Office Settings & Configuration

How to Fix No Sound from an Embedded PowerPoint Video on a Projector

Adam Davis Oct 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve an issue where an embedded presentation video plays sound on the host laptop but fails to output audio through the connected projector.

How to Fix No Sound from an Embedded PowerPoint Video on a Projector

Product: Microsoft PowerPoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Presenting a slideshow containing an embedded video using an external projector.
Observed behavior: The video plays normally on the laptop screen, but no audio is heard from the projector or external speakers.

Before you start

Before proceeding, verify that the embedded video actually contains an audio track by playing it outside of the presentation, and ensure your laptop's system volume is not muted.

Solution 1Recommended

Select the Correct Audio Output Device

Use this solution if your computer fails to automatically switch the audio output to the projector after connecting the cable.

When you connect an external display or projector via HDMI, your operating system should automatically route both video and audio to the new device. However, sometimes the default playback device remains set to the laptop's internal speakers, causing the projector to remain silent.

Open Sound Settings

Click the speaker icon located in the bottom-right corner of your computer's taskbar.

Expand the Audio Device List

Click the up arrow or the current device name above the volume slider to open the list of available audio output devices.

Select the Projector

Look for your projector's name or 'Intel Display Audio'/'HDMI Output' in the list and click to select it.

Test the Presentation

Return to your PowerPoint presentation and play the embedded video again to confirm the sound is working.

Quick Tip: Ensure the volume slider on the projector itself or its remote control is also turned up and not muted.

Solution 2

Verify Cable Capabilities and Connections

Check your physical connections, as certain types of cables cannot transmit audio signals.

Solution 3

Update PowerPoint and Test Hardware

Determine if the issue stems from an outdated PowerPoint application or a hardware malfunction.

Seamless Media Playback

Play Embedded Videos Smoothly with WPS Presentation

Avoid PowerPoint audio bugs by presenting your slideshow with WPS Presentation. It handles embedded media effortlessly, ensuring your projector outputs sound and video perfectly without complex configurations.

1. Download and Install WPS Office: Get WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your presentation laptop.
2. Open Your Presentation: Right-click your existing PowerPoint file, select 'Open with', and choose WPS Presentation.
3. Play the Slideshow: Connect your projector via HDMI, select the correct audio output in your system settings, and press Shift+F5 to start the slideshow with full audio.

Ensures reliable audio transmission to connected projectors and displaysFully compatible with Microsoft PowerPoint (.ppt, .pptx) filesLightweight design prevents video lagging or freezing during slideshowsFree to use with a familiar interface for quick adoption

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my PowerPoint video play sound on my laptop but not the projector?

This usually happens because the computer's default audio output hasn't automatically switched to the projector. You need to manually select the projector from your system's sound settings on the taskbar.

Can I use a VGA cable to transmit video and audio to a projector?

No, VGA cables only transmit analog video signals. To get sound through a projector using a VGA connection, you must connect a separate 3.5mm audio cable from your computer's headphone jack to the projector's audio input.

What should I do if the projector isn't showing up in my audio devices list?

First, reconnect the HDMI cable firmly into both the laptop and the projector. If the projector still doesn't appear, try restarting your computer, using a different HDMI cable, or updating your computer's display and audio drivers.

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