Fix 7.1 Surround Sound not working error in Windows 11

Do you encounter audio problems when using a Razer device running with Windows 11? 7.1 Surround Sound is a tremendous Razer speaker to provide a next-level gaming experience with the help of unified cloud-based hardware configuration app. Unfortunately, several users report glitches in sound on Windows 11 when using this peripheral. The same audio issue also occurs with Razer Kraken Tournament Edition and THX Spatial. Therefore, we are here with some working solutions to 7.1 Surround Sound not working in Windows 11.

When 7.1 Surround Sound problem occurs, audio drops intermittently after a certain period of time and buzzing, hissing, crackling, or other weird sounds emit. The root cause of this issue is the default audio settings and incorrect configuration in Windows 11 which prevents the peripheral from working correctly. However, there is a matter of relief that you can fix this error easily using the methods in the remaining part of this post. See – Fix External Speakers not Working in Windows 11.

7.1 Surround Sound not working in Windows 11

Here is how to fix 7.1 Surround Sound not working in Windows 11 –

Way-1: Change Sound output

Following the settings, Windows automatically set ‘Realtek High Definition Audio’ default output device to play audio. Once installing the Razer Synapse, this peripheral start playing sound. But as reported Windows 11 update automatically changes these, restores the old setting and as a result, the audio player stops functioning. Therefore, when encountering 7.1 Surround Sound not working in Windows 11 you need to change the device again using below method –

1. Click on Speaker icon from the right end of taskbar.
2. On the Action center, click on the arrow mark from the Speaker control bar.

3. In the list of Sound output, select – Speakers 7.1 Surround Sound or THX Spatial which is not working.

Way-2: Change Settings

As the main reason for this malfunction is incorrect configurations for the 7.1 Surround Sound, first of all, make changes to them. Sometimes bugs in Windows update automatically change the default device to play sound and this creates mess. So need to revert it back manually using the following guidelines –

Using Legacy Sound settings

1. Right-click on – Start.
2. Select – Run.
3. Type or copy-paste – %windir%\system32\mmsys.cpl.
4. Hit Enter to launch Sound  Settings.
5. Right-click on 7.1 Surround Sound Speakers and select Set as Default Device.

6. Now try to play the sound via the Razer device.
7. Note that if you want to use 7.1 surround sound on Windows 11, then right click on this in this list. Choose Set the Device as Default.
8. If both are not working you can temporarily choose Realtek High Definition Video to set it as default. After the issue is corrected change the default device.

Through Settings app

1. Press Windws + I.
2. Select Sound from the right side.
3. Click on – Choose where to play sound under the Output section.
4. Check the radio cell for – 7.1 Surround Sound.

5. Click on the arrow mark in the Speakers 7.1 Surround Sound section.
6. On the next page, make sure that for Set as default sound device – Is default for audio is selected.
7. Remember that if you want to use another device then select this and make it default.

Way-3: Uninstall and reinstall Razer Synapsis driver

Several users report that they uninstall and reinstall the Razer device driver to fix sound issues. Device Manager is an effective built-in tool in this concern that will help you resolve 7.1 Surround Sound not working problem so follow the steps –

1. Press Windows and R keys.
2. Type – devmgmt.msc.
3. Hit Enter and allow Device Manager to load.
4. Click on the View menu and select Show hidden Devices.
5. Now, scroll down and double-click on Sound, video and game controllers.
6. Right-click on 7.1 Surround Sound.
7. Select Uninstall Device.

8. On the warning pop-up, click on ‘Uninstall’.
9. Restart your computer and check if the sound is working. If the issue still persists then navigate to the manufacturer website of Razer Synapsis and find the driver of THX Spatial and download it.
10. Launch the Setup file of the driver and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
11. Restart the computer and check if THX Spatial is playing sound now.
12. Keep in mind that if Speakers 7.1 Sound surround is not working then follow the same method for this device from Device Manager.

Read – How to update drivers in Windows 11 (Best ways).

Way-4: Add Legacy hardware to Razer device

Oftentimes when you install the Razer, its driver is missing and this triggers the audio issue in 7.1 Surround Sound, THX Spatial, or Kraken Tournament Edition. But there is an option in Device Manager to Add legacy hardware most of all this is helpful in many cases of this type. So move forward with –

1. Right-click on Start.
2. Select – Device Manager.
3. Click on – Razer Control Device.
4. Select Actions.
5. Click – Add legacy hardware.

6. On the Add hardware wizard, click on Next.

7. Check the option – Install the hardware that I manually select from a list (Advanced).

8. Locate Razer Device and select it in the coming window.
9. Click on Next.

10. Highlight Razer Control Device.
11. Choose ‘Next’.

12. Once more select “Next”.
13. Click on Finish.

Way-5: Use Audio Troubleshooter

When 7.1 Surround Sound not working or isn’t playing sound or emitting buzzing, whispering, crackling sound then Windows offers a tool to repair the trouble. The Fixit utility will detect problems and check Audio service if it is correct and finally rectify them. So go ahead with the tool –

1. Press Win+S.
2. Type troubleshoot.
3. Press Enter.
4. Select – Other troubleshooters from the right pane.
5. Find Playing Audio and click on Run.

6. After the utility checks for problems, it displays you a list of devices you need to troubleshoot.
7. Select Razer Synapse device such as 7.1 Surround sound or THX Spatial.
8. Click on Next.
9. Pursue the instructions given by the utility until the device i
10. Restart the system and see if the error is solved.

Way-6: Uninstall Windows update

Ensuring the security and adding improvements Windows update hits Windows 11 on a regular interval. Instead of making Windows better sometimes these rollouts raise issuers and cause bugs. Same happens with this case, the update generates bugs ending up with the sound glitch. But you can solve it –

1. Press – Windows.
2. Type – updates.
3. Hit – Enter.
4. On the Settings page, click on – Uninstall updates.
5. From the next screen click on ‘Uninstall’.
6. Click Yes on the confirmation dialog.

Methods:
Way-1: Change Sound output
Way-2: Change Settings
Way-3: Uninstall and reinstall Razer Synapsis driver
Way-4: Add Legacy hardware to Razer device
Way-5: Use Audio Troubleshooter
Way-6: Uninstall Windows update

That’s all!