Windows 11 introduces a fresh design and new features, but it also changed how you set default apps. If you’ve installed VLC Media Player — one of the most popular free media players in the world — you may notice that Windows automatically sets Movies & TV or Windows Media Player as the default instead.
So, how do you fix this? In this guide, we’ll show you step by step how to make VLC your default player in Windows 11 for all media formats like MP4, MP3, MKV, AVI, and more.
Why Choose VLC as Your Default Player?
Before diving in, here are some reasons why VLC is a favorite:
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✅ Plays almost any format — from MP4 and MKV to FLAC and ISO.
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✅ Lightweight & free — no ads, no bloatware.
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✅ Advanced controls — speed adjustments, subtitles, equalizers.
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✅ Cross-platform — works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
If you’re tired of “format not supported” messages, VLC is the best solution.
Method 1: Set VLC as Default Player via Settings
This is the most reliable way in Windows 11.
Steps:
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Press Win + I to open Settings.
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Go to Apps > Default apps.
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Scroll down and find VLC Media Player in the list.
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Click on it — you’ll see file types like
.mp4,.mp3,.mkv,.avi, etc. -
For each format, click it and select VLC Media Player.
đź’ˇ Tip: Focus on common formats like .mp4, .mp3, .mkv, and .wav first, then add others later.
Method 2: Set VLC as Default via “Open With”
If you just want VLC to handle one specific file type:
Steps:
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Right-click a media file (e.g., an MP4).
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Select Open with > Choose another app.
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Pick VLC Media Player.
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Check Always use this app to open .mp4 files.
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Click OK.
Repeat for other file types you use often.
Method 3: Set VLC as Default for DVDs & CDs
By default, Windows might launch its own DVD app. To fix this:
Steps:
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Open Settings with Win + I.
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Go to Apps > Default apps > Choose defaults by device.
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Look for DVD or CD drive.
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Set VLC Media Player as the default.
Now, when you insert a disc, VLC will start automatically.
Method 4: Use Control Panel (Legacy Option)
Windows 11 still includes this older method.
Steps:
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Press Win + R, type
control, and press Enter. -
Go to Programs > Default Programs > Set your default programs.
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Find VLC Media Player.
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Click Set this program as default.
This assigns VLC for most common file types in one go.
Comparison of Methods
| Method | Best For | Difficulty | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Settings (Default apps) | Full control over all formats | Easy | High |
| Open With | Single file types | Easiest | Low |
| DVDs & CDs | Optical media users | Easy | Medium |
| Control Panel | Old-school users | Medium | High |
Bonus: Customize VLC for Best Experience
Once VLC is your default player, take a few minutes to tweak it:
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Enable hardware acceleration for smoother playback.
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Add subtitle downloads via extensions.
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Adjust audio equalizer for better sound.
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Try dark mode skins for a modern look.
Conclusion
Making VLC the default media player in Windows 11 is straightforward once you know where to look. Whether you use Settings, Open With, or even the Control Panel, you can enjoy hassle-free playback of virtually any file format.
If you’re a heavy media consumer, VLC is a must-have. After setting it as your default, you’ll never go back to Windows’ built-in apps.
FAQs About VLC as Default Player in Windows 11
1. Does Windows 11 allow VLC as the default player?
Yes. You can assign VLC to any media file format.
2. Why doesn’t VLC show up in my default apps list?
Make sure it’s installed. If not, download the latest version from videolan.org.
3. Can I set VLC as default for streaming links too?
Not directly, but some browsers let you configure VLC as an external player.
4. Will this change affect all user accounts?
No, defaults are set per user. Repeat steps for other accounts.
5. How do I undo this and switch back to Movies & TV?
Go to Settings > Default apps and reassign formats to Movies & TV.