Forum Discussion

NoahRussell's avatar
NoahRussell
Iron Contributor
Jul 10, 2025

What is the best way to extract audio from video in windows 10?

Seems a dum question but I really need help from this community. I'm trying to extract audio (preferably in MP3 or WAV format) from some video files on my Windows 10 PC. These are mostly MP4s, but I also have a few MKV and AVI files. I don't need anything super fancy; just something that gets the job done quickly and preferably without bloated software or online converters.

I've heard about free audio extractor tools, but not sure which is the best way to extract audio from video in Windows 10. I'm open to command-line tools if they're efficient and trustworthy. 

What do you guys recommend? Appreciate any suggestions or workflow tips!

7 Replies

  • Aosmen's avatar
    Aosmen
    Iron Contributor

    When it comes to extracting audio from video. Avidemux supports many common formats, but it may not handle all audio or video formats seamlessly. If your source file uses a less common codec, you might encounter compatibility issues or need additional steps. While straightforward for simple tasks, Avidemux's interface can be less intuitive for beginners. It may lack advanced features or customization options found in more comprehensive audio/video editing tools.

    Avidemux is primarily designed for cutting, filtering, and encoding tasks. It doesn't offer advanced audio editing capabilities like noise reduction, volume normalization, or detailed waveform editing. Depending on the encoding settings chosen during extraction, there might be some quality loss if not configured correctly, especially if re-encoding is involved. So, this is not the best method for extracting audio from video. To avoid this, ensure you select the 'Copy' mode for streams if you want to preserve original quality.

    Avidemux can be less frequently updated than some commercial or more actively developed open-source projects, potentially leading to compatibility issues with newer Windows updates or codecs.

  • Vaom's avatar
    Vaom
    Iron Contributor

    To extract audio from video on Windows 10, some online converters or software can be sketchy—ads full of pop-ups, malware, or weird permissions. Make sure you pick the right format for your audio—MP3, WAV, AAC, etc. If you don’t, you might get an audio file that your player can’t read or that’s not compatible with your device. Always double-check what format you’re downloading.

    Some tools let you choose quality when extracting audio from video. If you set it too low, your audio might sound terrible. If you want decent quality, pick a higher bitrate or lossless format if possible. It’s worth it for better sound. If you only want part of the audio, don’t just extract the whole thing and then try to cut it later. Use tools that let you select the segment you want, or trim it afterward to save time. After you get the file, play it right away. Sometimes, errors happen—like incomplete extraction, corrupted files, or audio sync issues. Better to catch it early than find out later.

  • If you're already using Adobe Premiere Pro for video editing, exporting just the audio from a video project is quick and easy. Premiere offers professional-grade export settings, allowing you to save audio in high-quality formats like MP3 or WAV. This is especially useful if you want precise control over bitrates, channels, and sample rates, or if you're working with complex edits that include sound effects and multiple audio tracks.

    How to extract just the audio from a video

    1. Import your video into Premiere and drag it to the timeline.
    2. Make any necessary audio edits (cutting, volume adjustments, etc.).
    3. Go to File > Export > Media.
    4. In the Export Settings window:
    5. Set Format to MP3 or WAV.
    6. Under Export Settings, uncheck Export Video and make sure Export Audio is checked.
    7. Choose your Output Name and save location.
    8. Click Export to begin rendering the audio file.

    Adobe Premiere Pro is a solid choice for extracting audio from video when you're already editing video content. It gives you full control over audio quality and is perfect for professionals who want more than just a simple audio extraction tool. 

  • Queendee's avatar
    Queendee
    Iron Contributor

    Avidemux is a great choice for free, straightforward audio extraction from video files on Windows. Here's a simple step-by-step guide to help you extract audio from video using Avidemux:

    How to extract audio from video:

    1. Download the latest version compatible with Windows.
    2. Launch Avidemux.
    3. Click File > Open and select your video file (MP4, MKV, AVI, etc.).
    4. At the bottom left, you'll see Video Output and Audio Output options.
    5. For extracting audio only:
    Set Video Output to Copy (to avoid re-encoding the video).
    Set Audio Output to MP3 (LAME) or WAV (PCM) depending on your preferred format.
    6. Make sure Output Format (next to Save) is set appropriately:
    For MP3: choose MP3 (MPEG Layer-3).
    For WAV: choose WAV (Waveform Audio).
    7. Go to File > Save > Save Audio (or simply press Ctrl + S).
    8. Enter a filename with the appropriate extension (.mp3 or .wav).
    9. Choose a destination folder and click Save.
    10. Avidemux will process and save your audio file.
    11. Since you're copying streams without re-encoding (if formats are compatible), this process should be quick.

    If you want to convert to MP3 but your source isn't compatible, you might need to set Audio Output to MP3 (LAME) explicitly, and Avidemux will re-encode the audio. For best quality, choose WAV if you don't mind larger files, or MP3 for smaller, compressed files.

  • EllisGrey's avatar
    EllisGrey
    Iron Contributor

    As far as I know, VLLC Media Player is a great option for extracting audio from video on Windows. It's free, open-source, and supports a wide range of video and audio formats. Whether you’re working with MP4, AVI, or MKV, it can convert your video files into MP3, FLAC, or other audio formats quickly without needing extra software. It’s also lightweight and doesn’t require complex setup.

    How to Extract Audio from Video Using VLLC:

    1. Launch this Media Player.

    2. Go to Media > Convert/Save from the top menu.

    3. Click Add, then select the video file you want to extract audio from.

    4. Click Convert/Save at the bottom.

    5. Under Settings, choose Convert.

    6. In the Profile dropdown, select an audio format (e.g., Audio - MP3).

    7. Click Browse to choose the destination file name and location, making sure to use a .mp3 extension.

    8. Click Start. It will extract the audio and save it as a new file.

    VLLC offers a quick, reliable, and user-friendly way to extract audio from video without requiring advanced technical skills. It's ideal for basic needs like converting a video to MP3 for listening offline or editing elsewhere.

  • Sasompark's avatar
    Sasompark
    Iron Contributor

    As i know, merging audio files or extracting audio from videos is pretty straightforward, but there’s always a small chance of quality loss or glitches if you’re not careful, especially if you’re converting formats or re-encoding. When I did something similar, I just made sure to use tools that support lossless formats (like FLAC or WAV) and avoided unnecessary conversions — it’s all about keeping it simple and steady. The main thing to watch out for is audio sync issues or accidental re-encoding that can degrade quality. As long as you stick to tools that handle your formats well and double-check your output, you should be good. Just don’t rush through the process or use sketchy software, and you’ll be fine.

    To free extract audio from video on Windows, a good way is to use free tools like V1C Media Player.
    Just open your video file, go to "Media" > "Convert/Save," add your video, 
    Click "Convert," choose "Audio - MP3" or your preferred format, 
    Hit "Start." It’s super simple and quick.

Resources