You can use Dolby Atmos, the world’s first cinematic object-based audio, on Windows 10 to experience sound in a whole new way. Developed by Dolby Laboratories, it allows sound to be perceived as a three-dimensional object, transporting you right inside, for a truly immersive cinematic experience. Read on to learn how to use Dolby Atmos on Windows.
What is Dolby Atmos? The Dolby Atmos 3D audio solution explained
Three main types of sound formats are available in audio systems: stereo sound, surround sound, and surround sound (also known as 3D audio).
Spatial Sound lets you hear the chirping of a bird overhead as if it were actually perched above you, or the sound of water flowing under a bridge as if you were standing on the bridge.
Microsoft Sonic: Another way to experience spatial sound in Windows 10
You can also enjoy spatial sound on Windows 10 with Microsoft Sonic. Unlike Dolby Atmos and DTS (another 3D audio provider), Microsoft Sonic is free to use. It’s easier to set up because it doesn’t require any external hardware other than your headphones. And yes, it works with any headphone/headset. However, it lacks the depth and detail you’d get from Dolby Atmos or DTS.
To enable Microsoft Sonic, right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar, hover over Spatial Sound, and click Windows Sonic for Headphones.
To switch back to Dolby Atmos at any time, simply repeat the process above and select “Dolby Atmos for Headphones”.
What do you need to use Dolby Atmos on Windows 10?
Unlike Microsoft Sonic, true Dolby Atmos requires specialized hardware and speakers to create stunning detail, precision, and realism in your sounds. This can include ceiling and floor speakers. However, Dolby Atmos for Headphones is a digital signal processor (DSP) that allows you to enjoy spatial sound on Windows 10 with any headphones.
To do this, you need a PC with Windows 10 or higher, Dolby Access and earphones or headphones. You must also enable Dolby Atmos for Headphones in your game or app settings.
Once enabled, click the sound icon in the taskbar and select “Spatial Sound -> Dolby Atmos for Headphones”. In this way, if the app or device produces sound, it is transformed into spatial sound.
To better appreciate the Dolby Atmos effect, you have to experience it for yourself.
Visit the Dolby Atmos Experience page on your desktop or mobile device. Next, plug your headset or headphones into the audio jack, sit back, relax, and press the Listen to Dolby Atmos play button. Don’t forget to turn the media player back on.
This plays an audio track in stereo, surround sound, and Dolby Atmos so you can tell the difference. You can also try it without installing or activating Dolby Atmos for Headphones.
We recommend trying it in a quiet environment with your eyes closed for maximum enjoyment. You can also connect your smart TV or smartphone to your Dolby-enabled home theater (via Bluetooth) and visit the experience page to enjoy it in more detail.
Which games currently support Dolby Atmos for headphones?
With your GamePass, you can experience Dolby Atmos game titles like Ori and the Will of the Wisps and Rise of the Tomb Raider.
You can also experience it in CyberPunk 2077 as you build your legend on the streets of Night City.
Other titles with Dolby Atmos sound include:
What movies and TV shows come with Dolby Atmos support?
You can also enjoy next-gen sound with your favorite TV shows and movies from Netflix, Disney+, Microsoft Movies and TV, Amazon Prime Video, iQiyi and VUDU, among others. Dolby Atmos also works on speakers, soundbars, and home theater systems.
Now that you’ve tried it, here’s how to enable Dolby Atmos on Windows 10 and use it if you want. It uses the Dolby Access application as its user interface and is easy to set up if you have a modern computer.
First, you need to download and install the Dolby Access app. Dolby Access lets you personalize your audio with custom profiles so you can experience exclusive content and game trailers.
Upon completion, you will receive a push notification letting you know that Dolby Access has been installed. Launch it from the push notification or the app download page.
Plug in your device and click the forward arrow if you already have a supported headset, then click SETTINGS. Dolby Atmos for Headphones is required to enable sound settings.
Dolby Access currently costs $11.24. To try it for free, click “Try for 7 days”. You can use it on up to ten Xbox consoles and Windows PCs to enjoy immersive sound with any headset.
Now sign in to your Microsoft account when prompted. Review the information in the dialog box and click Retrieve. In the next dialog, click Next to enable your default audio device.
Dolby Atmos for Headphones is now ready to use on your Windows 10 PC. Click Live Now -> HOME and choose from the collection of game clips, movie clips and Dolby demo content to experience rich sound in detail.
Restart the Dolby Access application and click “SETTINGS” to see it activated now.
Dolby Atmos for Windows supports the following configurations
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You can also experience Dolby Atmos on Xbox Wireless Headset, Xbox One S, Xbox One X, X Box Series S, Xbox Series X, Lenovo Yoga C940, TCL 5-Series TV, VIZIO P-Series Quantum TV, and other devices that support Dolby support atmosphere.
Dolby Atmos is better to hear than said. Give it a try and see if you notice a difference in the sound. If you’re an Apple user, read on to learn more about Apple Lossless Music and the devices it supports, then learn how to set up home theater audio with a HomePod and Apple TV.
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