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Dolby Atmos for headphones not selectable in spatial sound

Anonymous
2019-07-19T12:26:34+00:00

I recently installed Dolby Access from the Microsoft store to trial Dolby Atmos for headphones. During the trial I was able select Dolby Atmos for headphones in spacial sound settings but after purchasing the license the option is now gone, I am only able to select Off and Windows Sonic for Headphones in the spatial sound settings. I have tried updating sound drivers to latest, rolling back to generic windows drivers and reinstalling Dolby access with restarts inbetween with no luck. Have also updated windows

Edition   Windows 10 Pro

Version  1903

OS build 18362.239

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Settings

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Anonymous
2019-07-20T22:24:18+00:00

Thanks all for assisting, I now have the option for Dolby Atmos for headphones. This was fixed by following instruction from Dolby Atmos support, completely terminating the Dolby Access process via the task manager is what fixed my issue. Below is the instructions sent by Doby Atmos support for anyone with the same issue to try.

Hi there!

Thank you for reaching back out to Dolby Atmos support!

In our testing we have found that reinstalling Dolby Access and completely restarting your device should restore Dolby Atmos.

If not, please try completely terminating the Dolby Access process via the task manager. Please note, you need to keep Dolby Access open when doing this so that is shows in the apps list. This method will not work if simply closing the app normally using the X button. To accomplish this:

  1. Open Windows task manager: Right-click in your system taskbar and choose task manager or choose the option after pressing ctrl-alt-del.
  2. Find Dolby Access in the apps list, select it, then choose the End task button. This should end the Access app and also associated background processes.
  3. Double-check in the Background processes list that "runtime broker" is also ended. If listed, please end this as well. Now, please launch your Dolby Access application and configure your sound settings from directly within Dolby Access.

If this does not resolve your issue, right click the volume icon in the system tray and select 'playback devices.' Then, right click your audio device and choose 'properties.' Finally, find the Enhancements tab and uncheck 'Disable all enhancements.'

Next, please ensure your audio isn't set to Mono or one channel sound. In Windows, search for your Settings, and choose Ease of Access. In the Audio section, you will see an option to turn on MONO. Make sure this is turned OFF. Once this is off, enter your audio settings to configure Dolby Atmos again.

If this is not checked, then please navigate to your ‘Apps & Features’ folder on your PC via the Cortana search bar. Within Apps & Features, ensure there are folders for both ‘Dolby Access’ and ‘Dolby Atmos for Headphones’. It is very important that you have both of these files as these are needed for you to be able to use Dolby Atmos for Headphones on your device.

If you see both of these files, click on ‘Dolby Atmos for Headphones’ and uninstall this from your PC. Once complete, open the Dolby Access application and reinstall Dolby Atmos for Headphones from there.

If you only see ‘Dolby Access,' please click on it and select 'Advanced Options,' then 'Reset.' Once complete, open the Dolby Access application and install Dolby Atmos for Headphones from there.

We appreciate your patience, and hope you have a wonderful day!

The Dolby Support Team

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Anonymous
2019-11-14T11:47:37+00:00

1903

Ok so the most lousy fix seemed to work, after re-installing Windows and various other fixes here is the magical fix;

Plugged a pair of cheap ear buds into the front audio jack and voila! Atmos is now enabled on all my devices....

Such a fiddly/sensitive application for a reasonably high price considering other alternatives available.

Thank you. Thank you Thank you. I can't believe after all of the turmoil THIS was the answer. Life. Thanks Old_Mate (Also 1903)

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19 additional answers

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  1. Anonymous
    2019-07-20T05:44:08+00:00

    I have the same issue with the Dolby Atmos Spatial Sound option removed all of a sudden. I have used it for months and not long after upgrading to 1903 the option has disappeared. Every other sound enhancer available works for me, just not Atmos...

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  2. Anonymous
    2019-09-11T05:34:12+00:00

    Still didn't work, I've now tried the following fixes;

    * Reinstall Windows twice to confirm it won't work on a fresh install of 1903

    * Uninstall/reinstall sound drivers numerous times

    * Use Windows generic sound drivers

    * Uninstall Nvidia HD Audio drivers and roll back to previous versions

    * Use multiple sets of headphones

    * Above fix from Atmos support

    I'm at a loss now, I paid full price for this feature and no matter how much time I attempt to get it to work the junk won't work...

    I'm not rolling back Windows because I shouldn't have to, this app/feature should run on any version.

    I managed to replicate the issue, and can now at will make the Dolby Atmos for headphones option appear and disappear from my spacial sounds option without installing/reinstalling Dolby Atmos or ANY drivers for that matter.

    It definitely has something to do with Telemetry in Windows 10, and whether or not you disabled/enabled it. When I disable Telemetry, Dolby Atmos for headphones stop working. When I reenable Telemetry it immediately works again. Disable it again, and it stops working.

    I think Dolby/Microsoft need to have a closer look at how telemetry integrates with the Dolby Access app or service, as many people will disable telemetry for privacy reasons, and when doing so they may lose access to apps they paid for.

    In other words, if you disabled Telemetry, chances are that your Dolby Atmos for headphones won't appear as an option. Reenabling Telemetry (which I know myself and MANY others strongly would prefer not to enable) immediately fixes the issue.

    I really hope that someone from Microsoft reads this, and looks into this. How can we opt out of privacy options when doing so prevents us from using apps we bought through their store?

    I'm actually quite annoyed right now to be honest.

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    4 people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2019-07-21T04:09:49+00:00

    1903

    Ok so the most lousy fix seemed to work, after re-installing Windows and various other fixes here is the magical fix;

    Plugged a pair of cheap ear buds into the front audio jack and voila! Atmos is now enabled on all my devices....

    Such a fiddly/sensitive application for a reasonably high price considering other alternatives available.

    Was this answer helpful?

    3 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments No comments