Settings → System → SoundTo turn on spatial sound in Windows 11, open the properties of your playback device in Settings and choose Windows Sonic as the spatial sound option. Windows Sonic is a built-in spatial sound solution that can make movies and games sound more immersive. The change takes only a few clicks, and you can reverse it at any time.
- Open Settings → System → Sound, select your playback device, open its properties and choose Windows Sonic under spatial sound.
- If the page shows an apply button after you choose the option, select it to confirm the change.
- Dolby Access and DTS Sound Unbound add other spatial sound options if you want an alternative to Windows Sonic.
How to turn on spatial sound in Windows 11
1. Open the sound settings
Press Windows + I to launch Settings. In the left navigation pane, select System, then select Sound.
Alternatively, open the page directly:
Open "Sound" in Settingsor press Win+R, typems-settings:apps-volume, and press Enter
2. Select your playback device
Find the Output section. It lists the devices that can play sound, such as your headphones or speakers.
Select the device you want to use for spatial sound. Each device has its own settings, so make sure you pick the one you actually listen through.
3. Open the device properties
After you select the playback device, Windows shows the settings for that device. Open its properties page, where the options for that specific device are collected.
If you want to manage which output devices are available, you can do that from the output devices list on the same page.
4. Choose Windows Sonic as the spatial sound option
In the device properties, find the spatial sound setting and choose the Windows Sonic option for headphones. Windows Sonic is designed to improve the movie and gaming experience.
If Windows shows an apply button, select it so the change takes effect.
5. Check the result
Play a movie, a game or a music track through the same device and listen for a wider, more spread-out sound field. If you prefer the original sound, return to the same setting and choose the option that turns spatial sound off.
Get other spatial sound options
Windows Sonic is not the only choice. You can download Dolby Access or DTS Sound Unbound from the Microsoft Store to get additional spatial sound formats. These are separate apps, so they come with their own setup, and some of their features may require a purchase or compatible hardware.
After you install one of them, go back to the spatial sound setting of your playback device to see which options are available. You can try each option and keep the one that sounds best to you.
Related options on the same page
The Sound page has several other controls that you may want to check while you are there:
- Audio output volume control changes how loud your selected device plays.
- Sound mixer options lets you adjust the volume of individual apps.
- Mono audio options combines the audio channels into a single channel, which helps if you hear sound in only one ear. It is a different feature from spatial sound.
If you can’t change the setting
First, confirm that you selected the correct playback device. The spatial sound choice belongs to a specific device, so a setting you applied to your headphones does not change the speakers.
On a work or school PC, an organization can manage the sound settings, so some options may be locked. In that case, ask your administrator.
Frequently asked questions
How do I turn on spatial sound in Windows?
Open Settings, go to System and then Sound, select your playback device, open its properties, choose Windows Sonic under spatial sound and apply if asked.
What is Windows Sonic used for?
Windows Sonic is a spatial sound solution built into Windows. It can enhance your movie or gaming experience by making audio sound more immersive.
Can I use Dolby or DTS instead of Windows Sonic?
Yes. You can download Dolby Access or DTS Sound Unbound from the Microsoft Store to get other spatial sound options, then pick them in the spatial sound setting of your playback device.
Do I have to select Apply after choosing the spatial sound option?
Only if Windows shows an apply button. If it is presented after you pick the option, select it so the change is saved and takes effect on your playback device.
Why are some sound settings locked on my work PC?
The sound settings can be managed by an organization on work or school devices. If the options are locked or missing, ask your administrator whether a policy controls them.
Official Microsoft documentation
