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How To Set VLC As Default Video Player in Windows 10

VLC Media Player supports almost every video format out there. Here is how to set VLC as the default video player in Windows 10.

For Windows, there is no better video player than VLC Media Player. No matter the video file format, VLC can play it without any hiccups. VLC is often miles ahead in terms of video format compatibility compared to other video players out there. Not only that but the plethora of options and a simple user interface makes VLC a good choice for beginners and advanced users alike. One of the best things about VLC Media Player is that it shows only the options you need while giving quick access to the advanced options. Put simply, VLC is the video player you want to install.

By default, Windows uses the built-in Video Player as the default video player. i.e., Windows will play it in the default Video Player app when you try to open a video file. Even though the default player is pretty good, it is not as good as the VLC Media Player.

After installing the VLC Media Player, you have to set it as the default video player in Windows 10. That being said, compared to the older Windows version, it can be a bit confusing on how to make VLC as the default video player in Windows 10.

So, without further ado, let me show you how to set VLC as the default video player in Windows 10.

Make VLC the default video player in Windows 10

You can change the default video player to VLC from the Windows 10 Settings app. Here is where to find the option and change it.

  1. Install VLC if it is not already installed.
  2. Press the “Start key + I” to open Settings.
  3. Click the “Apps” option.
  4. Select “Default apps” on the sidebar.
  5. Click on the “Choose a default” option under “Video Player.”
  6. Select “VLC Media Player” from the list.
  7. Close the Settings app.
  8. With that, you made VLC the default video player in Windows 10.

As always, open the Settings app in Windows 10. You can do that by pressing the “Windows key + I” shortcut or searching for it in the Start menu.

After opening the Settings app, go to the “Apps > Default apps” page. As you can tell, this is where you can set default apps for various activities like browsing, mail, media, etc. Here, click on the “Choose a default” option under the “Video Player” section. Next, select “VLC Media Player” from the available list.

make vlc default video player in windows

Windows will set VLC Media Player as the default video player as soon as you select the option. Changes are automatically saved. So, you can safely close the Settings app.

vlc is the default video player in Windows 10

That is it. With that, VLC is the default video player on your computer. From now on, whenever you try to open a supported video file, it will be opened in VLC.

I hope that helps.

If you are stuck or need some help, comment below, and I will try to help as much as possible.

Related: How to backup VLC Settings

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