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Unable to use 7.1 surround sound

  • January 16, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 6 views
killerKPG5o

I recently bought a razer Baracuda X headset, I initially installed the surround sound drivers and git everything setup as directed. I later had to update my laptop and now the surround sound will not work, when selected as primary output device. I only hear audio when the headset is selected for audio output, which doesn't make sense considering 7.1 needs to be selected as the setup instructions say. I have tried everything and nothing is working please help.

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1 Reply

Razer.Aero
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  • Razer.AeroRazer Support
  • Razer Support
  • January 17, 2026

Hi killerKPG5o,

Let me assist you with your concern. I understand you’re experiencing issue with the Razer Barracuda X surround sound after your laptop update. A few things could be affected by OS updates, driver changes, or audio device settings. Allow me to ask a few question to isolate the problem.

  • Which Windows version are you on (e.g., Windows 10 21H2, Windows 11 22H2)?
  • Do you see the Barracuda X listed in Windows Sound settings as a playback device, and does it show 7.1 Surround Sound?
  • When you set the Barracuda X as the default device, do you get audio in all apps, or only in some?
  • Do you observe any error messages or “not connected/unsupported format” alerts in Windows when you try to use 7.1 Surround Sound?
  • Have you tried different USB ports (preferably a direct laptop port, not a hub) and did any port work better?

Please check if the 7.1 Surround Sound is set as default playback device and you can also follow the steps in this article to fix the 7.1 Surround Sound issues.

  1. Go to Settings > System > Sound.

  2. Select "Speakers (7.1 Surround Sound)" as the output device.

    Windows Setting > System > Sound page

  3. Launch the 7.1 Surround Sound software.

  4. Select the output device that you would like to apply 7.1 Surround Sound on.

  5. Select the system's onboard audio playback device if you are using an analog headset connected via the system's 3.5 mm port.

    7.1 Surround Sound selecting output device window

  6. Select “Sound Control Panel” under “Related Settings” to ensure that "Spatial sound" is turned off.

    Windows Sound Control Panel page
    1. Right-click on the playback device where the 7.1 Surround Sound is active, then select “Properties”.Windows Playback Properties page
    2. Go to the “Spatial sound” tab.
    3. Confirm that “Off” is selected from the drop-down list under the “Spatial sound format”.
    4. Click “Apply” then “OK”.

Windows Properties Spatial sound tab

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