Windows 11 offers a variety of media players, but many users prefer the versatility and power of VLC media player. Its open-source nature, broad format support, and robust features make it a popular choice. If you're one of them, this guide will walk you through the simple steps to set VLC as your default media player on Windows 11.
Why Choose VLC as Your Default Player?
Before diving into the how-to, let's quickly recap why so many people choose VLC:
- Wide Format Support: VLC plays virtually any video or audio file format you throw at it, eliminating the need for codec packs or other extra software. This is a huge advantage over many built-in players that may struggle with less common formats.
- Open Source and Free: VLC is completely free to use and download, with no hidden costs or limitations.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: If you use other operating systems like macOS or Linux, VLC provides a consistent experience across devices.
- Powerful Features: Beyond basic playback, VLC offers advanced features like subtitles, playlists, streaming capabilities, and more.
Setting VLC as the Default Player in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide
There are several ways to make VLC your default player. Here are the most common methods:
Method 1: Using the Default Apps Settings
This is the simplest and recommended method:
- Open Settings: Click the Start button, then click the gear icon (Settings).
- Navigate to Apps: In the Settings window, click on "Apps".
- Select Default Apps: Choose "Default apps" from the left-hand menu.
- Find "Video Playback" or "Audio Playback": Scroll down until you find the "Video playback" and/or "Audio Playback" sections. These options determine which app handles video and audio files, respectively.
- Change the Default App: Click on the currently selected player (likely Windows Media Player or another app) for either "Video playback" or "Audio playback", and choose VLC media player from the list.
Important Note: Make sure you have VLC installed on your computer before proceeding with these steps.
Method 2: Right-Clicking a Media File
This method allows you to set VLC as the default for specific file types:
- Locate a Media File: Find a video or audio file on your computer.
- Right-Click: Right-click on the file.
- Select "Open with": Choose "Open with" from the context menu.
- Select VLC: A submenu will appear. Select "Choose another app" then find and select VLC from the list.
- Check "Always use this app to open...": Make sure to check the box that says "Always use this app to open .[filetype] files". This ensures VLC will automatically open files of that specific type in the future. For example, if you selected a .mp4 file, this will set VLC as the default for all .mp4 files.
Method 3: Using VLC's Built-in Settings (Less Reliable)
While less reliable than the previous methods, VLC itself contains an option to set itself as the default. This is usually less effective at completely overriding system-wide settings.
- Open VLC: Launch the VLC media player.
- Access Preferences: Go to "Tools" > "Preferences".
- Navigate to Input/Codecs: Expand the "Input & Codecs" section.
- Look for Default Player: There may be an option to set VLC as the default player within this section (the exact wording might vary across VLC versions). If you find such an option, enable it.
Remember, the first two methods are the most effective and consistent ways to ensure VLC is your default player in Windows 11.
Troubleshooting VLC Default Settings
If you're still encountering issues after following these steps, consider these troubleshooting tips:
- Restart your computer: A simple restart often resolves temporary glitches.
- Reinstall VLC: A clean reinstall can fix corrupted installation files.
- Check for Updates: Make sure you're using the latest version of VLC. Outdated versions might have compatibility issues.
- Check other default apps: Ensure no other applications are interfering with the default media player setting.
By following these steps, you can successfully make VLC your default media player on Windows 11 and enjoy a smoother, more versatile media experience.
