Updated March 2025: Stop these error messages and fix common problems with this tool. Get it now at this link
When you upgrade to the latest version of Windows 10, you may experience compatibility issues, usually with drivers from a previous version, as these drivers are specifically designed for the previous version of Windows 10.
This is when you may encounter an issue where 5.1 surround sound is not working on your Windows 10 computer. In this case, you can only hear the sound through the front speakers, but not through the rear speakers.
However, we have some solutions for you that can solve this problem. Let’s take a look at how.
Table of Contents:
What’s causing the surround sound channel not to work?
This problem can be caused by several reasons, including loose or damaged cables, improper speaker configuration settings, damaged or outdated drivers, missing HD audio codecs, etc. Read this article to solve the problem of no surround sound from your speakers.
How to solve the problem of no surround sound?
This tool is highly recommended to help you fix your error. Plus, this tool offers protection against file loss, malware, and hardware failures, and optimizes your device for maximum performance. If you already have a problem with your computer, this software can help you fix it and prevent other problems from recurring:
Updated: March 2025

Update your audio driver
If you are using Realtek audio, you need to download the latest drivers or driver version higher than 6.0.1.7487.
- Press Win + S and look for Device Manager.
- In Device Manager, navigate to Audio Inputs and Outputs.
- Right-click on the speaker and select Update Driver.
- Now expand Sound, Video, and Gamepad.
- Repeat the process for all the devices you find there.
Changing the bitrate and frequency of the sound
- Right-click the speaker icon on the right side of the Windows taskbar.
- Select Sound, and then go to Playback.
- Right-click on the speaker and choose Properties.
- Click the Advanced tab.
- Expand the list of formats and change the bitrate to 24 bits and the frequency to 96000 Hz.
- Click the Ok button. Your 5.1 sound should now work fine.
This is true if you are using Realtek sound. To solve this problem, you need to open the Realtek sound manager and set the bitrate to 24 bits and the frequency to 96000 Hz so that the 5.1 sound works properly.
APPROVED: To fix Windows errors, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does surround sound not work?
Increase the volume of the rear speakers or the surround sound speaker settings to the maximum. Try selecting a different size (small or large) for the surround-back speakers in the menu. Make sure the A/V receiver is set to surround sound mode. For Dolby ProLogic surround sound, the center channel mode must be set to NORMAL or WIDE.
How do I enable surround sound on my computer?
In the "Sounds" window, open the "Playback" tab. In the list of audio devices, select the sound card for which surround sound is enabled and click Set Default. Click the Setup button. In the Speaker Setup window, select 5.1 Surround from the list of Audio Channels.
How do I make 5.1 Surround sound work?
Press the Enter key to open the Sound dialog box. Click the Playback tab, select your 5.1 Surround speakers, and click Properties. Then go to the Advanced tab and use the dropdown menu under Default Format to change the audio format to 24 bit, 96000 Hz (studio quality).