Windows 10: Unable to configure audio device for 5.1 surround sound after update

I'm on Windows 10 Pro

Version 1903

OS build 18362.476




:)

 

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Sometimes, the outdated, missing or corrupted audio drivers can also cause problems in 5.1 surround output.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

 

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,

 

Disabled motherboard audio device disappears from sound configuration

Win 10 on a Gigabyte Z170X mobo. This board has Creative Soundblaster audio as well as the Intel chipset audio that goes out HDMI cable. Both were working but at some point the system sent some audio to the monitor instead of the Creative device which goes
to external speakers.

So I selected "disable" on the two Intel audio devices (one for HDMI, one for display miniport). Instead of appearing "disabled" they simply disappeared from the sound configuration list. They remain in the Devices list and are listed as "enabled". But
since they are no longer listed in the Control Panel sound configuration settings, I can't turn them back on. Rebooting made no difference: still listed as enabled devices, but still not present in Control Panel sound settings.

I'd like to get the Intel devices back so I have the option of using them. Any suggestions please?

Thanks very much.