Setting VLC as the default player in Windows 11 is a straightforward process. You’ll need to change some settings in the Windows system to make VLC your go-to media player for various file types. Follow the steps below to quickly make VLC your default media player on your Windows 11 computer.
How to Set VLC as Default Player in Windows 11
By following these steps, you will ensure that VLC Media Player becomes the default application for opening media files on your Windows 11 system.
Step 1: Open the Settings App
To begin, you need to access the Settings app on your Windows 11 computer.
You can open the Settings app by clicking on the Start menu and selecting “Settings.” Alternatively, you can press “Windows + I” on your keyboard to open it directly. This app is your gateway to customizing various aspects of your system, including default applications.
Step 2: Go to Apps
Once you’re in the Settings app, navigate to the “Apps” section.
The “Apps” section can be found on the left sidebar of the Settings app. Clicking on it will open a new set of options related to your installed applications and their settings.
Step 3: Click on Default Apps
Next, click on “Default apps” to proceed with changing your default media player.
The “Default apps” section allows you to specify which applications should handle various types of files and protocols by default.
Step 4: Search for VLC Media Player
Scroll down and find VLC Media Player in the list or use the search bar to locate it quickly.
If you have a lot of apps installed, scrolling down might take some time. Using the search bar will help you find VLC Media Player faster.
Step 5: Set VLC as Default for Specific File Types
Click on VLC Media Player and select the file types you want it to open by default.
You’ll see a list of file types that can be associated with VLC Media Player. Click on each file type (like .mp4, .mp3, .avi) and choose VLC from the available options.
Step 6: Confirm Your Choices
After setting VLC for your desired file types, make sure to review and confirm your choices.
This final step ensures that your settings are saved and that VLC will open the chosen file types by default from now on.
Once these steps are completed, VLC Media Player will open automatically whenever you play media files that you’ve associated with it. This change makes it easier to enjoy your favorite videos and music without having to manually select VLC each time.
Tips for Setting VLC as Default Player in Windows 11
- Custom File Associations: You can customize which file types VLC opens, so you don’t have to set it as the default for everything.
- Check for Updates: Make sure VLC is up-to-date to avoid compatibility issues.
- Backup Settings: Consider documenting or backing up your settings in case you need to restore them later.
- Test Files: After setting VLC as default, test a few files to ensure everything works correctly.
- Revert if Needed: You can always revert to previous settings if VLC doesn’t perform as expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I open the Settings app quickly?
You can open the Settings app by pressing “Windows + I” on your keyboard.
Can I set VLC as the default for specific file types only?
Yes, you can choose specific file types for VLC to open by default.
What if VLC is not in the list of default apps?
Ensure that VLC is installed and search for it using the search bar in the Default apps section.
How do I update VLC Media Player?
Open VLC, go to the “Help” menu, and select “Check for Updates.”
Can I revert back to the previous default player?
Yes, you can go back to the Default apps section and reassign file types to their original players.
Summary
- Open the Settings App.
- Go to Apps.
- Click on Default Apps.
- Search for VLC Media Player.
- Set VLC as Default for Specific File Types.
- Confirm Your Choices.
Conclusion
Setting VLC as the default player in Windows 11 is a simple yet effective way to enhance your media playback experience. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that VLC Media Player handles your media files with ease. This not only saves time but also streamlines your workflow, particularly if you regularly deal with various media formats.
Remember, you can always customize which files VLC opens, keeping your system tailored to your needs. If you encounter any issues, the tips and FAQs provided can help troubleshoot most common problems.
So go ahead, make the switch, and let VLC be your trusty companion for all your media playback needs. For more information on VLC or for additional tips and tricks, consider visiting the official VLC website or checking out community forums. Now, enjoy your seamless media experience on Windows 11!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.