Fix: MKV Video Plays But No Sound

Solutions for DTS, AC3, and other MKV audio problems

⚡ Quick Fix

  1. Use VLC: Download VLC if not already using it
  2. Select audio track: In VLC: Audio → Audio Track → choose Track 2 or 3
  3. Enable DTS: VLC Preferences → Audio → check "Enable DTS"
  4. Check volume: VLC volume, system volume, AND app mixer volume

Learn more: See our complete guide on how to open MKV files and best MKV players.

MKV files are containers that can hold multiple audio tracks with different codecs. When you get no sound, it's usually because your player can't decode the audio format or selected the wrong track.

Why MKV Has No Sound

Solution 1: Select Different Audio Track (VLC)

Success rate: 60% — Most common fix

MKV files often contain multiple audio tracks. The default may be commentary, foreign language, or a format your system can't play:

  1. Open the MKV in VLC
  2. Go to Audio → Audio Track
  3. Try selecting "Track 2" or "Track 3"
  4. Look for tracks labeled "English" or "Stereo" vs "5.1"

Pro tip: Tracks labeled "AAC" or "MP3" usually work on any system. "DTS" or "TrueHD" may need special handling.

Solution 2: Enable DTS Decoding in VLC

Success rate: 50% — For DTS audio tracks

  1. Open VLC → Tools → Preferences
  2. Show settings: "All" (bottom left)
  3. Navigate to: Audio → Codecs → Audio codecs
  4. Find "DTS" and ensure it's enabled
  5. Also check "A/52" (AC3) is enabled
  6. Click Save and restart VLC

Solution 3: Disable Audio Passthrough

Success rate: 45% — When audio goes to receiver instead of speakers

If VLC is set to passthrough, it sends raw audio to your receiver. If receiver is off or wrong input:

  1. VLC → Tools → Preferences → Audio
  2. Under "Output", select "DirectX audio output" or "Windows Audio Session"
  3. Uncheck "Use S/PDIF when available"
  4. Click Save and restart VLC

Solution 4: Install K-Lite Codec Pack

Success rate: 55% — For Windows Media Player users

If using Windows Media Player or other non-VLC players:

  1. Download K-Lite Codec Pack (Standard or Full)
  2. Install with default settings
  3. Restart computer
  4. Try playing MKV again

Note: VLC doesn't need codec packs — it has everything built in. K-Lite is for other players.

Solution 5: Convert Audio Track

Success rate: 70% — Permanent fix for problematic audio

Convert DTS/TrueHD to widely-compatible AAC or AC3:

Using HandBrake (Free)

  1. Download HandBrake
  2. Open your MKV file
  3. Go to Audio tab
  4. Change codec from "Auto Passthru" to "AAC (avcodec)" or "AC3"
  5. Click "Start Encode"

Using VLC to Convert

  1. Media → Convert/Save
  2. Add your MKV file
  3. Click Convert/Save
  4. Choose "Video - H.264 + MP3 (MP4)" profile
  5. Set destination and click Start

Solution 6: Check Audio Output Device

Success rate: 30% — When system audio is misconfigured

  1. In VLC: Audio → Audio Device → select your speakers/headphones
  2. Windows: Right-click speaker icon → Sound settings → verify output device
  3. Check VLC volume slider (bottom right)
  4. Open Windows Volume Mixer (right-click speaker) → ensure VLC isn't muted

Solution 7: Try MPC-HC with LAV Filters

Success rate: 50% — Alternative player for Windows

MPC-HC (Media Player Classic Home Cinema) with LAV Filters handles most formats:

  1. Install K-Lite Codec Pack (includes MPC-HC and LAV)
  2. Open MKV in MPC-HC
  3. Right-click → Audio → select working track

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my MKV have no sound? +
MKV files can contain audio in formats like DTS or TrueHD that require special decoding. Your player may have selected the wrong audio track, or passthrough is enabled sending audio to a disconnected receiver. Try VLC and select a different audio track.
How do I fix MKV no audio in VLC? +
Go to Audio → Audio Track and select a different track. Many MKVs have multiple tracks. Also check Audio → Audio Device to ensure correct output is selected. If using DTS, enable DTS decoding in VLC preferences.
Why does DTS audio not play? +
DTS requires specific decoding. VLC can decode DTS to stereo output, but you need to enable it in preferences and disable passthrough. Alternatively, convert the DTS track to AAC or AC3 using HandBrake for universal compatibility.
Audio works in VLC but not Windows Media Player — why? +
VLC includes all codecs built-in, while Windows Media Player relies on system codecs. Install K-Lite Codec Pack to add DTS, AC3, and other audio codec support to Windows Media Player.

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