Windows 11’s Spatial Sound feature is a cutting-edge innovation that reshapes our digital auditory experience, offering a three-dimensional soundscape that transcends traditional stereo or mono sound. Spatial audio encompasses a variety of sound playback technologies that enable a rich and immersive auditory experience, without the need for intricate multi-speaker setups.
Spatial audio in Windows 11 revolutionizes audio technology, delivering an immersive 3D audio experience through user-friendly settings. Whether you’re a gamer, movie enthusiast, or music lover, enabling Spatial Sound will transform your digital auditory journey on this modern computing platform. In this guide, we will explore how you can enable spatial sound in Windows 11.
What is Spatial Sound in Windows 11?
Spatial sound is a feature of Windows 11 that delivers a three-dimensional audio experience. It utilizes head tracking to precisely position sounds around you, creating the sensation that they originate from various directions, even when you’re wearing headphones. This capability enhances the immersion and engagement factor when enjoying games, movies, or music.
Spatial sound in Windows 11 comes in two formats: Windows Sonic for Headphones and Dolby Atmos for Headphones. Windows Sonic is a cost-free option that is bundled with Windows 11. On the other hand, Dolby Atmos for Headphones is a more advanced format that necessitates a Dolby Atmos-enabled device.
What Spatial Sound Formats Does Windows 11 Support?
Windows 11 supports the various spatial sound formats, which include:
Windows Sonic for Headphones – This is a free, built-in spatial sound format that works with any pair of headphones. It uses head tracking to create an immersive audio experience that makes it feel like the sound is coming from all around you. Windows Sonic for Headphones is a good option for gamers, movie watchers, and anyone who wants to enhance their audio experience.
Dolby Atmos for Headphones – This is a premium spatial sound format that offers a higher level of immersion than Windows Sonic for Headphones. It uses object-based audio to precisely place sounds in space, regardless of how you move your head. Dolby Atmos for Headphones requires a Dolby Atmos-enabled headset or soundbar, but it can be an excellent way to elevate your audio experience for gaming, movies, music, and other content.
DTS Headphone:X – This is another premium spatial sound format that is similar to Dolby Atmos for Headphones. It utilizes object-based audio to create a more immersive audio experience than traditional stereo sound. DTS Headphone:X also requires a DTS Headphone:X-enabled headset or soundbar, but it can be an excellent choice for gamers and movie watchers seeking the best possible audio experience.
In addition to these three spatial sound formats, Windows 11 also supports other formats, such as DTS:X Ultra and Auro-3D. However, these formats are not as widely available as Windows Sonic for Headphones, Dolby Atmos for Headphones, and DTS Headphone:X.
How to Enable Spatial Audio in Windows 11
There are several methods to do it. You can enable spatial audio using Windows settings, the control panel, and more. Below, we will discuss the three common ways to do it.
1. Using Windows Settings
The easiest way to enable spatial sound is through the Windows Settings panel. Here are the steps you can follow to enable Spatial Audio.
1. Right-click the speaker icon in your taskbar and select Open Sound settings from the menu that appears.
2. It will open the Windows settings for sound. Here, under the Output section, click on the name of your audio output device (e.g., Headphones).
3. You will get the Properties window. Here, in the Spatial Sound dropdown menu, select Windows Sonic for Headphones or Dolby Atmos for Headphones option.
This is it! This is how you can enable Spatial Audio using Windows Settings. You can also adjust volume, balance, and other sound settings from this menu. To do that, you have to install the Spatial Sound apps from the Microsoft Store. For that, click on the option.
2. Using Control Panel
You can enable spatial sound through the Control Panel, which offers additional customization options for your sound experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
1. Click on the Start button.
2. Type Control Panel in the Windows search bar and click Open to launch the Control Panel.
3. Here, you will get the control panel settings to adjust your computer’s settings. Click on the Hardware and Sound settings option.
4. Now, click on the Manage Audio Devices option under Sound Settings.
5. You will get a screen to select the playback device. Here, choose the device where you want to enable Spatial Sound. For instance, we will go with the Headphones. You can select your preferred audio output device.
6. Then click on the Properties button.
7. Here, you will get the Headphones Properties window. Click on the Spatial Sound tab and choose Windows Sonic for Headphones or another supported format from the dropdown menu.
8. Click on the Apply button to confirm your changes. Finally, click OK to close the Window.
3. Using Volume Mixer
If you want more control over individual application volumes and spatial sound settings, you can use the Volume Mixer. To enable Spatial Sound using the Volume Mixer, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + E on your keyboard to open File Explorer.
2. In the address bar, type sndvol.exe and hit Enter to open the Volume Mixer window.
3. Here, you will find the device speaker and application volume settings. Double-click on the speaker icon of the device you want to change settings for to open the Speaker Properties window.
4. In the Speaker Properties window, switch to the Spatial Sound tab. Click on the drop-down menu and select your desired spatial sound format.
5. After that, click Apply and then the OK button to save the changes.
Your default playback device will now use spatial sound. That’s it! This is how you can enable Spatial Sound on Windows 11 using Volume Mixer.
Conclusion
The moment you have enabled Spatial Audio, you will be able to experience a more immersive audio experience for compatible content. For example, if you are watching a movie or playing a game, you will be able to hear the sound effects as if they are coming from all around you.
Windows 11’s Spatial Sound is a groundbreaking audio feature that provides a captivating three-dimensional auditory experience. Available in formats discussed above. It precisely places sounds, offering enhanced immersion for gaming, movies, and music. Enabling Spatial Sound in Windows 11 is a simple process through Windows Settings, Control Panel, or Volume Mixer, making it accessible to all users seeking an elevated audio experience.
