How to Install VLC and Make It Default on Windows 11

VLC Media Player is a popular and versatile software that supports almost all video and audio formats. It’s free, open-source, and provides advanced playback options, making it an excellent choice for Windows 11 users. This guide walks you through the steps to install VLC and set it as your default media player on Windows 11.

What is VLC?

VLC Media Player is a free, open-source multimedia player developed by the VideoLAN project. It supports a wide range of file formats, including MP4, MKV, AVI, MP3, and FLAC, without requiring additional codecs. VLC is known for its simplicity, versatility, and advanced features like subtitle synchronization, playback customization, and streaming support. It’s available across multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices, making it a go-to choice for millions of users worldwide.

How to Install VLC and Make It Default

Here are the four easy steps on Install VLC and Make It Default on Windows 11:

Step 1: Download VLC Media Player

1. Open your web browser and go to the official VLC Media Player website: www.videolan.org.
2. Click on the “Download VLC” button, and the appropriate version for Windows will begin downloading automatically.
3. Once the download is complete, locate the installer file (usually in your “Downloads” folder).

Step 2: Install VLC Media Player

1. Double-click the installer file (e.g., vlc-setup.exe) to launch the installation process.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions:
   • Select your preferred language.
   • Agree to the license agreement.
   • Choose the components to install (you can leave the default options selected).
   • Select the installation folder (or leave it as the default).
3. Click “Install” to begin the installation process.
4. Once installation is complete, click “Finish.” You can launch VLC immediately or close the installer.

Step 3: Make VLC the Default Media Player on Windows 11

Option 1: Through VLC Settings

1. Open VLC Media Player.
2. Go to Tools > Preferences or press Ctrl + P.
3. In the “Preferences” window, select the Set up associations button.
4. Check the boxes for the file types you want VLC to handle (e.g., MP4, AVI, MP3).
5. Click Save to apply changes.

Option 2: Through Windows 11 Settings

1. Click on the Start Menu and select Settings (gear icon).
2. In the Settings window, navigate to Apps > Default Apps.
3. Scroll down and locate “VLC Media Player” or search for it using the search bar.
4. Click on the file types (e.g., .mp4, .mp3, .mkv, etc.) you want VLC to open by default.
5. When prompted, select “VLC Media Player” from the list of apps.
6. Repeat this process for all file types you want VLC to handle.

Step 4: Verify VLC as the Default Player

1. Right-click on any video or audio file on your computer.
2. Select Open With > Choose another app.
3. If VLC is not already selected, choose it and check the box for Always use this app to open [file type] files.

Benefits of Using VLC as Your Default Media Player

• Wide Format Support: VLC supports nearly all video and audio formats, so you don’t need additional codecs.
• No Ads or Tracking: Unlike many other media players, VLC is completely free of ads and does not track user data.
• Advanced Features: Offers options like subtitle syncing, playback speed control, and streaming.
• Customizable: Allows you to modify the interface and install plugins for added functionality.

Troubleshooting Tips

• If VLC does not appear in the Default Apps menu, ensure it is installed correctly and restart your computer.
• For unusual file types, you may need to manually associate them with VLC by repeating Step 3.
• Always download VLC from the official website to avoid potential security risks.

Conclusion:

By following these steps, you can enjoy seamless playback of all your media files using VLC Media Player on Windows 11. Its powerful features and user-friendly interface make it the ideal choice for managing your multimedia content.