Guide to Installing VLC Media Player

Introduction

This guide explains how to download and install VLC Media Player on your Windows computer. It is intended for beginners and anyone who wants a simple, reliable media player.

Prerequisites

Before you start, make sure you have: * A computer running Windows 10 or later. * An internet connection to download the installer. * Administrator rights on your computer to install software.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Download the Installer

Navigate to the official VLC website at www.videolan.org. The website should automatically detect your operating system. Click the big orange "Download VLC" button.

Download Step

2. Run the Installer

Locate the downloaded file (usually in your Downloads folder and named vlc-*-win64.exe). Double-click the file to run it. If a User Account Control window appears, click "Yes" to allow the app to make changes to your device.

Run Installer

3. Follow the Installation Wizard

The installation wizard will open. You can mostly use the default settings. Choose your preferred language, click "Next", review the license agreement, and click "Next" again. On the "Choose Components" screen, you can leave the default options selected. Click "Install" to begin the installation.

Installation Wizard

4. Finish the Installation

Wait for the progress bar to complete. Once finished, ensure the box for "Run VLC" is checked and click "Finish" to exit the wizard and launch the program.

Finish Installation

Tips and Common Issues

If the installer does not start, try right-clicking the file and selecting "Run as administrator".
A common issue is downloading the installer from a third-party website that bundles unwanted software. Always download VLC directly from videolan.org to avoid this.

Result

When you have completed these steps, you will be able to open VLC Media Player and play almost any video or audio file on your computer.

Author: Chafyn Hörnecke
Last updated: 10.09.2025