Windows 10: Surround Sound on Windows 10

Discus and support Surround Sound on Windows 10 in Windows 10 Drivers and Hardware to solve the problem; I have a computer hooked up to a TV by an HDMI cable that is plugged into an Nvidia graphics card with high definition audio, then an optical cable... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Drivers and Hardware' started by Stonesword, May 23, 2025 at 9:02 PM.

  1. Surround Sound on Windows 10


    I have a computer hooked up to a TV by an HDMI cable that is plugged into an Nvidia graphics card with high definition audio, then an optical cable going from the TV to the surround sound system.This set up has worked for YEARS.Suddenly Windows thinks the TV can only handle stereo. In device manager it shows up as RCA.The option for Surround Sound 5.1 and 7.1 are grayed out.I tried updating the sound drivers and trying to go back to the previous version of Windows.The new driver did not work and Windows says it's more days then it will allow you to go back to the previous version.So, it seem

    :)
     

  2. 5.1 Surround sound in windows 10

    Hi Jeka,

    There are some reasons why you don't get the 5.1 surround sound. Some of these are caused by the type of audio format, how the file was encoded, if the file supports 5.1 surround sound and such. For us to determine what's causing
    the concern more precisely, please provide information on the following:

    • The type of file that you're trying to play.
    • Troubleshooting steps done to rectify this concern

    For now, before we go to a more in-depth troubleshooting, we suggest you run

    audio troubleshooter.
    Look for Find and fix problems playing sounds.

    Don't hesitate to update us if you need further assistance.

    Best regards,
     
  3. cadaveca Win User
    Good surround sound headset

    I know you say you're not that guy, but stepping into the $250+ range really brings a change in build quality that might have you never having to buy another set. Otherwise, getting 6 speakers with decent sound in a headset is hard, and that's what you are asking for, and I have no suggestions, but just a bump up the list. *Stick Out Tongue Surround Sound on Windows 10 :p
     
  4. Peer_Sam Win User

    Surround Sound on Windows 10

    Issues with 5.1 Surround Sound with Windows 10

    Hi,

    Thank you for posting on Microsoft Community Forums.

    What is the make and model of the computer?

    Which audio driver are you using?

    In order to output 5.1 surround sound, the sound card and the audio device (Speakers) must have 5.1 support and not all sound cards are configured to output 5.1 surround signal. Also, as you have mentioned that there could be compatibility issues where
    the audio drivers may not be fully supported on Windows 10?

    If the sound card supports, and is configured to output 5.1 surround signal, please ensure that the computer is set up properly to output the signal.

    • Open the Run dialog box by pressing the
      Windows key and R together.
    • Type mmsys.cpl and hit the Enter key to open the
      Sound control panel.
    • Under Playback tab, right click on the audio device (speaker) and select
      Set default.
    • Click on the Configure button to launch the device (speaker) setup window.
    • Click the dropdown list under Audio channels and select
      5.1 Surround and click Next.
    • Check the boxes Center, Subwoofer and
      Side pair and click Next.
    • Click Finish once the configuration completes.

    Sometimes, the outdated, missing or corrupted audio drivers can also cause problems in 5.1 surround output. So, I would also suggest to update the audio drivers or uninstall/reinstall the audio driver if it the latest version of the driver is already
    installed. Please refer to the article below.

    Update drivers in Windows 10

    You may also try installing the High Definition Audio Device driver
    and see if that makes any difference. Please refer to the steps for uninstalling and reinstalling drivers under section
    Fix your audio issues of the link below.

    Fix sound problems in Windows 10

    Get back to us after following the steps above and let us know how it goes.

    We await your response.

    Regards,

    Peer Samie

    Microsoft Community-Moderator
     
Thema:

Surround Sound on Windows 10

Loading...
  1. Surround Sound on Windows 10 - Similar Threads - Surround Sound

  2. Surround Sound on Windows 10

    in Windows 10 Gaming
    Surround Sound on Windows 10: I have a computer hooked up to a TV by an HDMI cable that is plugged into an Nvidia graphics card with high definition audio, then an optical cable going from the TV to the surround sound system.This set up has worked for YEARS.Suddenly Windows thinks the TV can only handle...
  3. Surround Sound on Windows 10

    in Windows 10 Software and Apps
    Surround Sound on Windows 10: I have a computer hooked up to a TV by an HDMI cable that is plugged into an Nvidia graphics card with high definition audio, then an optical cable going from the TV to the surround sound system.This set up has worked for YEARS.Suddenly Windows thinks the TV can only handle...
  4. My new Window 11 desktop will not reproduce 5.1 audio surround sound.

    in Windows 10 Gaming
    My new Window 11 desktop will not reproduce 5.1 audio surround sound.: About two weeks ago I unpacked my new desktop. This new computer was required in order to run Windows 11. After downloading all the Windows 11 and EDGE updates I plugged in my 5.1 speaker system. First, I made all the necessary changes to both the Realtek Audio Console window...
  5. My new Window 11 desktop will not reproduce 5.1 audio surround sound.

    in Windows 10 Software and Apps
    My new Window 11 desktop will not reproduce 5.1 audio surround sound.: About two weeks ago I unpacked my new desktop. This new computer was required in order to run Windows 11. After downloading all the Windows 11 and EDGE updates I plugged in my 5.1 speaker system. First, I made all the necessary changes to both the Realtek Audio Console window...
  6. New spdif sound card won't do surround correctly

    in Windows 10 Gaming
    New spdif sound card won't do surround correctly: So I got this new sound card being a creative sound blaster ae-5 plus. I've noticed that it's playing sound through all the speakers like ambient audio from games or videos. But when it comes to voices or other main audio it's only the front speakers that work correctly and...
  7. New spdif sound card won't do surround correctly

    in Windows 10 Software and Apps
    New spdif sound card won't do surround correctly: So I got this new sound card being a creative sound blaster ae-5 plus. I've noticed that it's playing sound through all the speakers like ambient audio from games or videos. But when it comes to voices or other main audio it's only the front speakers that work correctly and...
  8. Windows 11 Version 23H2 preventing Surround sound

    in Windows 10 Gaming
    Windows 11 Version 23H2 preventing Surround sound: I have Windows 11 Version 23H2 and I just bought New steelseries 9 5.1 system.I have surround durring gaming can't tell yet if it's true or virtual surround but with windows anything out of gaming it takes alot to just get the rear speakers to work and it's zero Surround I...
  9. Windows 11 Version 23H2 preventing Surround sound

    in Windows 10 Software and Apps
    Windows 11 Version 23H2 preventing Surround sound: I have Windows 11 Version 23H2 and I just bought New steelseries 9 5.1 system.I have surround durring gaming can't tell yet if it's true or virtual surround but with windows anything out of gaming it takes alot to just get the rear speakers to work and it's zero Surround I...
  10. No surround sound option

    in Windows 10 Software and Apps
    No surround sound option: Even though I have connected my pc to a sound system through an optical cable I'm not getting the surround sound option in the speaker configure menu I only get stereo option no 5.1ch or 7.1chAudio driver is realtek v6.0.9700.1If I need 5.1ch I should have a very old version...