Windows Sonic for Headphones: Features, benefits, and how it works

Virtual surround sound isn’t new, but it’s still a nifty trick that helps deliver the impression of surround sound audio even with a limited speaker or headphone setup. Formats such as Dolby Atmos have made this method popular, but if you’re using a Windows computer, there may be a simpler method that you can use to get the benefits of virtual surround sound. Windows Sonic for Headphones is a software-based implementation which enables spatial sound, or virtual surround sound, even if you’re using a regular pair of headphones or earphones.

If you have a Windows laptop and a decent pair of headphones, you can enable and use Windows Sonic for Headphones right now, and it will work with just about any two-channel headset. Read on to find out all about Windows Sonic, and why it makes sense to use it.

What is Windows Sonic for Headphones, and how does it work?

Windows Sonic for Headphones is a virtual protocol for Windows laptops and desktops and works with headphones and earphones which are connected to the computer. It works through virtualisation of the sound and creates the impression of surround sound even with regular two-channel (left and right) earphones and headphones. For this, Windows Sonic uses virtual means, functioning through its software rather than any hardware setup.

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This can be useful in a number of situations, such as gaming or when watching films and TV series on your Windows computer. In gaming, it can offer a sense of direction for the sound, which can come in handy in competitive and multiplayer games. Obviously, it offers the convenience of virtualised surround sound without the need for a complex speaker set-up.

How to activate Windows Sonic for Headphones

Once you’ve connected your headphones to the Windows laptop or PC, Windows Sonic can be activated through a quick toggle in the settings menu. It can be found within the sound settings, where you can access the properties of the connected headphones. You’ll find a selection option for Spatial Sound, and within that, you can select Windows Sonic for Headphones as a format. This enables it for all audio on supported apps, media, and games.

Windows Sonic for Headphones also works on Xbox One gaming consoles and can work with headsets paired and connected to the console.

Advantages of Windows Sonic for headphones

Windows Sonic is built into Windows, can be switched on with a simple toggle, and requires no hardware to work apart from the headphones or earphones themselves. You can activate and deactivate it at your convenience, and it will work with compatible content from apps and services – namely those that are capable of rendering sound in 7.1-channel formats. You can also use other services such as Dolby Atmos where needed.

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While it won’t work with your laptop speakers, it’ll work with most wired and wireless headphones and earphones. You don’t even need special headphones for this, since it can work with any stereo headset. With Windows Sonic enabled, you can enjoy virtual surround sound even on stereo headphones with no need for a complicated setup or additional equipment.