5 Easy Steps to Set VLC As Your Default Player on Windows 11

5 Easy Steps to Set VLC As Your Default Player on Windows 11

Have you ever ever been annoyed by the default media participant in your Home windows 11 laptop? Maybe it does not help your favourite video or audio codecs, or possibly it is simply not as user-friendly as you need. If that’s the case, you are in luck! On this article, we’ll present you the right way to simply make VLC your default participant on Home windows 11. VLC is a free and open-source media participant that’s identified for its big selection of supported codecs and its highly effective options. It’s a nice various to the default Home windows Media Participant, and it’s undoubtedly price contemplating in case you’re on the lookout for a greater option to get pleasure from your media.

To make VLC your default participant, comply with these easy steps:
1. Obtain and set up VLC from the official web site.
2. As soon as VLC is put in, open the Settings app.
3. Click on on the “Apps” tab.
4. Click on on the “Default apps” tab.
5. Scroll all the way down to the “Video participant” part.
6. Click on on the “Select a default” button.
7. Choose VLC from the listing of choices.
8. Click on on the “OK” button.

That is it! VLC is now your default media participant on Home windows 11. Now you can open any video or audio file by merely double-clicking on it. VLC will mechanically launch and begin taking part in the file. Moreover, you possibly can set VLC because the default participant for particular file sorts. For instance, you possibly can set VLC because the default participant for all MP4 recordsdata. To do that, merely right-click on an MP4 file and choose “Open with.” Then, choose VLC from the listing of choices and examine the “All the time use this app to open .mp4 recordsdata” checkbox. Click on on the “OK” button to avoid wasting your modifications.

Conditions

To set VLC because the default media participant on Home windows 11, you will want the next:

1. VLC Media Participant put in: When you do not have already got VLC put in, you possibly can obtain it from the official VideoLAN web site (https://www.videolan.org/vlc/download-windows.html). As soon as downloaded, run the installer and comply with the prompts to finish the set up.

a) Possibility for superior customers:

When you’re comfy with utilizing the Registry Editor, you may also set VLC because the default participant utilizing this technique:

  • Press Home windows Key + R to open the Run dialog field.
  • Enter “regedit” within the field and click on “OK”.
  • Navigate to the next key:HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTApplicationsvlc.exeshellopencommand
  • In the suitable pane, double-click on the “(Default)” worth and set the information to the next: “C:Program FilesVideoLANVLCvlc.exe” “%1”
  • Click on “OK” to avoid wasting the modifications and shut the Registry Editor.

b) Set VLC as Default Participant Utilizing Command Immediate

One other technique for superior customers is to make use of the Command Immediate:

  • Open the Command Immediate as an administrator.
  • Execute the next command:ASSOC .mp4=vlc.VideoFile
  • Change .mp4 with another file extension you wish to affiliate with VLC, similar to .mkv, .avi, and many others.

Modifying File Associations

Probably the most simple strategy for configuring VLC because the default media participant in Home windows 11 is by modifying file associations. By doing so, the system will mechanically open media recordsdata with VLC when they’re double-clicked or launched from different purposes. This is the right way to make the change:

Open Default App Settings

Navigate to the Home windows Settings menu by urgent Home windows key + I. Choose “Apps” from the left-hand panel, adopted by “Default apps” on the suitable aspect. Alternatively, you possibly can immediately entry the Default Apps settings by trying to find it within the Home windows search bar.

Change Default Media Participant

Within the “Default apps” part, scroll down and find the “Video participant” entry. By default, it could be set to the Microsoft Motion pictures & TV app. Click on on the “Video participant” possibility and choose VLC Media Participant from the listing of obtainable apps. This may make VLC the default media participant for all video file codecs supported by the system, together with MP4, AVI, and MKV.

Further File Associations

Along with setting VLC because the default video participant, you may also configure it to open different forms of media recordsdata, similar to audio recordsdata and playlists. To do that, comply with these further steps:

File Sort Default App
Audio Recordsdata (.mp3, .wav, and many others.) VLC Media Participant
Playlists (.m3u, .m3u8, and many others.) VLC Media Participant

By finishing these steps, you possibly can successfully make VLC the default media participant for a variety of file codecs in Home windows 11, making certain that media recordsdata constantly open in your most well-liked software.

Altering Default Apps

To alter the default app for a selected file sort or protocol, comply with these steps:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Click on on Apps.
  3. Click on on Default apps.
  4. Scroll all the way down to the file sort or protocol you wish to change.
  5. Click on on the present default app.
  6. Choose the app you wish to set because the default.

Setting VLC because the Default Participant for Particular File Varieties

To set VLC because the default participant for particular file sorts, comply with these steps:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Click on on Apps.
  3. Click on on Default apps.
  4. Scroll all the way down to the Video participant part.
  5. Click on on the present default video participant.
  6. Choose VLC from the listing of choices.

It’s also possible to set VLC because the default participant for particular file extensions by utilizing the next desk:

File Extension Registry Key Worth
.mp4 HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerFileExts.mp4UserChoice ProgId=VLC.mp4
.mkv HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerFileExts.mkvUserChoice ProgId=VLC.mkv
.avi HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerFileExts.aviUserChoice ProgId=VLC.avi

To alter the default app for all file sorts, click on on the Select default apps by file sort hyperlink on the backside of the Default apps web page.

Setting VLC because the Default Audio Participant

To set VLC as your default audio participant on Home windows 11:

  1. Open the Settings app by urgent Home windows key + I.
  2. Go to Apps > Default apps.
  3. Beneath “Audio participant,” click on on the present default app and choose VLC from the listing.
  4. Non-obligatory: Enabling File Format Associations

    To make sure that VLC opens all supported audio recordsdata by default, you possibly can manually affiliate file codecs with the participant:

    • Open File Explorer and choose any audio file you wish to affiliate with VLC.
    • Proper-click on the file and choose “Properties.”
    • Go to the “Common” tab and click on on the “Change…” button subsequent to “Opens with.”
    • Choose VLC Media Participant from the listing of obtainable apps.
    • Verify the “All the time use this app to open .[file extension]” field.
    • Click on “OK” to avoid wasting the modifications.

    Repeat this course of for all supported audio file codecs (e.g., .mp3, .wav, .ogg).

After finishing these steps, VLC will grow to be the default audio participant for enjoying all audio recordsdata in your Home windows 11 system.

Setting VLC because the Default Video Participant

1. Open the Home windows Settings app

To start, open the Home windows Settings menu. You are able to do this by clicking on the Begin button and choosing “Settings” or by trying to find “Settings” within the search bar.

2. Navigate to the “Apps” part

As soon as the Settings app is open, click on on the “Apps” possibility. This may take you to a listing of all of the apps put in in your laptop.

3. Choose the “Default apps” tab

On the left-hand aspect of the Apps window, click on on the “Default apps” tab. This may present you a listing of default apps for various file sorts and protocols.

4. Discover the “Video participant” part

Scroll down the listing of default apps till you discover the “Video participant” part. The present default video participant shall be listed subsequent to this part.

5. Click on on the “Select a default” button

To set VLC because the default video participant, click on on the “Select a default” button. This may open a pop-up menu with a listing of all of the video gamers put in in your laptop.

Choose VLC from the listing

Upon getting chosen VLC from the listing, click on on the “Set as default” button to verify your selection.

Utilizing the Registry Editor

Modifying the Home windows Registry is a extra superior strategy to setting VLC because the default participant. This is the right way to do it:

Step 1: Open the Registry Editor

Press Home windows Key + R, sort “regedit”, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.

Step 2: Navigate to the VLC Key

Navigate to the next key: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionApp Pathsvlc.exe

Step 3: Verify the Default Worth

Proper-click on the default worth (normally “(Default)”) and choose “Modify”. Verify if the Worth knowledge area comprises the trail to VLC’s executable file (e.g., “C:Program FilesVideoLANVLCvlc.exe”).

Step 4: Modify the Worth Knowledge (If Crucial)

If the Worth knowledge area doesn’t comprise the right path, modify it to the right path to VLC’s executable file.

Step 5: Add the “Software” Worth (If Lacking)

If the “Software” worth is just not current within the right-hand pane, right-click and choose “New” > “String Worth”. Identify it “Software” and set its Worth knowledge to “vlc.exe”.

Step 6: Clear the File Affiliation Cache

To make sure the modifications take impact, clear the file affiliation cache by operating the next instructions in Command Immediate (as an administrator):
 del /f /s /q “%APPDATApercentMicrosoftWindowsRecentAutomaticDestinations%”
 vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet
 reg delete HKCUSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerFileExts.mp4 /v UserChoice
 reg delete HKCUSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerFileExts.avi /v UserChoice
 reg delete HKCUSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerFileExts.mkv /v UserChoice
Change .mp4, .avi, and .mkv with different file extensions if needed.

Step 7: Restart Home windows

Restart your laptop for the modifications to take impact.

Command Immediate Technique

1. Open Command Immediate

Sort “cmd” within the Home windows search bar and right-click on “Command Immediate,” selecting “Run as Administrator.”

2. Verify VLC Set up Listing

Sort the next command and press Enter: reg question "HKLMSOFTWAREVideoLANVLC" /v InstallDir. Observe the set up listing from the output.

3. Navigate to VLC Set up Listing

In Command Immediate, navigate to the VLC set up listing by typing: cd [installation directory].
For instance: cd C:Program Recordsdata (x86)VideoLANVLC

4. Set VLC as Default Participant for Particular File Varieties

Use the next command for every file sort you need VLC to deal with: assoc [file extension]=vlcfile.
For instance, for .mp4 recordsdata: assoc .mp4=vlcfile

5. Set VLC as Default Participant for All File Varieties

To make VLC the default participant for all file sorts, sort the next command: ftype vlcfile="C:Program Recordsdata (x86)VideoLANVLCvlc.exe" "%1"

6. Create a Default Software Registry Key

Create a registry key by typing the next command and urgent Enter: reg add "HKCUSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionApp Pathsvlc.exe" /v /t REG_SZ /d "C:Program Recordsdata (x86)VideoLANVLCvlc.exe"

7. Override Default File Associations with VLC

Execute the next command to override any current file associations with VLC: reg add "HKLMSOFTWAREClassesApplicationsvlc.exeshellopencommand" /v /t REG_SZ /d "C:Program Recordsdata (x86)VideoLANVLCvlc.exe" "%1"

Set VLC because the Default Participant

1. Proper-click on a media file and choose “Open with”.
2. Click on “Select one other app” and scroll down to pick “VLC media participant”.
3. Verify the field for “All the time use this app to open .” recordsdata.

Set Default for All Media Varieties

1. Open the Settings app (Home windows key + I).
2. Go to “Apps” > “Default apps”.
3. Click on “Select default apps by file sort”.
4. Scroll all the way down to the file sort you wish to change and click on “Select a default”.
5. Choose “VLC media participant” from the listing.

Reset File Associations

When you’re having hassle setting the default participant, strive resetting file associations.
1. Within the Settings app, go to “Apps” > “Default apps”.
2. Click on “Reset”.
3. Click on “Reset default apps for Microsoft Retailer apps” and “Reset default apps for desktop apps”.

Troubleshoot Default Participant Points

File Extensions Not Acknowledged

Be certain the file extension you are making an attempt to affiliate is supported by VLC. Verify the VLC documentation for a listing of supported codecs.

VLC Not Listed in Default Apps

Guarantee VLC is put in and never blocked by any firewall or antivirus software program. Restart your laptop and check out once more.

Different Apps Overriding VLC

If VLC is opening recordsdata quickly, ensure one other app is just not overriding it. Uninstall or disable any apps that is likely to be interfering with file associations.

VLC Installer Bug

Older variations of the VLC installer could have a bug that forestalls it from setting default associations. Obtain the newest model of VLC and set up it.

Registry Challenge

Edit the registry to manually set VLC because the default participant. Open the Registry Editor (regedit) and navigate to:

Make VLC the Default Participant on Home windows 11

Observe these steps to set VLC because the default media participant in your Home windows 11 laptop:

  1. Open the **Settings** app from the **Begin menu**.
  2. Navigate to **Apps** > **Default apps**.
  3. Scroll all the way down to the **Video participant** part.
  4. Click on on the present default participant and choose **VLC** from the listing.
  5. Shut the **Settings** app.

Reset File Sort Associations

When you expertise points with sure file sorts not opening in VLC, you possibly can reset the file sort associations:

  1. Open **Home windows Explorer** and navigate to the **View** tab.
  2. Allow the **File identify extensions** checkbox.
  3. Choose all of the recordsdata with the specified file extension (e.g., .mp4, .avi).
  4. Proper-click and choose **Properties**.
  5. Click on on the **Change** button within the **Common** tab.
  6. Choose **VLC** and click on **OK**.
  7. Repeat steps 5-6 for all the chosen recordsdata.

Revert to Earlier Default Participant

In case you determine to revert to the earlier default participant, comply with these steps:

  1. Open the **Settings** app.
  2. Go to **Apps** > **Default apps**.
  3. Find the **Video participant** part.
  4. Click on on the dropdown menu beneath **Select an app**.
  5. Choose the earlier default participant.
  6. Shut the **Settings** app.
  7. Resetting Default Apps with a Batch Script

    It’s also possible to use a batch script to reset the default associations for all of the supported file sorts.

    assoc .mp4=Video
    assoc .avi=Video
    assoc .mkv=Video
    assoc .mov=Video
    assoc .flv=Video
    assoc .wmv=Video
    assoc .mpg=Video
    assoc .mpeg=Video
    assoc .ts=Video
    assoc .vob=Video
    

    Save the above code as a .bat file and run it as administrator.

    Further Suggestions and Concerns

    1. Troubleshooting: If VLC is just not working as your default participant after following the steps above, strive the next troubleshooting ideas:

    • Be certain VLC is put in and up-to-date.
    • Verify if another applications are conflicting with VLC’s default settings.
    • Reset VLC’s preferences to default.

    2. Customizing File Associations: It’s also possible to customise which forms of recordsdata VLC will open by default. Proper-click on a file, choose “Open with”, and select “Select one other app”. Within the “Select an app” window, choose VLC and examine the “All the time use this app to open .[file extension]” field.

    3. Setting VLC as Default for Particular File Varieties: When you solely wish to use VLC for sure file sorts, similar to movies or music, you possibly can set it because the default participant for these particular extensions. Observe the steps in “Customizing File Associations” and choose the specified file sorts.

    4. Default Applications Desk: The next desk supplies a fast overview of the default program settings for various file sorts in Home windows 11.

Location Worth
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerFileExtsOpenWithList

VLC.exe
File Sort Default Program
Movies Motion pictures & TV
Music Groove Music
Pictures Pictures
Paperwork Microsoft Phrase

5. Utilizing the Command Line: It’s also possible to set VLC because the default participant utilizing the command line. Open the Command Immediate as an administrator and run the next command:

assoc .[file extension]=vlc.exe

Change “[file extension]” with the specified file extension, similar to “.mp4” or “.avi”.

6. Checking Default Applications: To confirm if VLC is ready because the default participant, go to “Settings” > “Apps” > “Default apps”. Scroll all the way down to the “Media participant” part and make sure that VLC is chosen.

7. A number of Default Applications: You’ll be able to have a number of default applications for various file sorts. For instance, you possibly can set VLC because the default participant for movies and Groove Music for music.

8. Resetting Default Applications: If you wish to reset all default applications to their unique settings, go to “Settings” > “Apps” > “Default apps” and click on on “Reset”.

9. Utilizing Third-Social gathering Apps: There are third-party purposes accessible that may aid you handle default applications extra simply. Some in style choices embrace Default Applications Editor and FileTypesMan.

10. Further Concerns:

  • Setting VLC because the default participant could not have an effect on recordsdata which can be already related to different applications.
  • When you encounter any points whereas utilizing VLC because the default participant, seek the advice of its documentation or on-line boards for help.
  • Usually updating VLC ensures that you’ve got the newest options and safety patches.

How To Make VLC The Default Participant On Home windows 11

VLC has lengthy been one of the crucial in style media gamers for Home windows customers, because of its skill to play nearly any video or audio file format. And now that Home windows 11 has been launched, it’s possible you’ll be questioning the right way to make VLC the default participant for all of your media recordsdata.

It is a easy course of, and listed here are the steps on the right way to do it:

  1. Open the Settings app in your Home windows 11 laptop.
  2. Click on on the “Apps” tab after which choose “Default apps” from the left-hand menu.
  3. Scroll all the way down to the “Music participant” part and click on on the drop-down menu subsequent to it.
  4. Choose “VLC media participant” from the listing of choices.
  5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the “Video participant” part.

Folks Additionally Ask

How do I make VLC my default participant for sure file sorts?

You may make VLC your default participant for particular file sorts by following these steps:

  1. Open VLC media participant.
  2. Click on on the “Instruments” menu and choose “Preferences.”
  3. Click on on the “Enter / Codecs” tab.
  4. Scroll all the way down to the “Associations” part and choose the file sorts you wish to affiliate with VLC.
  5. Click on on the “Save” button.

Can I make VLC my default participant for all recordsdata?

Sure, you can also make VLC your default participant for all recordsdata by following the steps outlined within the first part of this text.