To remember:
- Dolby Atmos is an advanced surround-sound technology, available for PCs since 2017, enabling 3D spatial distribution of audio signals.
- To activate Dolby Atmos on Windows 10 and 11, install the Dolby Access application from the Microsoft Store and follow the configuration steps, with a 30-day free trial or lifetime license purchase option.
- Dolby Atmos is compatible with certain streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Tidal and Apple Music, as well as some video games, but its effectiveness varies according to equipment and content.
Dolby Atmos is a more elaborate and powerful concept of the sound system surround. Signals are not mixed into different distinct channels; rather, they are virtually distributed in 3D space before being sent back to your speaker. It has been available for PCs since 2017.
In this article, we'll talk about how to activate it and use it on a Windows 10 and 11 PC.
How can I use Dolby Atmos with Windows 10?
Unfortunately, the prestigious Dolby Atmos technology is only compatible with certain speaker systems. Microsoft has therefore decided to integrate "Dolby Atmos for Headphones" into Windows 10 Creators Update. Thanks to this support, you'll be able to enjoy superior sound quality even if you don't have an Atmos receiver, as long as you have headphones. However, this doesn't give users the same experience as with a receiver, as "Dolby Atmos for Headphones" is more software than hardware.
The "Dolby Atmos for Headphones" option appears in the properties window of your audio device, even if the Dolby application is not installed, but Windows will first ask you install Dolby Access from Microsoft Store if you haven't already done so. After downloading, guided activation under Windows 10 is a matter of a few simple steps:
- Click with the right mouse button on the sound icon in the taskbar.
- Enter "Space Soundthen select "Dolby Access / Dolby Atmos for Headphones.
- In principle, Windows 10 will ask you to restartthen, as soon as your PC has restarted, run a new right-click on the sound icon. Then choose again "Dolby Access / Dolby Atmos for Headphones to finalize activation.
- You can choose "Free 30-day trial or directly "Buy.
In the case of a free trial, once the free trial version has been activated, you will be asked toactivate Dolby Atmos for headphones. All that's left to do is click on "Configure PC settings", and choose "Dolby Atmos for Headphones" under "Spatial sound format".
If you decide to purchase the Dolby Access license on Windows 10, it is for life and can be installed and used on up to 10 devices.
How do I activate Dolby Atmos on Windows 11?
Although the steps for installing Dolby Atmos are similar on both operating systems, there are a few differences. So we've compiled the steps you need to follow to activate Dolby Atmos on Windows 11 :
- Right-click on the Windows taskbar ;
- Select "Space sound then select "Dolby Atmos (formerly known as Dolby Atmos for Headphones);
- You will be asked to restart your PC;
- After restarting, press right-click on the sound icon ;
- Then select on "Dolby access Where "Dolby Atmos for headphones ;
From here, you can opt for 30 days free by clicking on "Free 30-day trial or on "buy. For the second option, purchase, you can install this technology on 10 devices and license has no expiration date as the free trial version.
How do I get Dolby Atmos?
Wondering how to get Dolby Atmos on your PC? Well, the steps are very simple!
- Start by installing the Dolby Access application from Microsoft Store.
- Start the application. You can purchase access on a one-off basis, or start a free trial if you're using headphones.
- Access to a home cinema is free. Simply press the "configure" button and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Then go to Settings > System > Sound > Output > Device properties > Space soundthen select the option you require from the drop-down menu.
- Make sure you start the platform or game and select an appropriate audio setting (Settings > Sounds > Preset settings).
On which platforms can I listen to and watch Dolby Atmos content?
Amazon Prime Video: Many movies and TV series in Dolby Atmos are available on Amazon Prime Video. All you need is an Amazon Prime Video subscription and a Dolby Atmos-compatible device to enjoy Dolby Atmos entertainment.
Tidal and Apple Music: Dolby Atmos tracks are available on streaming platforms such as Tidal and Apple Music.
However, it is also possible to listen to music in Dolby Atmos on concerts shot or mixed in this format and released on Blu-ray.
Using Dolby Atmos on Windows
As it's more a kind of Dolby Atmos simulation, the result depends on the compatibility of content and equipment. But then again, the number is very limited for content with which you can really feel the quality and spatialization of the sound.
As far as video games are concerned Call of Duty, Forza Horizon 5, etc. more and more of them are compatible with the technology. However, the result can vary from one game to the next, and for some it's so far from what you'd expect that it's better to turn it off sometimes. On the other hand, for other games, spatial sound feedback is exceptionally precise. That's why it's always better to run a test before launching the Dolby Atmos application on Windows 10/11And it receives regular updates.
It should be noted that Dolby Atmos can just as easily be applied to home cinema as to any type of stereo headphones, but only a few can really bring out all the sonic detail (such as the Xbox Stereo Headset). However, its use on a PC requires an amplifier (necessary for Microsoft to provide the program), which is not supplied directly by Dolby, but supported by third-party partners who distribute PCs with integrated receivers.
Alternatively, Microsoft offers the " Windows Sonic “, a variant very close to Dolby Atmos, usable for free.
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