Dolby Access

Dolby Access is an advanced sound driver package that allows users of all knowledge levels to easily extract the maximum potential from their stereo headphones or Dolby Atmos device, enabling the reproduction of high-quality sound in modern multimedia content.

With decades of experience in producing advanced sound codecs and deep integration into modern videogame, movie, and multimedia development, Dolby Access is uniquely capable of showcasing the intricate sound details, the precision of sound propagation, and realistic soundscape not only in front, on the side and behind you, but also with full support for modern Atmos support for overhead speakers that can dramatically expand soundscape in all three dimensions.

You can easily get Dolby Access on your Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, or Windows 10/11 PC. With it, you can set up Dolby Atmos for your soundbar, TV, or home theater system. Alternatively, you can also kick off your free trial of Dolby Atmos for Headphones.

Highlights

• All-in-one solution for enabling authentic reproduction of Dolby Atmos sound on your PC.
• Support for both virtual headphones surround, and your home theater speakers.
• Meaningful sound optimizations for various video gaming products.
• Enhance sound in your favorite video games with realistic, impactful, and immersive surround sound.
• Take the surround sound in movies and TV shows to a whole new level with Dolby Atmos.
• Simple and fast sound management app.
• 100% FREE!

Windows 10/11 store offers all of its users access to the free version of the Dolby Access app, which brings with it optimized sound drivers for high-quality reproduction of realistic surround sound in games, movies, and shows. The decoding of sound is additionally optimized for video games, and more specifically for the latest AAA titles where you can pinpoint the exact origin of various sounds, helping you to better orient yourself in a 3D environment, easily interact with the environment and dynamic objects in it, and even hear and pinpoint the threat location before you can see it in the game world in front of you.

Some of the videogames that have received a full Dolby Access integration are Gears 5, Borderlands 3, Resident Evil 2, Metro Exodus, Forza Horizon 4, and others.

Dolby Access is also highly effective in reproducing immersive audio found in TV shows and movies. Full support for virtual surround headphones sound and Dolby Atmos surround speakers is available for content distributed inside apps such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, iQiyi, Maxdom, Microsoft Movies & TV, and others.

In addition to Windows 11/Windows 10, the Dolby Access app is also available for the Xbox One gaming console, enabling the same sound processing capabilities of this powerful gaming and multimedia home hardware.

DOLBY ATMOS & GAMEPASS BETTER TOGETHER: Experience the latest popular Dolby Atmos titles such as Psychonauts 2, Gears 5, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, and Rise of the Tomb Raider today on GamePass.  

GAMES

Get into the action and hear threats before you see them with games in Dolby Atmos.

• F1
• Psychonauts 2
• Microsoft Flight Simulator  
• Immortals Fenyx Rising
• Cyberpunk 2077
• Call of Duty: Warzone
• Ori and the Will of the Wisps
• Gears 5
• Borderlands 3
• Tom Clancy’s The Division® 2
• Resident Evil 2
• Metro Exodus
• Forza Horizon 4
• And more!

MOVIES AND TV

Go inside the story with immersive audio for your favorite shows and movies. Find Dolby Atmos content on:

• Netflix™
• Disney+
• Microsoft Movies & TV
• Amazon Prime Video
• iQiyi
• VUDU®
• Maxdome

Installation and Use

It can be installed from Microsoft Store with a simple click on the “Get” button on the app page. Since it has very low system requirements, it can be safely installed on any PC machine (home PC or laptop) that can run the Windows 10 or Windows 11 operating system. The app requires that you have at least Windows 10 version 18362.0.

The app itself features a very streamlined and visually pleasing interface, with three main tabs for tweaking your sound ambiance – Home, Products, and most importantly Settings. In this last tab, you can tweak sound signature for various types of content on your PC – Game, Movie, Music, Voice, and three custom presets.

Main Features

Dolby Atmos for Headphones
It allows you to experience Dolby Atmos, an advanced audio technology that provides three-dimensional sound, on your headphones. This creates a more immersive audio experience, making you feel like you're in the center of the action, whether you're gaming, watching movies, or listening to music.

Dolby Atmos for Home Theater
If you have a Dolby Atmos compatible home theater system, it enables you to optimize your audio setup for the best possible surround sound experience. It provides instructions and calibration tools to ensure your speakers are configured correctly.

Custom Sound Profiles
It offers various audio profiles, each tailored for specific types of content, such as movies, music, and gaming. You can customize these profiles to suit your preferences and the type of audio you're consuming.

Support for Popular Applications
It integrates seamlessly with popular media players, streaming services, and games, allowing you to enjoy Dolby Atmos-enabled content across a wide range of platforms.

Interactive Demos
It includes interactive demos that showcase the capabilities of Dolby Atmos. These demos are not only impressive but also serve as great tools to test your audio setup and ensure everything is working correctly.

How to Use

• Launch the app from your Windows Start menu.
• Select the type of content you want to experience (Movies, Music, or Gaming).
• Choose your preferred audio profile or customize the settings to your liking.
• Start enjoying your enhanced audio experience in supported applications.

FAQ

Is Dolby Access FREE to use?
Dolby Access is FREE to download but to access its premium features like Dolby Atmos for Headphones, you'll need to purchase a subscription.

Do I need specific hardware to use Dolby Access?
While the app can enhance audio on a variety of systems, to fully experience Dolby Atmos, you should have compatible headphones or a home theater system with Dolby Atmos support.

Can I use Dolby Access with any media player or game?
Dolby Access is compatible with many popular media players, streaming services, and games. However, support may vary, so it's best to check the compatibility list on their website.

Is Dolby Access available on platforms other than Windows?
Currently, the program is primarily available for Windows 10/11 and Xbox One.

Can I create custom audio profiles in Dolby Access?
Yes, you can customize audio profiles to match your preferences and the content you're enjoying. Dolby Access provides settings to adjust various audio parameters.

Pricing

It offers a free trial, but to access Dolby Atmos for Headphones and additional features, you'll need to subscribe. The subscription pricing was around $15 per year. However, pricing may have changed, so it's best to visit the Dolby website or the Microsoft Store for the most current pricing information.

System Requirements

• Windows 10 version 17134.0 or higher
• 2 GB of RAM
• 100 MB of available storage
• Internet connection for initial setup and updates
• Headphones or a home theater system with Dolby Atmos support for the best experience

PROS

• Enhances audio quality for an immersive experience.
• Easy-to-use interface with customizable sound profiles.
• Integration with popular media players and games.
• Interactive demos for testing and calibration.
• Compatible with both headphones and home theater systems.

CONS

• Requires a subscription for premium features.
• Limited availability on platforms other than Windows.
• Compatibility with some applications may vary.

Conclusion

Dolby Access is an essential piece of software for anyone who values high-quality audio. It brings the immersive power of Dolby Atmos to your Windows PC, enhancing your gaming, movie-watching, and music-listening experiences.

While the subscription cost may deter some users, the improvement in audio quality and the ease of use make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking an exceptional audio experience. Whether you have a high-end home theater system or just a pair of headphones, it will undoubtedly elevate your audio game.