonUI\BootAnimation "DisableStartupSound") but all of them require administrator rights.

Assuming unchecking in GUI pass a specific command that triggers the registry key to be changed, I would like to know that command. Workarounds are welcome - as long they doesn't need admin rights or cause a GUI to get open. Scripts like batch, vbs or powershell are as good as an executable.

Does anyone have an idea?

Answer 1

Writing to HKLM does require elevated rights.

The Settings app is either using UAC auto elevation (only for Microsoft apps) or asking a service to change the registry on its behalf. Process Monitor should be able to tell you which process is writing...