Note: This document is for users experiencing issues with sound in Windows Media Player only. If you are not getting sound with any program, see the no sound in Windows page.
Check volume settings
The Windows Media Player logo.Often, no sound in the Microsoft Windows Media Player may be corrected by adjusting the volume controls at the bottom of the program window. Moving the slider from the left to the right will turn up the volume. If the slider is all the way to the left, the volume is zero.
Make sure not muted
Make sure the Windows Media Player sound icon is not pressed in, as this button is used to mute the sound.
Check your Windows volume and sound settings
Windows 7 SystrayEnsure that the volume icon in the notification area is not turned all the way down or muted, as it causes you not to hear any sound. If you're still having volume issues, visit the following link.
Missing or lost sound in Windows.
Codec issue
If only some of the movies you're playing do not get sound, it's likely you have a codec issue. Codecs allow movie files to be smaller. However, the proper codec needs to be installed for the Media Player to read the movie. Essentially, they both need to speak the same "language" so they may communicate.
If the location of where you downloaded the file did not contain a link to download the codec as well, we suggest
you view our codec definition for additional options.
Make sure the Equalizer is balanced
If the equalizer is all turned down, you may experience sound related issues. To check this setting, click View, Enhancements, Graphic Equalizer. Once the Graphic Equalizer is displayed, make sure all settings are at least half way up.