Windows 10 - Realtek HD Audio using 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound is not working

Question

Hi,

How do I get Windows 10 with Realtek HD Audio using 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound to work?

With any sounds from VLC (MP3, Movies), Browser (YouTube) etc sounds do not appear on all channels.

Windows 10 Pro: Version 1909

Driver: Realtek HD Audio: 6.0.1.8036 (I've tried going back to v2.81, v.2.80 - as the Realtek HD Audio Manager is not available in v2.82)

Using older driver versions I've tried the Enhancements of Speaker Fill/Environment Generic - again this is not working - and are only available via the Realtek HD Audio Manager

I've tried the default Microsoft Driver - again no luck.

Speakers configured to 7.1 with side speakers removed. 

Using 5.1 speaker configuration, forces side speakers only, no rear speakers and you can only use rear speakers on 7.1.

(I've tried both configurations)

Configuration Testing works successfully, but then through VLC (MP3, Movies), Browser (YouTube) etc - sounds are still not appearing on all channels.

I've also tried via Sonic Studio - but again no luck

---- adding some more information where I have got this working on Windows 7 successfully - Realtek HD Audio using 5.1.

Sound Properties using the following settings, Environment: Room and no Speaker Fill.

   ![](https://learn-attachment.microsoft.com/api/attachments/6bc519e3-6315-4fe6-91a5-636d8de9729e?platform=QnA"https://learn-attachment.microsoft.com/api/attachments/a96d2dc4-7da8-4f4d-b956-aa5cbd94fd4e?platform=QnA" rel="ugc nofollow">![](https://learn-attachment.microsoft.com/api/attachments/a96d2dc4-7da8-4f4d-b956-aa5cbd94fd4e?platform=QnA"https://learn-attachment.microsoft.com/api/attachments/93a3765a-531c-4a86-bc7f-d9152ffc098b?platform=QnA" rel="ugc nofollow">![](https://learn-attachment.microsoft.com/api/attachments/93a3765a-531c-4a86-bc7f-d9152ffc098b?platform=QnA"https://learn-attachment.microsoft.com/api/attachments/adce2103-8631-494e-99f1-aee916c16a3e?platform=QnA" rel="ugc nofollow">        

Realtek HD Audio Manager settings in Windows 10

Thanks

Answer 1

Apparently updating the computer with the version of Windows 10 build 1903 has presented a problem in different users and computers, so it is being taken into account for improvements. Now in that case, to solve the audio problem you can go back to the previous version of Windows that you had before presenting the problem with the Realtek Audio HD driver on your computer, or through the manufacturer's home page try to download a driver that can correct the problem.

My recommendation is to go back to the previous version of Windows before updating. This will fix the bug.

Answer 2

Windows 10 Builds

Note - I've never had this working in Windows 10.

My current Windows 10 version is very far ahead in terms of Builds - see below:

OS Name Microsoft Windows 10 Pro

Version 10.0.18363 Build 18363

If you're suggesting that I rollback, please ensure that you mention the Build version that is working in Windows 10 and that you have tested or seen results for that it is working.

In terms of rolling back Windows 10 Build versions, I am not convinced this will work - as the forum that I posted was from 2015 and that still had issues. So, appreciate if you have a confident version, tried and tested that this is working for, then please do let me know.

FROM 2015: The issue appears to be well known and around for a while.

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows\_10-hardware-winpc/windows-10-51-surround-sound-not-working/baa3f0d1-858a-40d4-bf30-4365a2e63050

FROM 2019: It's definitely to do with the Realtek Audio HD driver - see link below which describes it.. "The sound issues with Windows 10 build 1903 have become more rampant than ever."..,

https://www.guidingtech.com/fix-realtek-hd-audio-manager-missing-windows-10/

So over the course of at least 4 to 5 years there has been an issue present.

Manufacturer Build

I've tried the Manufacturers versions - latest version and rolling back to prior versions -especially to get the Realtek Audio HD Manager working. This is not working as I've described previously. The Sound Test is working, but the Playback is failing in 5.1.

Answer 3

dear a parmar

I have been working on this issue for YEARS--ever since windows 10 came out. In my case the symptom is that the jack does not recognize headphone OR headset. Occasionally the sound will come thru but never the mic.

That is a fix I'm trying for the buzzing sound behind videos like zoom where folks can't hear me for the buzz while I am speaking--I thought to turn off computer audio/microphone and use only headset....

anyhow it's a real night mare especially when we know how real tek worked in windows 7.  Thanks for continuing the complaint! bj

Answer 4

I manage to get 5.1 working when performing the DTS/Dolby sound tests within Windows 10, but i'm not convinced it's working properly for all 5.1 sources.

My Realtek Audio Manager v 2.81/2.82 look the same - they don't have the 5.1/7.1 speaker setting options...

Which link did you get yours from???

Windows Info...

Edition Windows 10 Home

Version 20H2

Installed on ‎4/‎09/‎2020

OS build 19042.685

Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 120.2212.551.0

Answer 5

Hi, if this is still an issue I may be able to help. This version of realtek supposedly has a fix.
https://realtek-high-definition-audio-driver.software.informer.com/
In case it fails, I solved this issue a different way. There was an older driver version available called "High definition audio device" and I only use that without the realtek audio drivers on my computer. I do have multiple receivers I use however since my speakers are self wired and therefore much more powerful than any normal speaker set. If this doesn't help, I'm sorry I don't remember the exact steps to solve this but if you can use this info to help your problem, the only drawback known to me is you don't have the "stereo" option under the playback or recording panels (can be found be right clicking the audio icon, clicking sounds, then navigating the top. Best of luck!