Tutorials

How to set up and test surround sound 5.1 in Windows 10

Even with all the new advancements in sound technologies, some apps continue to produce stereo only. This can make it more difficult for you to determine if your surround sound setup 5.1 works correctly. While this technology offers multi-channel and mega-bit audio transmissions, initial setup and some incompatibilities with Windows 10 they can do that 5.1 seem more troublesome than it's worth.

If configured correctly, a surround sound setup 5.1 will enhance the range of effects, contributing greatly to the atmospheric soundtrack of a movie. If you use it while playing, You will notice that it is easier to determine the whereabouts of the enemy and their actions based on the sound they make. Like previous versions of Windows, Windows 10 has a built-in speaker test that lets you test surround sound 5.1. However, software is not always reliable and can generate false positives.

Before getting to the part where the surround sound setup is tested 5.1, it is important to make sure you have configured it correctly. Once you configure your system to use all available channels for surround sound output, you can use the tests below to make sure you are getting the best audio quality.

How to set the sound 5.1 in Windows 10

Unless you configure windows channels correctly 10 5.1 after connecting the hardware, you most likely get a stereo output from your pc or laptop. Note that to get an audio output 5.1 from your pc, your sound card must be compatible with 5.1. For now, not all integrated sound cards are configured to output an surround signal 5.1. Newer motherboard desktops tend to have it even on the low end, but laptops are not so lucky.

Note: Even if you have a compatible sound card 5.1, quality is likely to be lower. The reality is that most integrated sound solutions will not produce true surround sound. 5.1. If you are looking for quality, always choose a dedicated sound card.

Before trying the steps below, make sure your system is actually capable of outputting 5.1. What's more, check that all cables and connections are connected correctly and update your sound card driver to the latest version.

Press the Windows key + R to open a run window and type »mmsys.cpl«. Press Enter to open Sound Properties.
Go to the Playback option and select your playback device that is capable of playing sound 5.1. Please note that the name may vary depending on your sound card. With selected speakers, click Set as default and then hit the Configure button.
In the Speaker Setup window, select 5.1 Surround and press Next. If you see multiple surround sound inputs 5.1, select the one that most closely matches the way you placed your speakers.

Note: Ignore the test button for now. We will use it later after we have correctly configured the audio output.
Therefore, make sure all the boxes under Optional Speakers are checked and hit Next. If your configuration 5.1 it is incomplete or you are using it without the subwoofer, it is better to deactivate the missing equipment now. Doing this will redirect the audio destined for the missing channel to an active one. In this way, makes sure you don't lose any important audio.
The following dialog deals with the selection of full-range speakers. Most systems 5.1 don't have full-range speakers, since the audio task is divided into multiple channels. Check the boxes under Full Range Speakers if applicable and click Next.

Note: If you are unsure whether your audio setup contains full-range speakers, do an online search and look at your speaker setup. If you can't find relevant information, check the front left and right speakers and surround speakers. In this way, won't limit audio quality if some of your speakers have full-range output capability or you're not using a subwoofer.
If the setup completes successfully, hit the Finish button and proceed to the test section below.

Note: If you have speakers 5.1 but can't select 5. 1 Envelope after clicking the Configure button (gray option or not available), the problem is partly a bug by Microsoft that tried to push Sonic Surround and Dolby Atmos by forcing users to abandon old technology. The problem has existed since Windows was released 10 and Microsoft doesn't seem to want to fix it. Instead, the company seems to go for a planned obsolescence when it comes to surround sound 5.1. Although many users complain that their configuration 5.1 has stopped working once they have upgraded to Windows 10 from Windows 7 u 8, there is still no official solution on the horizon.

If you have only encountered problems with the sound 5.1 after creators update, follow this article (dts sound windows 10) for some DTS troubleshooting guides. If you've just started setting up your audio speakers 5.1 when you have the problem, follow this guide (Windows surround sound 10 it does not work) to solve your surround sound problems.

If you have been able to complete the setup process successfully, follow the guide below to test your surround sound 5.1.

How to test surround sound 5.1 in Windows 10

Once you have successfully set up your speakers 5.1, it's time to put them to the test. We'll start with the built-in way to test your surround sound setup 5.1, but if you want to test the true capabilities of your speakers, scroll down and use a test from the collection below.

Preferably, you need to start your test session using Windows built-in sound test wizard. The software will do a basic test to see if the audio channels are working properly. Here is a quick guide on how to perform the sound test in Windows 10:

Press the Windows key + R to open a run window and type »mmsys.cpl«. Press Enter to open Sound Properties.
Go to the playback screen and right click on the speakers 5.1 previously configured and select Test.

Note: Please note that the name of your playback device may vary depending on the sound card.
You should now begin to hear the listening test sounds coming from each of your surround sound speakers. 5.1 one by one. Use this test to make sure all your speakers are working.
Note: Alternatively, you can press the Configure button and then click the Test button to see a visual representation of which speaker is being tested. This will ensure that each speaker is connected in the correct position..
When you have finished testing the speakers, right click and select Stop Test.

Note: If you see the error »Could not play test tone» when clicking the test button, there is probably something wrong with your surround sound setup. If that's the case, follow these two guides (here and here) to see some troubleshooting steps.

Additional tests 5.1 Environmental testing

If you've made sure your speakers are connected correctly and that the sound is coming from where it's supposed to, let's run a thorough test. Below you will find a series of sample tests that will allow you to hear if the bass is, mids and treble of your speakers and subwoofer are working properly. Let's start with a list of test samples that do not need to be downloaded and can be played immediately.

Dolby Sound Channel Check Demo 5.1
LPCM surround sound test 5.1
5.1 Surround sound test «The helicopter»
DTS surround sound test 5.1 HD
Surround sound test 5.1 THX

Note: The overall quality of the sounds you hear is always dependent on the cable box. What's more, most video sharing services (including YouTube) do not support Dolby Digital or DTS. If your speakers are capable of DTS or Dolby Digital output, must try them via DVD / Blu-ray, game console or other medium that has been encoded with these surround sound codecs.

If you really want to see what your surround sound speakers are capable of, you will need to download the sample files to your computer and open them with a program capable of decoding DTS or Dolby Digital. Here is a list of places where you can download surround sound sample tests 5.1: