Skip to main content

Claude Code Terminal Bell Notifications

Setting up audio notifications in Claude Code on Windows can be tricky, especially with WSL. This guide covers all the methods that actually work.

Standard Configuration​

Initial Setup - Enable terminal bell notifications globally:

claude config set --global preferredNotifChannel terminal_bell
  • No restart required: Changes take effect immediately
  • Test first: Run echo -e "\a" to verify your terminal supports bell notifications
  • Universal method: Works across most terminal environments when properly configured

Windows WSL Solutions​

Problem - The standard terminal bell often doesn't work in Windows WSL environments, leaving you without task completion notifications.

PowerShell Method - For Windows WSL users where echo -e "\a" fails:

  • Default beep: powershell.exe -c "[System.Media.SystemSounds]::Beep.Play()"
  • Question sound: powershell.exe -c "[System.Media.SystemSounds]::Question.Play()"
  • Personal preference: The Question sound provides better audible distinction

Implementation Steps​

Step 1: Test Your System

echo -e "\a"

Step 2: If No Sound - Test PowerShell alternative:

powershell.exe -c "[System.Media.SystemSounds]::Beep.Play()"

Step 3: Configure Claude.md - Add notification instructions to your CLAUDE.md:

## Notifications
When tasks complete, notify me using:
powershell.exe -c "[System.Media.SystemSounds]::Question.Play()"

Troubleshooting Tips​

No Sound at All

  • Verify system volume is enabled
  • Test PowerShell commands directly in terminal
  • Check if your terminal application supports bell notifications

WSL-Specific Issues

  • Standard Linux bell commands often fail in WSL
  • PowerShell integration is the most reliable solution
  • Windows system sounds work better than terminal bells

Why This Matters​

Productivity Boost - Audio notifications free you from constantly checking if Claude has completed tasks or needs attention.

Focus Management - Work on other tasks while Claude Code handles background operations, knowing you'll be alerted when intervention is needed.

Workflow Integration - Proper notifications enable true multitasking with Claude Code as your development partner.

Related: For comprehensive Claude Code setup guidance, see CLAUDE.md Supremacy

Last updated on