How to Convert Video to Audio on Windows 10
Need to extract audio from a video on Windows 10? It might seem a bit tricky at first, but it’s easier than you think. Using a reliable media converter like VLC Media Player — which is completely free and trusted by many — makes the process straightforward. Here’s how to do it, and following these steps could save you a lot of hassle.
Download VLC Media Player
First thing’s first, grab VLC from its official website. No fuss — just click that download button and follow the simple prompts. It’s a straightforward install. While you’re at it, you might want to tick the box to set VLC as the default app for media files. It’ll save a step down the track.
Download link: https://www.videolan.org/vlc/.
Open VLC and Access Conversion Options
Launch VLC once it’s installed. Head up to the top menu and click on “Media” — then select “Convert / Save…”. If you’re in a rush, you can use the shortcut Ctrl + R to bring up the same window.
Start the Conversion Process
In the window that opens, click the Add button to select your video file. VLC supports a range of formats like MP4, AVI, MKV, so you can use just about anything. Once the video’s loaded, click on Convert / Save.
Next, pick an audio format you want — MP3 is a common choice because it plays nice with most devices. In the Profile dropdown, choose Audio – MP3. If you want to fine-tune the quality, click the wrench icon to adjust settings like bitrate — 192 kbps is a good standard.
Don’t forget to specify where you want to save the new file. Something simple like C:\Users\YourUsername\Music\output.mp3 works perfectly.
Kick Off the Conversion
After everything’s set, click the Start button. VLC will do the rest — grabbing the audio from your video and converting it into your chosen format. It might take a few moments, especially if your video file is large, so hang tight. Once done, your new audio file will be waiting for you — ready to enjoy!
Tips for Smooth Conversion
Keep VLC updated via Help > Check for Updates to avoid any glitches. If the audio doesn’t sound quite right, try listening with headphones to catch any issues. For those who like to do multiple conversions at once, batch processing can work but requires a bit of setup.
For the tech-savvy, here’s a quick batch script that automates the process using command line — handy if you’re converting lots of files:
cd "C:\Path\To\Videos"
for %i in (*.mp4) do (
"C:\Program Files\VideoLAN\VLC\vlc.exe" -I dummy -V dummy -C dummy
"C:\Path\To\Videos\%i"
--sout="#transcode{acodec=mp3,ab=192}:standard{access=file,mux=raw,dst=%~ni.mp3}"
vlc://quit
)
Common Questions
What file formats can VLC handle?
VLC supports a wide range of formats like MP4, AVI, MKV, and more. That said, some obscure formats might cause a hiccup, in which case you might need a dedicated converter.
Is VLC completely free?
Absolutely — no hidden costs or premium features. It’s open-source and totally free.
Will converting audio degrade quality?
Most of the time, VLC does a good job maintaining quality, but some minor loss can occur, especially with compressed formats like MP3. If you want to keep the fidelity high, go with WAV — though it won’t be as small in size.
Are there other tools I could use?
Yes, tools like HandBrake, FFmpeg, and Any Video Converter are popular alternatives. Some even offer command-line options for those comfortable with a bit of scripting.
Do I need an internet connection to convert files with VLC?
Nope. Once VLC’s installed, you can convert videos offline — no internet required.
Quick Summary
- Download VLC from this link.
- Open VLC and go to Media using Alt + M.
- Select Convert / Save or press Ctrl + R.
- Add your video, choose your audio format (like MP3), and set quality options.
- Pick where to save your new file.
- Hit Start — and let VLC do its thing.
All up, converting video to audio with VLC on Windows 10 is a walk in the park. Whether it’s for making playlists, editing sound bites, or just saving space, this method’s simple and effective. Once you get the hang of it, it’s a handy skill for all your media needs. Keep your VLC updated and explore its features — it can do much more than just basic conversions!
Hopefully, this helps slice a few hours off your media tasks. If even one person finds it useful, I’ll call it a win!