Thread: Realtek HD Audio 5.1 only outputs 2.1 in Windows 7

You're case is a clear one: Unless Dolby Digital Live/DTS-Connect are employed (which Realtek chips don't hold up), the most SPDIF can take is a 2.0 signal. You can acquire 5.1 during movies (as the audio is already encoded), but other PC audio is stuck at 2.0.

As for everybody else, make sure the correct playback device is set in the Windows Control Panel and that 5.1 is put from there.

Just received windows 7 installed and no sound similar to everyone else tried hordes of share and currently now acquired it to function by subsequently the ahead post. Double click the jack icon and switch the back to front similar to he said.