This post shows students and new users the steps to install VideoLAN media player (VLC) on Windows 11 and also make it the default media player for video and other formats. VLC is a free and open source cross-platform media player that plays most media files and various streaming protocols.
If you need a robust media player when using Windows 11, then VLC should be your first application to try. It plays almost any media format, including DVD, audio CD, multimedia files, as well as VCD and various streaming protocols.
VLC is also the most popular media player and it works on multiple platforms including Windows, Linux, MacOS, and others. On Windows system, VLC has fully transitioned to the new Windows 11 design with a more fluid appearance and rounded corners, snaps, and more.
The new Windows 11 comes with many new features and a new user desktop, including a centered start menu and taskbar, rounded corner windows, themes and colors that will make any computer look and feel modern.
If you’re excited about Windows 11, keep reading our posts about it.
To get started installing VLC and making it your default media player, continue below.
How to install VideoLAN in Windows 11
As mentioned above, VLC makes playing media on Windows and other platforms fun. If you need a free and open source media player that works, install VLC and the steps below will show you how.
If you haven’t installed VLC yet, click the link below to install it.
Click on Download VLC to download the application in Windows.
During installation, choose your language and select which features to include with VLC. By default, everything is selected as shown below.
Click on the Install on pc button to install.
- Allow access to the metadata network
- Check periodically for VlC updates
How to make the default VLC media player in Windows 11
Although VLC is installed, it is not the default media player in Windows 11. When you try to play a media file, Windows will open Windows Media Player instead.
If you want VLC to open for all media formats, follow the steps below.
Windows 11 has a centralized location for most of its setup applications. From system settings to creating new users and updating Windows, everything can be done from the System settings crystal.
To access the System Settings, you can use the Windows key + i shortcut or click Start ==> Settings as shown in the following picture:
The Windows settings panel should look similar to the image below. In Windows settings, click Applicationsand select Default apps on the right panel of the screen shown in the image below.
Conclusion:
In this tutorial we have seen how to install VLC and make it the default application in Windows 11. If you find any errors above or have something to add, use the comment form below.