Setting the default video player in Windows 11 sounds simple enough, but it’s kinda weird how it’s not just a quick right-click and pick “Set as default” for many people. You’ve gotta go into Settings, navigate through some menus, and hope you pick the correct app. For those who just want their favorite player—like VLC or MPC-HC—to always open their videos without fuss, here’s the lowdown backed by some actual experience.
How to Set Default Video Player in Windows 11
If a video file opens with the wrong app (like Photos or Movies & TV), it’s probably because Windows has a different default tied to that file type. To fix it, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open Settings
Hit Start, then click on the gear icon. Or, just type Settings into the search bar and hit Enter. Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary, and the Settings app is hidden behind multiple clicks sometimes.
Step 2: Go to Apps
In the Settings window, find and click on Apps. This is basically where all app management happens—think of it as the central hub for controlling default behaviors.
Step 3: Select Default Apps
On the left sidebar, click Default Apps. Here’s where you get to assign which app opens which file type or link. This area can be a little cluttered, but don’t get overwhelmed.
Step 4: Find your Video Files’ Extensions
Instead of scrolling through a giant list, just type the video file extension you want to change—like .mp4 or .mkv—into the search box that says “Set defaults for file types or link types”. You’ll see the current default app listed next to it.
Click on that app, and then pick your favorite—VLC, MPC-HC, Daum PotPlayer, whatever. There might be a prompt saying you can choose multiple apps, but honestly, just pick the one you want to open that file type all the time.
Step 5: Confirm & Test
Once you’ve set it, close the settings. Now, double-click a video file—ideally, it should open in your freshly chosen app. Sometimes, it takes a reboot or relogin for changes to fully stick, especially on some setups.
And, a little note—when you click a video for the first time after this, Windows might throw a little “What do you want to use to open this?” box, so just pick your app and check the box Always use this app. That’ll lock it in.
Tips for Setting Default Video Player in Windows 11
- Make sure your preferred player is actually installed and working. Sometimes, the issue is just a corrupt install or a missing codec.
- Explore the context menu options if you’re on a file—right-click, then Open with > Choose another app. If you check Always use this app, it’s a quick way to set defaults for just that file.
- On some setups, changing defaults via the file associations doesn’t stick right away. Maybe restart the explorer process in Task Manager or reboot; it can help.
- Beware: Windows 11 can sometimes ignore your defaults if another app prompts it to reset. Occasional rechecking can be necessary, especially after updates.
- For a more brute-force approach, you can tweak registry entries or use third-party tools, but let’s not go there unless you’re really comfortable messing with Win’s insides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my preferred player isn’t listed in the file type association?
Double-check if it’s installed correctly and registered with Windows. Sometimes uninstalling and reinstalling the player, then repeating the steps, helps. Also, some players come with their own protocols—like vlc:// links—that might interfere if not set up properly.
Can this be done with audio files too?
Definitely. Just type in the audio file extensions like .mp3, .aac, or .wav in the default app settings. The process is pretty much the same—you pick your favorite music player instead of video one.
Will changing defaults mess with existing files?
Nope. It just affects the app Windows uses to open files from now on. So, your old files stay exactly how they are, but new ones will open in your chosen player.
Reverting back to Windows defaults—how?
Just go back into Default Apps, find the file types, and select Movies & TV or the default app you want. Not super complicated, but sometimes Windows resets the defaults after big updates, so keep an eye on it.
Shortcut for quick access to defaults?
Type default apps directly into the search bar. That’s faster than digging through menus every time.
Summary
- Open Settings, go to Apps, then Default Apps.
- Type in the video extension you want to change.
- Select your favorite app from the list.
- Test by opening a video file and see if it fires up in the right player.
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone. Sometimes, Windows defaults are a pain, but at least this way, you can force it to run your preferred player instead of that annoying built-in app. Worked for me — hope it works for you.