Home / Error Help Hub / Audio codec not supported

Audio Codec Not Supported: Fix Video With No Sound

An “audio codec not supported” problem often looks like a video issue because the picture plays but there is no sound. In reality, the video stream may be fine while the player cannot decode the audio stream.

Quick answer

First rule out mute, output-device, and volume mixer problems. If only certain videos are silent, the file probably uses an audio codec the current player cannot decode.

Download Media Player Codec Pack Back to error help

Check first

Check which audio codec the file uses

If only some videos are silent, inspect the audio stream before changing drivers or reinstalling players. The Online Codec Inspector can help identify AAC, AC3, EAC3, DTS, FLAC, Opus, and other audio codecs without uploading your file.

Check audio codec

Common causes

  • The file uses AC3, EAC3, DTS, FLAC, or another audio format not handled by the player.
  • The wrong audio output device is selected in Windows.
  • The file contains multiple audio tracks and the player selected an unsupported one.
  • The audio stream is damaged even though the video stream still plays.

Quick checks first

  1. Play a known-good audio file and a known-good video file.
  2. Check the Windows volume mixer and selected output device.
  3. Try switching audio tracks in the player if the file has more than one.
  4. Test whether the same video has sound in another player.

Step-by-step fixes

  1. Install or reinstall Media Player Codec Pack, then restart the player.
  2. If the file is MKV, check whether the audio stream is AC3, EAC3, DTS, or TrueHD.
  3. If the file is from a phone or camera, export a new copy with AAC audio.
  4. If Bluetooth or HDMI audio is involved, disconnect and test through speakers or headphones directly.
  5. If the file remains silent everywhere, obtain a fresh copy or re-export it from the source project.

When a codec pack can help

  • Video plays but audio is silent only on some formats.
  • Other audio on the computer works normally.
  • The file contains a known codec such as AC3, DTS, AAC, or FLAC that your current player does not decode.

When another fix is better

  • Windows system sounds, browser audio, and every media file are silent.
  • The output device, driver, or HDMI/Bluetooth connection is the real problem.
  • The file has no audio stream or the stream is damaged.

Best compatibility target

For maximum compatibility, use MP4 with H.264 video and AAC audio. That combination is widely supported across Windows, phones, browsers, TVs, and editing tools. Modern codecs such as HEVC and AV1 are useful, but they are more likely to need newer playback support.

Frequently asked questions

Why does video play with no sound?

The video codec may be supported while the audio codec is not, or Windows may be sending sound to the wrong output device.

Can a codec pack fix AC3 or DTS audio?

It can help when the player relies on system codecs and the missing component is the audio decoder.

Is this different from a muted computer?

Yes. A codec problem usually affects specific files, while mute or output-device problems affect all sound.

Should I convert the audio?

If you need broad compatibility, convert or export the file with AAC audio inside an MP4 container.

Related playback help

Video plays with no soundMKV file not playingMP4 file not playing