Background noise in VLC Media Player can most often be attributed to using one of the program's built-in audio output modules, which allow you to choose the way sound is output to your computer's audio system. VLC Media Player automatically uses a "Default" mode setting, guessing the most appropriate module for your system at that specific time. You may also be experiencing unwanted background noise due to improper speaker settings in VLC. Fix both these problems by adjusting VLC's preferences; however, it is recommended you update VLC to the latest version, as this may fix background noises automatically. If neither problem refers to your situation, you can manually adjust the audio levels for any video, cutting out background noise by adjusting certain frequencies.

  • Background noise in VLC Media Player can most often be attributed to using one of the program's built-in audio output modules, which allow you to choose the way sound is output to your computer's audio system.
  • Fix both these problems by adjusting VLC's preferences; however, it is recommended you update VLC to the latest version, as this may fix background noises automatically.

Open your browser and visit Videolan.org. Click the "Download VLC" button and download the program package, containing the program and all its components. Double-click the program file when download is complete to run through VLC's installation process. Choose a hard drive on your computer to install the program to, agree to its licensing terms and launch VLC.

Open your video in VLC and check the background noise. If still there, open the "Tools" menu and click "Preferences." Click the Show Settings to the "All" button to display advanced preferences.

  • Open your video in VLC and check the background noise.
  • Click the Show Settings to the "All" button to display advanced preferences.

Click "Audio" and "Output Module." Choose the "DirectX Audio Output" or the "Win32 WaveOut" option from the "Audio Output Module" drop-down box. (These are two other default settings for Windows computers). Click "Save" and replay your video, checking for background noise.

Go back to VLC's Preferences, click "Audio" and select "Audio Device" to check your speaker set-up. Try selecting a different speaker setting from the list of options and click "Save." Replay your video, trying different speaker settings.

  • Go back to VLC's Preferences, click "Audio" and select "Audio Device" to check your speaker set-up.

Open your video in VLC and highlight its icon in the playlist window. Click the "Window" tab and select "Equalizer."

Play your video so you can adjust Equalizer settings while listening. Click the "Enable" button in the Equalizer menu.

Adjust the Preamp slide bars or choose a preset option from the drop-down box at the top of the screen that cuts out as much background noise as possible. (These presets are chosen for different music settings like Rock, Reggae, etc.). If your background noise is at a higher frequency, try pulling down the Preamp bars on the right side of the window. If your background noise is low and bass-like, pull down the Preamp bars on the left side. Exit out of the Equalizer window when finished.

TIP

If troubleshooting background sound playing 5.1 Surround Sound, make sure you have the correct speaker set-up in your Windows audio settings.