My new Window 11 desktop will not reproduce 5.1 audio surround sound.

Question

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 and the Windows 11 System > Sound > More Sound Settings windows. Including Speaker Properties and Setup to reflect my 5.1 audio setup. I successfully ran the test tone to all six speakers from both the Realtek Audio Console and the Windows 11 System > Sound > >Speaker Setup Test Tone window. I then tried to play a song from the internet. To my surprise, I only had stereo audio output from my Front Left and Right speakers, and bass from the subwoofer. I immediately went to the Microsoft Community website for a fix. None could be found that cured my issue. However, I did read in one write-up that under “System Sound Output” change Mono audio to “On” and this would work. I did this and successfully sent the “Mono” audio to all six speakers. Does anyone out there really know how to fix Windows 11 so it will generate 5.1 surround sound audio to six attached speakers?

Answer 1

I am glad that your problem has been ultimately resolved! You can now close this ticket and give your review. Thanks.

Answer 2

JosephT71,

       Thanks for all the help and explanation.  I will just continue working this problem.  Best wishes.

               - 1SIGINT1

Answer 3

Ok, I can understand that most of the suggestions have already been tried without success. I am sorry about it. Did you try to update or reinstall the audio driver? You can also try to download the latest driver from the manufacturer's website. Let me know it that helps.

Answer 4

Thanks JosephT71 for the quick response. I do have "Speaker Fill" turned on in the Realtek Audio Console" window, with no effect. However, I do have an ASUS motherboard. So, can you walk me through how to locate studio sonic and the "upmix" feature. I did a cursory search and could not find it. Thanks in advance.

Answer 5

Thank you for the quick response. Prior to writing this help request I completed several of your trouble shooting suggestions. See below.

• First of all, verify Audio Source Compatibility: Normally over the years I only listened to YouTube, Bing, and my own CD music recorded and stored on my desktops. The audio would always emanate from all six 5.1 system speakers. Apparently, Microsoft was up-mixing the stereo and mono audio to resemble 5.1 surround sound because it certainly sounded great.
• Run the Audio Troubleshooter: I ran Audio Troubleshooter several time. It could not find anything wrong. Once it allowed me to write a note to higher headquarters describing the issue. No response received.
• Next, Check the Default Audio Format: I did, several times, see my original note.
• You can also try to enable Spatial Sound: I did, Windows Sonic only works with headphones and not speakers.

-Also, open the Realtek Audio Console and ensure the speaker configuration is set to 5.1. and disable any enhancements or effects that might interfere with surround sound: I did, see my original note.