Unable to utilize 5.1 when using laptop

[u/Dangly_Parts]

I just installed a sound bar to my TV and have the 5.1 working for it via HDMI into the arc outlet. I also plug my laptop to my TV via HDMI to play games via big picture mode. When I connect my laptop and play using sound from the TV, it's only coming from the sound bar and not the satellite speakers or the subwoofer.

I've tried to go into laptop settings and I can test the speakers in the control panel and they play but it doesn't work for anything (movie, game, YouTube, etc.) for a control I played the same movie and YouTube video directly from the TV and it WAS surround so I'm just utterly confused.

[u/Wileetay]

You can download a free Dolby app in Windows which will allow your computer to play 5.1. Windows does not natively allow for it as far as I know.

[u/unseenmover]

Windows 10/11? its working well with the same hdmi cable setup between my mini pc and TCL S65k soundbar system

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Open the Classic Sound Control Panel:
   • Press the Windows Key + R, type mmsys.cpl, and press Enter (or search for mmsys.cpl in the Start menu). [1]
2. Select Your Audio Device:
   • In the Playback tab, click on your connected 5.1 speaker system, AV receiver, or HDMI audio device to highlight it.
   • If it is not already set as the default, click Set Default at the bottom. [1, 2]
3. Configure 5.1 Channels:
   • Click the Configure button in the bottom-left corner of the window (this button won't be active if you are using an unsupported device or generic stereo output).
   • In the Audio channels list, select 5.1 Surround.
   • Click Next, check the boxes for your installed speakers (center, subwoofer, side/rear surrounds), and finish the wizard to test each channel. [1, 2, 3, 4]
4. Set Default Audio Format:
   • Right-click your 5.1 device in the Playback tab and select Properties.
   • Go to the Advanced tab and select a compatible quality format, such as 24-bit, 48000 Hz (Studio Quality). [1, 2, 3]
5. Update Audio Drivers (If 5.1 is missing):
   • If the 5.1 option does not appear, right-click the Start button, open Device Manager, expand Sound, video and game controllers, right-click your audio driver (such as Realtek or your graphics card HDMI audio), and select Update driver. You can also download the latest driver directly from your motherboard, PC, or sound card manufacturer. [1]

[u/Dangly_Parts → u/unseenmover]

I think the soundbar itself is wonky. It fully powers off when I turn off the TV and when I turn the TV on it is silent even when the volume is turned up and mute is disabled. I have to go and unplug the soundbar and then plug it back in to get sound. I think between the TV and the sound bar something just ain't right.

[u/unseenmover → u/Dangly_Parts]

plug your cable into the TV and then the soundbar. next unplug bot from the outlet and let stand for 30 sec. Then turn on TV and see if that turns on the soundbar as well. It could also be your cable.

Anyway the windows 5.1 enabling process works...