When using my windows 10 laptop hooked up to my 4k TV, certain games trigger the automatic switch to Dolby Vision which cannot be disabled and when that happens I lose all audio from all sources until the game/application that triggered DV are turned back off.

Troubleshooting Dolby Vision Activation and Audio Loss on Windows 10 with 4K TV Connection

Introduction

Many users encounter audio and display challenges when connecting their Windows 10 laptops to 4K televisions, especially with features like Dolby Vision (DV) automatically activating during gaming sessions. This article explores common issues associated with Dolby Vision activation, particularly when it results in complete audio loss, and provides practical solutions to mitigate these problems for a seamless gaming and entertainment experience.

Device and Setup Overview

System: Freshly installed Windows 10, fully updated as of last week.
Display: TCL 65S535 4K TV.
Connection: HDMI cable (originally supplied with PlayStation 5).
Audio Output: Built-in TV speakers; no external sound systems involved.
Software: Dolby Extensions app installed from the Windows Store.

Issue Summary

Users have reported that during gaming sessions, especially when switching to borderless or full-screen modes, Dolby Vision automatically activates. Once DV is enabled, all audio output ceases—not only from the game but from all other sources, such as Spotify. Notably, this problem occurs despite the games functioning correctly in windowed mode; the issue appears to be triggered specifically by DV activation in full-screen modes.

Observations

Dolby Vision switches on automatically during certain game modes, which cannot be disabled, despite attempts within settings.
Audio loss affects all sources, including media played through different applications or system sounds.
The problem persists when the TV is used solely as a display; disconnecting or switching the audio device resolves it temporarily.
The TV in use is a TCL 65S535, supporting Dolby Vision, connected via the supplied HDMI cable.

Potential Causes

HDMI handshake issues leading to incorrect EDID information that triggers Dolby Vision.
Driver or firmware incompatibilities causing automatic DV activation without user control.
Windows or graphics driver settings that prioritize HDR and Dolby Vision modes when entering full-screen applications.
Conflicts between Windows display settings and TV capabilities.