Why does MP4 work in VLC but no sound in other players?

VLC has built-in support for nearly all audio codecs. Other players like Windows Media Player need additional codecs. The MP4 likely uses AAC audio which requires codecs that aren't installed by default on Windows.

Fix: MP4 Video Plays But No Sound

Q: Why does my MP4 video have no sound?

The most common causes are: missing audio codec (your player can't decode the audio format), corrupted audio track, video was recorded/exported without audio, or system audio settings are muted. Try playing in VLC which supports more codecs.

Q: How do I fix MP4 no sound in Windows Media Player?

Install K-Lite Codec Pack which adds support for AAC and other audio formats. Alternatively, use VLC Media Player which has built-in codec support. If that doesn't work, the video file itself may have no audio track.

Solutions for missing audio in Windows Media Player, VLC, QuickTime, and browsers

⚡ Quick Fix

Check volume — System volume, app volume, and video player volume
Try VLC Player — Download free VLC, it supports all audio codecs
Install codecs — Get K-Lite Codec Pack for Windows Media Player
Check audio track — In VLC: Audio → Audio Track → verify one is selected

Learn more: For general MP4 playback issues, see our complete MP4 guide and best MP4 players.

Seeing your MP4 video play but hearing no audio is frustrating. This common problem usually stems from codec issues, corrupted files, or audio settings. Let's fix it.

Why MP4 Has No Sound

MP4 is a container format that can hold different audio codecs. When your player can't decode the audio:

Missing audio codec — Player doesn't support AAC, AC3, or other audio format
No audio track — Video was recorded or exported without audio
Corrupted audio stream — File damage affects only the audio portion
Wrong audio track selected — Player selected an empty or wrong track
System audio issues — Muted, wrong output device, or driver problems

Solution 1: Check All Volume Settings

Success rate: 40% — Always check this first

Multiple volume controls can cause "no sound":

Windows

Click the speaker icon in taskbar — check it's not muted
Right-click speaker → Open Volume Mixer
Check your video player has its own volume slider — make sure it's up
Check the video player itself has internal volume (look for speaker icon)

Mac

Press F12 or click menu bar speaker to check volume
System Preferences → Sound → Output — correct device selected?
Check volume in QuickTime or your video player

VLC Specific

Check the volume slider in the bottom-right
Go to Audio → Audio Track — make sure one is selected
Try Audio → Audio Device → select your speakers/headphones

Solution 2: Use VLC Media Player

Success rate: 80% — Best solution for codec issues

VLC has built-in support for virtually all audio codecs. If your video plays with sound in VLC, the issue was missing codecs.

Download VLC Media Player (free)
Install and open VLC
Drag your MP4 file into VLC or File → Open
Check if audio plays now

If VLC works: Your file is fine. The issue is missing codecs in your other player. Either keep using VLC or install codecs for Windows Media Player (Solution 3).

VLC Still No Sound?

In VLC, go to Audio → Audio Track. If it says "Disable" or shows no tracks, the video file itself has no audio. If multiple tracks exist, try selecting a different one.

Solution 3: Install Audio Codecs (Windows)

Success rate: 70% — For Windows Media Player users

Windows doesn't include all audio codecs by default. K-Lite Codec Pack adds comprehensive support:

Step 1: Download K-Lite

Go to codecguide.com and download "K-Lite Codec Pack Basic" (free)

Step 2: Install

Run the installer. Use default settings (just click Next through the wizard)

Step 3: Restart

Restart your computer

Step 4: Test

Open your MP4 in Windows Media Player — audio should work now

Alternative: If you don't want to install codec packs, just use VLC or the Windows Films & TV app which has better built-in codec support than Windows Media Player.

Solution 4: Check If Video Has Audio Track

Diagnostic step — Confirms if file has audio at all

Some videos are recorded or exported without audio. To check:

Using VLC

Open the video in VLC
Go to Tools → Codec Information (or press Ctrl+J)
Look for "Stream 1" or "Audio" section
If no audio stream is listed, the video has no audio

Using MediaInfo (Free tool)

Download MediaInfo
Drag your MP4 file into it
Look for "Audio" section
If missing, there's no audio track

If no audio track exists: The video was recorded without sound or the audio was removed during editing. You'll need to get the original file or add audio in video editing software.

Solution 5: Re-encode the Audio

Success rate: 60% — For compatibility issues

If the audio uses an uncommon codec, convert it to a standard format:

Using HandBrake (Free)

Download HandBrake
Open your MP4 file
Go to Audio tab
Set Codec to "AAC (avcodec)"
Click "Start Encode"
Test the new file

Using VLC to Convert

In VLC: Media → Convert/Save
Add your file and click Convert/Save
Choose "Video - H.264 + MP3 (MP4)" profile
Set destination and click Start

Solution 6: Fix Audio Drivers (Windows)

Success rate: 25% — When no videos have sound

If ALL videos have no sound, not just this MP4, check your audio drivers:

Right-click Start → Device Manager
Expand "Sound, video and game controllers"
Right-click your audio device → Update driver
Select "Search automatically for drivers"
Restart computer after update

Reset Audio Service

Press Windows+R, type services.msc, Enter
Find "Windows Audio"
Right-click → Restart

Solution 7: Try a Different Player

Different players handle codecs differently:

Player	Platform	Codec Support
VLC	All	Excellent (built-in)
MPC-HC	Windows	Excellent (with K-Lite)
Films & TV	Windows 10/11	Good
IINA	Mac	Excellent
QuickTime	Mac	Limited

See our full comparison of best MP4 players.

Solution 8: Repair Corrupted MP4

Success rate: 30% — For partially corrupted files

If the audio track is corrupted, try repair tools:

VLC repair: Sometimes VLC can play partially corrupted files when others can't
Stellar Video Repair — Paid tool for serious corruption
Re-download: If downloaded, get a fresh copy

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my MP4 video have no sound? +

The most common cause is missing audio codecs — your video player can't decode the audio format used in the MP4. Try VLC Media Player which supports all codecs. Other causes include the video having no audio track, corrupted audio, or system volume issues.

How do I fix MP4 no sound in Windows Media Player? +

Install K-Lite Codec Pack from codecguide.com which adds support for AAC and other audio formats. Alternatively, use VLC or the Windows Films & TV app instead, both of which have better built-in codec support.

Why does video work in VLC but no sound in other players? +

VLC includes built-in support for virtually all audio and video codecs. Other players rely on system codecs which may not include the format your MP4 uses. Either continue using VLC or install a codec pack for other players.

How can I tell if my video file has an audio track? +

In VLC, press Ctrl+J (Tools → Codec Information) and look for an "Audio" stream. Or use MediaInfo (free software) which shows all tracks in detail. If no audio stream exists, the video was recorded or exported without sound.

Can I add audio to a video that has none? +

Yes, use video editing software like DaVinci Resolve (free), iMovie (Mac), or Kdenlive (free) to add a music track or voiceover to your video. Import the video, add an audio track, and export a new file.