How to fix 'VLC could not open the mpga audio encoder'

Here's a solution for when VLC media player is showing the following error: 'VLC could not open the mpga audio encoder' when converting a video.

Streaming / Transcoding failed: VLC could not open the mpga audio encoder.

Solution 1: Change 'Strict standard compliance' setting

1. Click on Tools located in the top menu.

2. Click on Preferences.

A 'Preferences' window will appear.

3. In the bottom left corner of the 'Preferences' window, you'll see a Show settings option. Here you click on the All option.

A 'Advanced Preferences' window will appear.

4. Go to Input / Codec and double-click on Video codecs to expand its options.

5. Click on FFmpeg.

6. Change Strict standard compliance to -2.

7. Click on the Save button at the bottom right of the advanced preferences window.

8. Restart VLC media player and check if the above steps fixed your problem.

Solution 2: Change video and audio codec settings

1. First, you do the steps you usually do when converting a video with VLC media player until you reach the 'Convert' window.

2. Once you're on the 'Convert' window, you click on the wrench/tool button next to the profile selection menu button.

A 'Profile edition' window will appear.

3. Click on the Video codec tab.

4. Check the checkbox next to the Keep original video track option.

5. Click on the Audio codec tab.

6. Check the checkbox next to the Keep original audio track option.

7. Click on the Save button at the bottom of the window.

Now try to convert the video again.

Solution 3: Reset preferences

1. Click on Tools located in the top menu.

2. Click on Preferences.

A 'Preferences' window will appear.

3. Click on the Reset Preferences button at the bottom of the 'Preferences' window.

4. Click on the OK button to confirm.

5. Restart VLC media player and check if the above steps fixed your problem.