How to Enable Dolby Atmos in Windows 11

To enable Dolby Atmos in Windows 11, install the free Dolby Access app from the Microsoft Store and set up Dolby Atmos for Headphones or Dolby Atmos for Home Theater in it. Then select Start > Settings > System > Sound, select your headphones or speakers, and under Spatial audio, set Type to the Dolby Atmos option. Dolby Atmos for Headphones comes with a free trial and then needs a one-time purchase in the app.

Applies to: Windows 11. Checked against Dolby Access support on September 30, 2026.

Before you start

• Headphones or home theater? Dolby Atmos for Headphones works with ordinary stereo headphones, wired or wireless. Dolby Atmos for Home Theater is for a soundbar or AV receiver that supports Dolby Atmos, connected to your PC by HDMI.
• Windows 11 version 24H2 changed things. Dolby says new installations of Windows 11 version 24H2 no longer include the Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus codecs, so Dolby Atmos movies and music may not play on them. PCs that were upgraded from an earlier version keep the codecs, and PCs from makers that advertise Dolby audio include them. Games that support Dolby Atmos bring their own support, so they still work.
• Want something free? Windows includes Windows Sonic for Headphones, a built-in spatial sound option that needs no app or purchase.

Step 1: Install Dolby Access

1. Select Start, type Microsoft Store, and open it.
2. Search for Dolby Access.
3. Check that the publisher is Dolby Laboratories, and then select Get.
4. Open Dolby Access and follow the setup. Choose Dolby Atmos for Headphones or Dolby Atmos for Home Theater, and start the free trial or buy the license.

Dolby Access can turn on Dolby Atmos for you at the end of setup. If it does, you’re done. If not, continue with step 2.

Step 2: Turn on Dolby Atmos in Sound settings

1. Connect your headphones, soundbar or receiver.
2. Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
3. Under Output, select the device you want to use, so its properties page opens.
4. Under Spatial audio, open the Type list and choose Dolby Atmos for Headphones or Dolby Atmos for Home Theater.

Dolby also notes that recent versions of Windows 11 let you choose Spatial sound from the sound menu in the taskbar, next to the volume controls.

Using the classic Sound control panel

1. In Settings > System > Sound, select More sound settings.
2. On the Playback tab, select your device and then Properties.
3. On the Spatial sound tab, choose the Dolby Atmos format, and select OK.

Test that it’s working

Open Dolby Access and play one of its demos. Sounds should seem to come from around and above you rather than just left and right. Movies, music and games mixed in Dolby Atmos make the biggest difference. Ordinary stereo music changes less.

If Dolby Atmos is missing or won’t turn on

• The option isn’t in the Type list. Finish setup in Dolby Access first. The Dolby option only appears after the app has set it up for that device.
• You’re on a new Windows 11 24H2 installation. See the note in “Before you start”. Dolby Atmos in games can still work, but Dolby movie and music content may not.
• Home Theater is missing. Your HDMI device must support Dolby Atmos, and it has to be the selected output. Check the device’s own settings and connect it directly to the PC’s HDMI port.
• It turns off after sleep or a restart. Open Sound settings and choose the format again. Updating your audio driver from your PC maker can help.
• It’s greyed out. Some apps take exclusive control of the audio device. Close them and try again.

For general sound problems, see how to turn on computer speakers in Windows 11.

Turn Dolby Atmos off

Go to Settings > System > Sound, select your device, and set Spatial audio > Type to Off.

Frequently asked questions

Is Dolby Atmos free on Windows 11?

The Dolby Access app is free, and it includes a free trial of Dolby Atmos for Headphones. After that, a one-time purchase is needed. Windows Sonic for Headphones is free.

Do I need special headphones?

No. Dolby Atmos for Headphones works with regular stereo headphones.

Can I use Dolby Atmos on two outputs at once?

Spatial audio is set per device. If you want sound from two devices at the same time, see how to play sound through two audio outputs in Windows 11.

What’s the difference between Dolby Atmos and Windows Sonic?

Both simulate surround sound on headphones. Windows Sonic is built in and free. Dolby Atmos is a paid add-on with its own tuning and support for Dolby Atmos content.

Next steps

To send your computer’s sound into a voice chat or recording, see how to play music through your mic in Windows 11.

Matt Jacobs

Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.

His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.