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Easy Ways on How to Fix Windows Media Player No Sound

windows media player no soundWindows Media Player (WMP) is a prevalent multimedia player developed by Microsoft. It is widely employed for playing audio, video, and other digital media files. This media player is also known for its simplicity and functionality, and it remains a go-to choice for many Windows users. However, Experiencing no sound in Windows Media Player can be frustrating, specifically when you're trying to enjoy your favorite music or videos. This common issue can stem from different reasons, such as incorrect audio settings, outdated drivers, or even minor glitches in the application. In this guide, we'll walk you through the efficient solutions to restore sound to your media files. From basic settings adjustments to driver updates, we'll cover it all. Let's dive into solving the Windows Media Player no sound problem so you can get back to enjoying your favorite content seamlessly.

Why Windows Media Player Sound Not Working?

Since Windows Media Player is a core component of the Windows operating system, various factors can contribute to the lack of sound. Here are some of the most various reasons why you are experiencing no sound from media player:

  • Incorrect Audio Output Device: Sound may not play through the intended speakers or headphones if the wrong audio output device is selected.
  • Corrupted Media File: The file you're playing may be damaged or have unsupported audio codecs, resulting in no sound.
  • Outdated or Corrupted Audio Drivers: If your system's audio drivers are corrupted or outdated, this can prevent sound from playing properly.
  • Playback Settings Configuration: Misconfigured playback settings in Windows Media Player can mute or redirect the sound output.
  • System Audio Services Disabled: Windows audio services may be turned off, or an error may be encountered affecting sound functionality.

reasons windows media player no sound

How to Fix Windows Media Player Audio Not Working

1. Check Windows Media Player Volume Settings

The first step in troubleshooting a no audio in Windows Media Player issue is to check the volume settings. The volume settings should be the first thing you should check. There are instances where you accidentally adjusted the volume lower in Windows Media Player, or even the system volume is muted. This issue can be resolved by making sure that the volume in Windows Media Player is adjusted to an appropriate level. To check the audio volume in one of the best media player, you can click the volume icon on the player interface and ensure that the volume slider is not muted and is set to a suitable level.

windows media player no sound check volume

Ensure that the volume slider in Windows Media Player is not muted or set too low. Adjust it by clicking the speaker icon and moving the slider up for better sound output.

2. Check System Volume

If the volume in Windows Media Player is not the issue, you should check the sound system volume. You can access the sound settings volume by right-clicking the speaker or sound icon in the taskbar and clicking "Open Volume Mixer." This lets you check the volume levels for diverse applications and system components. Ensure that the system volume is not muted and is at an appropriate level.

windows media player no sound system volume

Verify that your system settings are configured correctly by checking the volume levels for your audio device. Ensure the volume is not muted, and test with another audio file to confirm the issue isn’t specific to one file.

3. Update or Reinstall Audio Driver

If the volume settings are not the problem, the next step is to update or reinstall the audio driver. Outdated or corrupted audio drivers can cause different audio-related problems, including the sound on Windows Media Player not working. A driver update or a fresh reinstallation can often resolve this problem. In addition, updating the audio driver can improve overall audio performance and compatibility. Here are the steps to update or reinstall the audio driver:

  • On your Windows computer, click on the "Start" button. Then, on the search bar, type the "Device Manager. You can also utilize the shortcut keys (Windows key + X) and select Device Manager.
  • In the Device Manager, locate the "Audio inputs and outputs." After that, click the drop-down menu and right-click on the installed audio driver on your Windows. Then, right-click on it and pick the "Update driver."
  • Once you click the "Update driver, "a new window will emerge on your screen. Afterward, choose the "Search automatically for drivers." Then, follow the prompt, and it will update your drivers.

windows media player no sound audio driver

If the driver doesn't automatically update, you can try to reinstall the audio driver by first uninstalling the current driver and then downloading the recent version from the manufacturer's website and installing it on your Windows computer.

4. Reinstall Windows Media Player

Although the first three steps can resolve most Windows Media Player sound issues, there can be cases where the problem persists. In such instances, a complete reinstallation of Windows Media Player may be necessary. Since it's an integral part of the Windows operating system, reinstalling the media player can help resolve any underlying problem that could be causing the no-sound problem. To reinstall Windows Media Player, follow these steps:

  • First, click the "Start" button, and type "Turn Windows features on or off." Then, hit enter to open the Windows Features window. On the window, locate and expand the "Media Features."
  • Under the "Media Features," check the "Windows Media Player" box. After that, click the "Ok" button. Then, restart your computer and repeat the same process to reinstall the Windows Media Player. Finally, try playing an audio track and see if the Windows media player has no sound problem was solved.

windows media player no sound reinstall wmp

You can also use another way to reinstall Windows Media Player. First, go to the Control Panel, navigate to Programs, and use the Uninstall Device option under the Advanced tab to remove and then reinstall the player.

5. Fix Codec Issues

Sometimes, issues with audio codecs can also lead to sound on Windows media player not working. Media players rely on codecs to decode and play various audio and video formats. For instance, your player shows a message on your screen, "Windows Media Player missing codec." If so, try installing the required codec to resolve the issue. To resolve codec issues, install a reliable codec pack like K-Lite to ensure Windows Media Player supports various audio file formats. Additionally, update the player to its latest version to fix compatibility problems with outdated codecs.

windows media player no sound fix codecs issue

Ensure you have the proper codec installed by downloading a trusted codec pack to support your audio files. Check the Playback tab in Windows Media Player for any other problems and verify the downloaded codec is compatible with your system.

"Download additional codecs"

Errors for codes can be solved by downloading codecs.

Downloading codecs can fix compatibility issue on players.

6. Use other Media Player

If you have tried all the above steps and are still experiencing the issue that my media player has no sound, you can try using a different one. AceThinker Player is one of the best WMA player alternatives to Windows Media Player, which supports multiple audio and video formats. These file formats include MP3, WMV, AVI, MOV, MKV, and more. Unlike Windows Media Player, AceThinker Player ensures clear and uninterrupted playback, even for high-quality audio and video files Apart from that, it supports high-quality audio and video streaming, allowing you to play files smoothly without any sound issues. Here is how you can play audio or video on AceThinker Player:

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Step 1: Install the Player

On your Windows, download and install the AceThinker Player software. To do this, click the "Download" button above this guide. Once you obtain the file installer, double-click to install it on your computer.

acethinker player interface

Step 2: Play Audio or Video

Access the media file you want to play and right-click it. Then, on the options available, select "Open with" and choose the AceThinker Player. This will launch the player and begin playback of the file.

windows media player no sound ap play video

Step 3: Check Audio

Once the file is being played, make sure the audio volume is not muted or set to a very low level. You can also click the "Audio" option on the upper left to access the tool's audio settings.

check audio settingsAceThinker Player is a versatile tool that can easily play AVI on Windows without requiring additional codecs. Download the player, open your file, and enjoy seamless playback with enhanced video and audio quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my media player have no sound?

As mentioned above, several reasons can cause a media player like Windows Media Player to have no sound. Issues such as muted volume, incorrect audio device selection, or missing codecs are common culprits. Understanding these potential causes can help you quickly troubleshoot and restore audio functionality.

How can I fix no sound when playing certain files in Windows Media Player?

If no sound is present with specific files, it can be caused by missing or outdated codecs. Installing a codec pack or updating your media player might resolve the issue.

Why does my audio work in other apps but not Windows Media Player?

This could be due to a conflict between Windows Media Player and the audio drivers or settings. Try reinstalling the player or checking the playback settings to resolve the issue.

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