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, you need to install the Dolby Access app from the Microsoft Store and follow the setup steps, with a 30-day free trial option or lifetime license purchase.
- Dolby Atmos is compatible with certain streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Tidal, and Apple Music, as well as certain video games, but its effectiveness varies depending on the equipment and content.
Dolby Atmos is a more elaborate and powerful concept of the sound system surroundThe signals are not mixed into different separate channels, but rather distributed virtually 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 the "Dolby Atmos for Headphones" feature into Windows 10 Creators Update. Thanks to this support, you will be able to enjoy superior sound quality even if you don't have an Atmos receiver, as long as you have headphones. However, this does not allow users to enjoy the same experience as with a receiver, because "Dolby Atmos for Headphones" is more of a software than a hardware solution.
The "Dolby Atmos for Headphones" option appears in your audio device's properties window, even if the Dolby application is not installed, but Windows will first ask you to install Dolby Access from the Microsoft Store if you haven't already done so. After downloading, the activation wizard in Windows 10 can be completed in a few simple steps:
- Click with the right mouse button on the sound icon on the taskbar.
- Enter “Spatial Sound”then 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 complete the activation.
- You can choose “Try it free for 30 days” 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 headphonesAll you have to do is click on "Configure PC settings" and select "Dolby Atmos for Headphones" in the "Spatial Sound Format" section.
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 to install Dolby Atmos are similar on both operating systems, there are a few differences. We have therefore compiled the steps to follow to activate Dolby Atmos on Windows 11:
- Right-click on the icon for 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 "buyFor the second option, purchasing, you can install this technology on 10 devices and license has no expiration date like 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 app from the Microsoft Store.
- Launch the app. You can purchase access (one-time purchase) or start a free trial period if you are using headphones.
- Access to Home Cinema is free. Simply press the "Configure" button and follow the instructions on the screen.
- Then go to Settings > System > Sound > Output > Device properties > Spatial sound, then select the option that suits you 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 filmed 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. They are increasingly compatible with the technology. However, the result can vary from one game to another, and for some games it is so far from what we hope for that it is sometimes better to disable it. On the other hand, for other games, the spatial sound feedback is exceptionally accurate. That's why it's always best to Perform a test before launching the Dolby Atmos application on Windows 10/11.And 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, using it on a PC requires an amplifier (required for Microsoft to provide the program), which is not supplied directly by Dolby, but is supported by third-party partners who distribute PCs with a built-in receiver.
Alternatively, Microsoft offers the " Windows Sonic “, a variant very close to Dolby Atmos, usable for free.
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