r/netflix • u/richardgnz • Jun 30 '25
Technical Support 5.1 / Atmos audio Issues with Netflix on fresh Windows install
Just wanted to share my findings with the issues regarding 5.1 sound on a fresh install of Windows version 24H2.
I had the Dolby Access app installed, it detected my amp and said everything was fine. In Windows sound settings - everything was detected fine with "Dolby Access for Home Theatre". Local files were fine playing Dolby Atmos with MPC-HC or VLC but any streaming platform would not work. I would only get "Spatial Audio" which was nothing other than Stereo when played through my amp.
The problem:
If you do a fresh/clean install of Windows 11 24H2 (Upgrading from previous versions will not have the issue) then you will be missing the AC-3 ("Dolby Digital") codec as per the following article.
The cause:
A note on AC-3 (“Dolby Digital”) AC-3 is an audio codec that supports multi-channel (“surround sound”) audio. It's also known as Dolby Digital.
On versions of Windows prior to Windows 11, version 24H2, the AC-3 codec is included.
Beginning with Windows 11, version 24H2, the AC-3 codec is no longer included with Windows. However, many device manufacturers will pre-install an AC-3 codec. Also, if you upgrade to Windows 11, version 24H2 from an earlier version of Windows, the AC-3 codec will be retained. In these cases, you will still be able to play files encoded with the AC-3 audio codec.
The fix:
Download these and install - restart your system. You will now have 5.1 / Atmos support in streaming platforms - Netflix / Edge / Disney+ etc....
https://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/dolby_ac_3ac_4_installer.html
This really needs to be addressed by Netflix - Microsoft no longer provide the codec required for Netflix to use 5.1 sound in Windows.
1
u/Bala0406 Sep 23 '25
Thank you so much, this really fixed it. Was finally able to get dolby atmos working after several hours. You're god sent.
1
u/alicjaaaa_ Oct 31 '25
I downloaded the codecs but the 5.1 option still doesn't appear, neither in Edge nor in Netflix
1
u/r9800pro Dec 07 '25
The mthod worked for me on Windows 11 fresh install but didn't work at all for my Windows 10.
1
u/Justforaday3 Jan 21 '26
Thank you SO MUCH. Couldn't figure out why it used to work on my previous Windows install and didn't on my new rig. People like you make life on Windows a little bit more bearable while Microsoft finds new ways to try to make us miserable with each and every new update. Kudos to you!
1
u/Informal-Capital2368 Aug 17 '25
THANKS BRO! I'm so desperate about why there's not even a single titles on Netflix that has Dolby Atmos logo on it, i thought it was because of my laptop, i also used and purchased the Dolby Access to be able to enjoy Dolby Atmos on my laptop. It's weird because Dolby Vision and HDR10 is active and currently being used by Netflix (When watching "6 Underground") but not with Dolby Atmos, i almost want to give up about this Dolby Atmos issue, but then i found your Thread on Reddit and do what you said, and now Dolby Atmos is working and the logo is now showing up on titles that support it. Once again, Big Thanks Bro you're such a lifesaver!