Issues with 5.1 Surround Sound with Windows 10

The fact remains**,Windows 10** (I've more the 30 yrs Consulting experience) in my opinion is the greatest software  boondoggle to ever hit the planet. Bill Gates is old, he's got no clue as to what he wants to do to bring some value to his empty worthless life, so out of that confusion, Windows 10 continues to flounder, incapable of even producing a generic 5.1 Surround Sound driver. Bye Bill, please,write when you find work!

Hey, I don't mind if Microsoft gets maligned, and I absolutely agree they could put pressure on these other services. Why? Even from enlightened self interest.

I'm about to blow a few thousand dollars on a damn A/V receiver so that I can get the content I pay for, instead of upgrading my HTPC. That's a loss in revenue for Microsoft.

There's also a lot of hate here, even people blaming Microsoft for content that's only sent in 2 channels. It's like blaming Ford for the fact that your Home Depot Pine 4x4 wasn't old growth Walnut by the time you got it home. Gotta be Ford's fault right?

The browser makes a big difference too. I used to get 5.1 from YouTube in IE if I remember right, but I haven't tested that in a while. Not that much 5.1 content necessarily on YT anyway. 

The one that really bugged me was NetFlix. I even tried paying for high def streaming, which still looks like **** even on my high end 4K monitor. Blacks that look like Minecraft.

I started using the 4K monitor, even though only 2 audio speakers., because the home theater was only using 2 channels.

If your system plays 5.1 with DVD's - the Microsoft part works fine.

If Streaming only sends 2 channels - then it's the streaming service OR the browser. Google was terrible about 5.1. Ironically IE was good about 5.1

This is only from websites that actually send 5.1, mind you.

I've confirmed through Amazon tech support as well as Netflix that I'm only getting 2 channels.

How do you expect your Windows PC to invent 4 channels when the information is missing?

What browser are you using?

If the speaker test works, but you go to play 5.1 from Netflix or Amazon - this is not Microsoft's problem.

They should, however, put IMMENSE pressure on those two idiots.

My 5.1 works FINE with my DVD player program. All 5 channels (and the 1kw subwoofer)

Every time I try to watch a Netflix movie, that movie only outputs stereo.

Netflix and Amazon seem to care less. 

I am SO frustrated by this. I have a very expensive projector setup and have no intention of watching media on an Android device that sits in my lap.

No. It's Microsoft. My system plays 5.1 fine with dvd's. Anything else streaming....even if it is streaming 5.1 or downloaded music...plays only in stereo. There use to be a driver that would emulate 5.1 from realtek but that has been gone a while too.

Hi John

Thanks for explanation. My tech knowledge of all this is superficial. I have just invested in a new high spec gaming PC. My interest is flight simulation but I have been testing the sound with Amazon music.......

Based on what you say I will retest using my flight simulator and see if that makes a difference.

if I have maligned Microsoft then I take it back but I still think the industry could collaborate to solve this issue given the long term scope of complaints

Rgds - Roger