Setting VLC as your go-to media player on Windows 11 is pretty easy, but a few tricky bits can catch you out if you’re not careful. First up, jump into the Settings menu—either click the Start button and hit the gear icon, or press Windows key + I. Once there, head over to Apps on the left sidebar. Then, click on Default Apps. That’s where the fun begins.
Step 1: Search for VLC
Type “VLC” into the search box and look for VLC Media Player in the list. If it’s not showing up, double-check that VLC is installed properly or consider reinstalling it from the official website. Sometimes Windows doesn’t pick it up straight away, especially if you installed it in a quirky way. A quick restart after installing often helps, because of course Windows tends to make things a bit more complicated than they need to be.
Step 2: Set VLC as the default for your file types
Click on VLC Media Player, then you’ll see a bunch of file types (.mp4, .avi, .mp3, etc). Pick each one and select VLC from the list. Some folks get hung up here because Windows default settings can be a bit stubborn, and you might need to do the same thing for each file type. Sometimes it resets after a reboot, so you might have to repeat the process.
Bonus tip:
If you only want VLC to open certain file types, find the file extension in the list, click on the current default, and pick VLC instead. That way, you keep your system flexible—use your regular media player for some formats, and VLC for others.
Other handy tips
- Check file associations regularly: Updates or other apps can reset your defaults, so it’s worth double-checking every now and then. Because, of course, Windows will tend to undo your settings when you least expect it.
- Play around with VLC’s own settings: Inside VLC, go to Tools > Preferences (or press Ctrl + P) to tweak playback, subtitles, or even turn on hardware acceleration—that can give you smoother playback or fix any glitches.
- Keep VLC up to date: Make sure you’re running the latest version. Older versions might have bugs or missing features that get fixed in updates.
- Back up your settings: Not always necessary, but if you’re tinkering a lot, exporting your preferences or backing up your system can save you headaches in the long run.
What if it doesn’t stick?
Sometimes, even after setting it up, Windows reverts back to its defaults after a restart—probably because another app or an update overwrites it. In those cases, you might try using a third-party tool like Default Programs Editor to force those associations to stick. Or, if things get really wonky, running DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth in an admin PowerShell window can help repair system defaults.
FAQs
How do I reset default apps in Windows 11?
Go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps and hit the Reset button. That should set everything back to Microsoft’s default, but it might not always play nicely if you’ve manually set custom defaults before.
Can I set VLC for specific formats only?
Sure can. Just find the file type (like .mkv or .flac) under Default Apps and assign VLC to it. Easy as.
What if VLC isn’t showing up in defaults?
Make sure VLC is installed correctly. Sometimes reinstalling (or running the installer as an admin) sorts out issues. And yeah, keep VLC updated—support for older Windows versions or certain file types can drop in older releases.
Will changing default apps delete or change my files?
Nah, changing the default just controls which program opens files automatically. Your files are safe.
Can I switch back if I don’t like VLC as my default?
No worries. Just head back into Default Apps and pick whatever media player you prefer. It’s pretty easy to toggle around.
Quick summary
- Open Windows Settings.
- Go to Apps.
- Click on Default Apps.
- Search for
VLC. - Set the file types to VLC as your default.
Fingers crossed this helps you out across your machines!