Developed by Dolby Laboratories, Dolby Atmos is an advanced surround sound technology specifically designed to deliver an immersive audio experience. The ability to create a 3D sound environment, where your audio can move dynamically, makes it an exciting asset. Whether you wish to amp up your adrenaline-pumping gaming, enhance your Netflix binge-watching, or liven up your music-listening experience, it comes into play.
Compared to the traditional surround sound systems that are typically restricted to specific speaker channels, Dolby Atmos puts the sound objects in a three-dimensional space in order to craft a more fascinating spatial listening experience. That’s the reason why it feels rather disappointing when this sound tech starts malfunctioning and doesn’t work as expected on your Windows device. But fret not! In this exhaustive troubleshooting guide, we’ve lined up the 22 best tips and tricks to fix Dolby Atmos not working on Windows 11. Keep reading to…
Various Ways to Fix Windows 11 Dolby Atmos Not Working
So, what has broken the Dolby Atmos on your PC? Based on what I have gone through and found by reviewing the complaints from several users, these are the major culprits that never miss any chance to derail this surround sound tech –
- Hardware incompatibility
- Conflicting third-party audio software
- Wrongly configured Dolby Atmos settings
- Ill-fated audio drivers
- Random audio-related issues
- Issues related to your streaming app
- Botched-up playback settings
- Restricted privileges
- Damaged Dolby Atmos app
- Persistent Windows bug
Give each of the above-mentioned villains a thorough consideration, I have discussed trusted ways to take control of the problem and bring the malfunctioning sound feature back on track again. And yes, all of these solutions are secure, allowing you to go about the job without at the cost of your personal information or sensitive files.
1. Check Device Compatibility
Before going any further, double-check if your PC and audio device (headphones, soundbar, or speakers) are in complete compliance with Dolby Atmos.
- Though Dolby Atmos supports a wide range of Windows devices (running Windows 10 or later), there are other pivotal requirements that you need to tick off.
- Keep in mind; to set up and use Dolby Atmos on your Windows device, you have to first install the Dolby Access app from the Microsoft Store.
- With the help of this app, you can activate Dolby Atmos for Headphones and also fine-tune your system for Dolby Atmos-enabled home theater setups.

- While a number of devices are designed to work with Dolby Atmos through headphones, getting the most out of Dolby Atmos over HDMI requires you to have fully compatible hardware, such as an Atmos-capable AV receiver or soundbar.
2. Ensure Dolby Atmos is Enabled
To ensure there is no unexpected hurdle mid-way, make sure that the “Dolby Atmos” is active on your PC.
- Navigate to the Settings app > System > Sound > Output.
- Now, choose your device and make sure that the Dolby Atmos is active in the Spatial Sound section.

3. Restart Your PC
Do not underestimate a simple restart as it can help you fix temporary system glitches that might be affecting Dolby Atmos functionality.
4. Verify Your Playback Settings
Misconfigured playback settings are also equally responsible for derailing Dolby Atmos and hurting its performance.
- Open Control Panel on your Windows 11 device > Sound.
- Select your output device and hit Properties in the menu.
- Navigate to the Advanced tab and pick a high-quality audio format (e.g., 24-bit, 48kHz).
5. Update the Dolby Atmos App
Is your Dolby Access app updated? If not, try updating the app to the latest version as there is a high chance that malicious software might be at the heart of the problem.
- Head over to the Microsoft Store on your device > Library tab > find the app in question and update it.
6. Set Dolby Atmos as Default Format
Setting Dolby Atmost as the default format on your PC can help keep the devil at a fair distance.
- Launch Control Panel on your computer > Sound.
- Hit your audio device and choose Properties.
- Go to the Spatial Sound tab and choose Dolby Atmos for Headphones or Home Theater.
7. Activate Dolby Atmos License
Have you purchased and activated the Dolby Atmos license through the Dolby Access app? If your answer is “No”, go through this pre-requisite without fail.
8. Select the Correct Audio Output Device
Has the correct output device been selected and activated on your PC? Even though this pre-requisite sounds pretty basic, I’d recommend you check and tick it off to ensure the wrong configuration is not coming in the way.
- Open the Settings on your Windows device > System > Sound > Output and select the right device.
9. Check HDMI/Optical Cable Connections
Have a close look at HDMI or optical cables and be sure they are securely connected between your Windows device and audio device.
10. Switch to a Different USB/HDMI Port
To rule out the possibility of hardware issues, I’d suggest you connect your audio device to another port.
11. Check App Settings
Is Dolby Atmos enabled inside your streaming apps (such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and more)? Head into the audio setting of the app in question to ensure you have ticked off this requirement as well.
12. Disable Audio Enhancements
Windows 11 “Audio Enhancements” is a top-notch feature for ramping up the whole audio listening experience, at times, it may cause conflicts.
- Go to Control Panel > Sound.
- Select your device, choose Properties.
- Choose the Enhancements tab.
- Now, check the “Disable all enhancements” option.
13. Update Your Streaming Apps
If your PC is running outdated streaming apps, you don’t need to dig anywhere else to spot the culprit of this problem.
- Go to the Microsoft Store > hit the Library tab > Find the streaming apps and update them all.
14. Update Windows 11
As the outdated version might be playing the spoilsport, be sure your system is running the latest Windows updates
- On your device, open the Settings app > Windows Update > Check for updates.

15. Update Audio Drivers
There is a decent chance that your out-of-date audio drivers are causing the problem and disrupting your Dolby Atmos time.
- To get it done, launch Device Manager on your PC.
- Now, you need to expand Sound, video, and game controllers.
- Then, right-click on your audio driver (e.g., Realtek) and choose Update driver in the popup menu.

- Select “Search automatically for drivers” and follow the prompts.
16. Reinstall Audio Drivers
If the issue has not yet gone away, try reinstalling your audio driver.
- Simply, bring up Device Manager > Inside the Sound, Video, and Game Controllers section, choose Uninstall device.
- Then, restart your PC to enable Windows to reinstall the latest version of audio drivers automatically.

17. Run the Audio Troubleshooter
To let you diagnose and fix audio issues, Windows 11 comes with a robust “Audio Troubleshooter.” Why not trigger it to sort out the issue for you?
- Visit Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.

- Now, run the Playing Audio troubleshooter and go through the prompts to nab and fix the threats.
18. Repair Your Dolby Atmos App
Windows 11 provides an exceptionally user-friendly repair tool that lets you repair a damaged or malfunctioning app without harming its data.
- Launch the Settings app > Apps > Installed Apps > Click on the triple-dot icon next to your app > Advanced Options > Repair.
19. Clear the Cache and Cookies of Your Dolby Atmos App
If it’s been a while since you cleaned up the cache of your Dolby Atmos app, I wouldn’t hesitate to put the sole blame on the pileup of cache and cookies.
- To get it done, open Settings app > Apps > Installed Apps > Hit the triple-dot icon next to your app > Advanced Options > Reset.
20. Reinstall the Dolby Access App
Another effective way to resolve this frustrating issue is to uninstall and reinstall the Dolby Access app. What enables it fix the problem is the ability to reset the entire Dolby Access configuration, which often works to flush out the glitches.
- Go to the Settings app on your device > Apps > Install Apps > Triple-dot next to the Dolby Access app > Uninstall and confirm.
- Launch the Microsoft Store > search for your Dolby app and install it.
21. Check for Conflicting Audio Software
Should the issue continue to plague your Windows device, try uninstalling the third-party audio software (i.e., Sonic Studio or DTS Sound Unbound) that might be either blocking the path or conflicting with Dolby Atmos. If it starts working, your third-party audio software is at fault.
22. Reset Windows Sound Settings
If nothing has yielded the desired result, reset your Windows sound settings to the default state. The reason why I’m betting big on this troubleshooter is because it excels in flushing out the malicious sound settings and returning them to the default state.
- On your PC, head over to Settings > System > Sound > Advanced.
- Now, you need to click on the Reset option located under “Reset sound devices and volumes for all apps to the recommended defaults.”
Wrapping Up…
There you have it! I hope Dolby Atmos has come alive on your PC and so has your streaming experience. Considering how spicy the surround sound is, I know what it feels like when the feature goes awry. With a wide range of reliable solutions at beck and call, it shouldn’t be a big deal to keep the antagonists at a fair distance. By the way, feel free to let your invaluable thoughts come across and share the tips that have helped you restore this beloved sound feature.