Windows 10 New Feature: What is Windows Sonic and How to Enable it

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Spatial Sound, essentially a 3D sound, is marching from Stereo and Surround Sound to the next level of being able to hear and interpret noises like we do in the real world. It has become a vital piece in Virtual Reality world to provide a believable immersive experience.

Spatial Sound - Windows 10 New Feature: What is Windows Sonic and How to Enable it

What is Windows Sonic

Windows Sonic is Microsoft’s platform-level solution for spatial support on Xbox and Windows, enabling both surround and elevation audio cues. Spatial Sound is supported on both Windows desktop (Win32) apps and Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps on both Windows and Xbox One.

Spatial sound with Windows Sonic supports TVs, home theaters, and sound bars that support Dolby Atmos. It can also be used with any pair of headphones.

How to enable Windows Sonic

This is done through the properties page for a given sound output device. Since Windows 10 Creators Update, version 1703, there is a Spatial Sound tab in the properties page where you can enable or disable Windows Sonic.

Speakers Properties spatial sound - Windows 10 New Feature: What is Windows Sonic and How to Enable it

Select None to disable Windows Sonic for spatial sound. Or choose one of other two options to enable Windows Sonic. Selecting Dolby Atmos for headphones option takes you to Dolby Access app in Store app. It’s not free but offers a 30-day free trial if you are interested.

Windows Sonic for Headphones option is free. Once selected you can also choose to turn on 7.1 virtual surround sound option if interested.

In upcoming Windows 10 Falls Creators Update, you can also enable Windows Sonic by right-clicking the Volume icon on the taskbar.

Enable Windows Sonic from Taskbar - Windows 10 New Feature: What is Windows Sonic and How to Enable it

Note that the Spatial Sound setting is sound device specific, meaning that if you have more than one sound devices installed on your computer you will need to enable Windows Sonic for each of them separately. You know you can switch sound playback device right from the taskbar, right?

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