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

My music output ports on the back of my pc are just three ports (blue, lime, and pink). Only the lime port seems to be for two channel output for two front speakers. Where do I plug my (surround sound back speakers) and my (center and subwoofer) cables for my 5.1 altec lansing 5.1 system now? The blue port seems to be for a microphone and the pink port seems to be for an audio input. Please help.

Answer 3

RiazHussain5,

    Thank you.  I went back and re-read your note regarding the drivers.  I worked up some courage and dove in.  Apparently, the audio driver is the most current and working properly.  As a result, I still had no fix for lack of sound from three of the six speakers in my old Creative THX brand 5.1 sound system.

    I decided to go back and try a solution I used years ago when encountering a sound problem with Windows 10.  I downloaded the Firefox browser.  Using this browser, I went out to You Tube and pulled up one of my old favorite Rock & Roll tunes and hit play.  The stereo recorded song immediately blasted from all six speakers in full "**up-mixed 5.1 surround sound format"** without any issue.  It was outstanding.  Apparently, if I want to listen to any internet-based music it will have to be through the Firefox browser.  I have spent way too much time trying to fix this 5.1 audio surround problem encountered with Windows 11.  Thanks again for all your help.

    -  1SIGINT1

Answer 4

I can understand. As a user myself and with my own experience, I can assure you that updating or reinstalling the driver is not so difficult. Just follow the instructions above.

Answer 5

RiazHussain5,

        I really do appreciate all your advice and suggestions.  I have not tried updating or reinstalling the audio drivers.  I am a bit gun shy when it comes to fooling around with drivers due to some bad experiences that occurred more than 30 years ago.  Best wishes.

           -  1SIGINT1