I haven't seen anyone else post this, but I've found a workaround that is super easy: Before you open Minecraft, open Windows Settings > System > Sound and then change your output to something else. On my list of sound output devices, I have my monitor (which does not play sound) my microphone (also no sound) my AirPods, and my actual speakers... I just select the monitor as the output temporarily and launch Minecraft. Once I'm signed in and my skin loads, I Alt+Tab back to the settings and switch back to my speakers for a completely normal gaming experience until the next time I have to launch the game.
Endy08
I haven't seen anyone else post this, but I've found a workaround that is super easy: Before you open Minecraft, open Windows Settings > System > Sound and then change your output to something else. On my list of sound output devices, I have my monitor (which does not play sound) my microphone (also no sound) my AirPods, and my actual speakers... I just select the monitor as the output temporarily and launch Minecraft. Once I'm signed in and my skin loads, I Alt+Tab back to the settings and switch back to my speakers for a completely normal gaming experience until the next time I have to launch the game.