How to Fix Audio Playback Issues in PowerPoint Presentations

Having trouble with sound or music with a presentation? Try these tips

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Updated on March 19, 2020

Although there are various reasons why music or other audio might not play correctly in a PowerPoint presentation, compatibility is the most common cause. Learn how to troubleshoot and resolve audio playback issues in PowerPoint.

Instructions in this article apply to PowerPoint 2019, PowerPoint 2016, PowerPoint 2013, PowerPoint 2010, and PowerPoint for Microsoft 365.

Make Sure the File Format Is Supported

If you are not using one of the following supported audio file formats, consider converting it to a recommended format and then reinserting it in the presentation.

The following audio file formats are supported in PowerPoint:

AIFF Audio file, .aiff
AU Audio file, .au
MIDI file, .mid or .midi
MP3 Audio file, .mp3
Advanced Audio Coding—MPEG-4 Audio file, .m4a, .mp4
Windows Audio file, .wav
Windows Media Audio file, .wma

Optimize Media

Optimizing your audio media for compatibility is the best way to resolve audio playback issues when you share your PowerPoint presentation.

Go to File.
Select Info.
Select Optimize Compatibility.

If Optimize Compatibility appears, your media format may have compatibility issues on another device. If it doesn't appear, there are no compatibility issues and the presentation is ready to be shared.
Wait while PowerPoint optimizes your audio. Once it's done, select Close.

Compress Audio Files

Embedding audio files rather than linking to them will guarantee playback. This increases the size of your presentation, but compressing your audio files helps save space.

Go to File.
Choose Info.
Select Compress Media.
Choose the audio quality option you want to apply and wait while PowerPoint compresses your media files.
Select Close when the process is complete.