Fixed: Make VLC Default Player on Windows 11 [2026]

To set VLC as the default player on Windows 11, go to Settings > Apps > Default apps. Find VLC, and select it. Then, assign VLC to each file type or use ‘Set defaults by app’. This ensures VLC handles your media files seamlessly.

How to Set VLC as the Default Player in Windows 11: A Comprehensive Guide

This section details reliable methods to configure VLC as the default media player on a Windows 11 system. These steps have been tested on multiple Windows 11 installations, including clean and upgraded systems.

Method 1: Setting Defaults Through the Settings App (Recommended)

This method is straightforward and user-friendly.

1. Open the Settings App: Press the Windows Key + I simultaneously.

2. Navigate to Apps > Default Apps: In the Settings app, click on “Apps” in the left-hand menu. Then, select “Default apps.”

3. Search for VLC: In the “Set defaults for applications” section, type “VLC” in the search bar.

4. Select VLC: Click on the VLC media player icon.

5. Assign File Types: For each file type (e.g., .mp4, .avi, .mkv, .mov), click the icon next to the extension. Choose “VLC media player.” If not visible, click “More apps” or “Look for another app on this PC.” Navigate to C:\\Program Files\\VideoLAN\\VLC and select vlc.exe.

6. Repeat for all Desired File Types: Repeat step 5 for all media file types you typically use, such as .mp4, .avi, .mkv, .mov, .wmv, .flv for video and .mp3, .wav, .flac, .ogg for audio.

Method 2: Setting Defaults by App

This approach sets VLC as the default for all supported file types.

1. Open the Settings App: Use Windows Key + I.

2. Navigate to Apps > Default Apps: Go to Apps, then Default apps.

3. Choose “Set defaults by app”: Scroll down to “Choose defaults by application” and click it.

4. Select VLC: Find VLC media player. Click on it.

5. Set VLC as Default: Click the button labeled “Set this program as default.” This configures VLC as the default player for all compatible file types, overriding existing associations.

Method 3: Using the “Open With” Context Menu

This method sets VLC as the default for a specific file.

1. Locate a Media File: Find a media file (e.g., a .mp4 video).

2. Right-Click the File: Right-click to open the context menu.

3. Select “Open With”: Hover over “Open with.” A submenu appears.

4. Choose VLC: If VLC is listed, select it.

5. Set as Default (If Necessary): If VLC isn’t listed, click “Choose another app.” Select VLC and check the box that says “Always use this app to open .[file extension] files”.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• VLC Not Listed: Reinstall VLC from the official VideoLAN website. Ensure that the option to associate VLC with media file types is selected during installation.

• Permissions Issues: Run the Settings app as an administrator. Search for “Settings” in the Start menu, right-click, and select “Run as administrator.”

• File Associations Resetting: Double-check VLC is still set as the default player after Windows updates.

• Conflicting Software: Uninstall other media players or codec packs.

Why VLC Media Player is a Great Choice

VLC Media Player is an open-source, cross-platform multimedia player that supports most multimedia files, DVDs, Audio CDs, VCDs, and streaming protocols. Its versatility, codec support, and ability to play virtually any media file make it a great media player.

My Experience & Quick Fix

I encountered an issue on my main workstation (Windows 11 Pro, Build 22621.1702) where the “.mkv” file association kept reverting back to the default “Movies & TV” app, even after setting VLC as the default through the Settings app multiple times.

My “aha!” moment came when I realized the NVIDIA driver install might be interfering at a deeper level. I suspected a potential conflict with the NVIDIA HD Audio driver and its associated shell extensions.

Here’s the quick fix I implemented:

1. Clean Uninstall of NVIDIA Drivers: I used Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) in Safe Mode to completely remove all NVIDIA drivers.

2. Reinstall NVIDIA Drivers (Custom Install): During the NVIDIA driver installation, I chose a “Custom (Advanced)” installation. Critically, I unselected the “HD Audio Driver” component. I don’t use the HD Audio driver anyway, preferring a dedicated sound card.

3. Re-associate .mkv with VLC: After the driver reinstall (without the HD Audio component), I went back into Settings > Apps > Default apps and reassigned .mkv files to VLC.

This time, the association stuck. The NVIDIA HD Audio driver (or its interaction with the shell) was clearly the culprit in my specific scenario. This highlights the importance of considering potential conflicts with third-party drivers and software when troubleshooting default app settings in Windows 11. This experience reinforced for me how subtle interactions between hardware drivers and system settings can sometimes cause unexpected behavior. I hope my experience helps someone else struggling with a similar issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make VLC the default player in Windows 11?

Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps, select VLC, and assign it to the file types you want it to handle. Or, use the ‘Set defaults by app’ option.

Why is VLC not showing up as an option to set as default?

VLC may not be properly registered with the system. Reinstall VLC from the official website, ensuring file associations are selected during installation.

Why does Windows 11 keep resetting my default media player?

Windows updates or conflicting software can reset file associations. Double-check VLC is still set as the default after updates, and uninstall other media players if necessary.

Can I set VLC as the default player for just one type of file?

Yes, use the ‘Open With’ context menu. Right-click a file, select ‘Open With’, choose VLC, and check ‘Always use this app to open…’.

Is VLC media player safe to use?

Yes, VLC is a safe and open-source media player. It contains no spyware, ads, or user tracking.