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VLC media player

The best free media player for Windows, Mac and Linux: plays MKV, MP4, DVD (software decoder included), Blu-ray menus, streams over RTP/HTTP, converts containers, and applies subtitled text sync by the millisecond. Tested with VLC 3.0.21 on Windows 11 24H2 and Ubuntu 24.04.

Category
Media
Licence
Free and open source
Official site
www.videolan.org/vlc
Last updated
2026-10-17
Download from official siteAll free apps

What it does

VLC is a media player that ships with its own decoders, so obscure containers and codecs work out of the box. It also streams, converts and plays network sources.

When it helps

When a file will not play in the default player, VLC is the first thing to try. It is also the pragmatic choice for playing files from untrusted sources, because it is far less exposed to the Windows shell integration attacks that target default apps.

Limitations

The interface is functional rather than beautiful, library management is weak compared to music-specific players, and subtitle sync requires manual nudging. For a minimal, scriptable player, mpv (below) is often preferred by power users.

Security and licensing

Open source under the GPL, developed by VideoLAN, a non-profit. Historically one of the safer ways to open an unknown media file — VLC sandboxing has improved over the years, but an untrusted file is still an untrusted file.

Alternatives

mpv for a minimal, keyboard-driven player; mpv plus a front end (Celluloid, IINA on macOS) when you want a GUI; Windows Media Player or QuickTime for files that play fine in the default app.

Common questions

How do I sync subtitles in VLC?

Open the video, then Tools → Track Sync. Adjust the subtitle delay in milliseconds (positive moves subtitles later, negative earlier) until it lines up. For a permanent fix, re-download the subtitle file — a mismatched sub is usually a bad rip, not a VLC problem.

Why won't VLC play my video file?

VLC ships with its own decoders, so a missing codec is rare. The usual causes are a truncated download (file ends mid-stream) or DRM-protected content. Check the file size against what the source promised, and try Media → Convert/Save to rule out a container issue.

Do I need a codec pack with VLC?

No. VLC embeds FFmpeg and its own decoders; installing a codec pack alongside it is unnecessary and often harmful — codec packs modify system filters and cause conflicts. If a file plays in VLC but not elsewhere, the file is fine; the other player is the problem.

VLC vs mpv — which is better?

VLC for a GUI, playlist management and format coverage out of the box. mpv for keyboard-driven playback, better default scaling/debanding, and a smaller footprint. Many people keep both: VLC for daily use, mpv for tricky files.

How do I play a DVD in VLC on Windows 10 or 11?

Insert the disc, open VLC, click Media → Open Disc, select DVD, and press Play. Windows 10/11 no longer ship a DVD codec; VLC includes one, which is one of the most common reasons people install it.

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