5.1 Surround problems in Windows 7 64-bit

This is one of those issues that just make you go mental... I just installed Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit after years of Windows XP Pro. I have Logitech's 5.1 speakers and Asus P5K motherboard which has Realtek High Defition Audio as integrated sound card.

The problem is using the 5.1 in programs, so I'm not sure if this even is a driver issue. Windows 7 automatically installed some drivers, and then I later installed Realtek's driver, but there is no change. Naturally everything worked fine in XP Pro.

In short, doing sound test in Windows' sound settings plays all 6 speakers perfectly, but no program (such as Windows Media Player, Spotify or some games) is able to use the surround sound. Instead I just hear the basic stereo output.

There was a previous topic in the Software forum for this, but it seems to be unsolved, so I'm hoping someone in this forum section could help.

 

I've wondered the same thing. Check out the screen shot i've attached. Open the realtek control panel/audio manager. In the upper right hand corner there's an advanced option, open that. then you'll see another window pop up. select make front and rear output devices playback two different audio streams simultaneously. See if that helps anything. the only thing is, i haven't changed the driver from the one that was installed with win 7.

 

I managed to get the 5.1 work somehow by adjusting settings in the panel, but it sounds really different than in XP. Not so good imo :/ But maybe I get used to it. Thanks thou!

 

My realtek using Windows 7 doesn't show that 'advanced' button. Why might that be, and what can I try?

 

My realtek using Windows 7 doesn't show that 'advanced' button. Why might that be, and what can I try?