How to Download and Install VLC Media Player

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This wikiHow teaches you how to install the free VLC media player on your computer or smartphone. VLC is available for Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android platforms.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

On Windows

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  1. Open the VLC website . Type https://www.videolan.org/vlc/index.html in your computer's web browser.
  2. It's an orange button on the right side of the page.
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  3. Doing so will allow the VLC setup file to download onto your computer.
    • The VLC file will download automatically, so if you aren't prompted for a download location, skip this step.
  4. You'll find it in the default downloads location for your browser.
  5. Doing so opens the installation window.
  6. When asked, click the language drop-down box and select the language you want to use for VLC Media Player, then click OK to proceed.
  7. This will take you to the installation page.
  8. It's at the bottom of the page. Doing so installs VLC Media Player on your computer.
  9. Immediately after installing VLC, you can run it by making sure the "Run VLC media player" box is checked and clicking Finish .
    • When you want to run VLC in the future, you'll double-click the VLC app icon on your desktop or select it from Start.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

On Mac

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  1. Go to https://www.videolan.org/vlc/index.html in your computer's web browser.
  2. It's an orange button on the right side of the page.
  3. Doing so will allow the VLC setup file to download onto your computer.
    • The VLC file will download automatically, so if you aren't prompted for a download location, skip this step.
  4. Go to the folder into which your browser downloads files, then double-click the VLC DMG file. This will open the installation window.
  5. The "Applications" folder is on the right side of the window, while the traffic cone-shaped VLC app icon is on the left. Doing so will install VLC on your computer.
  6. The first time you open VLC after installing it, do the following:
    • Double-click the VLC app icon in the Applications folder.
    • Wait for your Mac to verify VLC.
    • Click Open when prompted.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

On iPhone

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  1. Tap the App Store app icon, which resembles a white "A" on a light-blue background.
  2. This option is in the lower-right corner of the screen.
  3. It's the grey text box with "App Store" in it at the top of the page.
  4. Type in vlc , then tap the blue Search button on the lower-right side of the keyboard.
  5. Scroll down until you find this heading next to VLC's orange traffic cone icon.
  6. It's to the right of the "VLC for Mobile" heading.
    • If you've downloaded VLC before, you'll tap
      iPhone App Store Download Button
      to the right of this heading.
  7. Doing so will allow VLC to begin installing onto your iPhone.
    • You can open VLC immediately after it downloads by tapping OPEN in the App Store.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

On Android

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  1. Tap the Google Play Store app icon, which resembles a multicolored triangle on a white background.
  2. It's at the top of the screen. Your Android's on-screen keyboard will appear.
  3. Type in vlc , then tap VLC for Android in the resulting drop-down menu.
  4. This is on the right side of the page. Doing so prompts VLC to begin installing onto your Android.
    • If prompted, tap ALLOW after tapping INSTALL to confirm the download.
    • You can open VLC directly from within the Play Store by tapping OPEN when VLC finishes installing.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How long does it take to install?
    Community Answer
    It will take 1-2 minutes on pretty much any PC made in the last ten years.
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    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 8
  • Question
    Can I download VLC media player on a computer that does not have access to internet?
    Zach Batt.
    Community Answer
    If you have a method of getting the installation EXE onto the computer (e.g. USB), then it should install without an internet connection.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 10
  • Question
    is it safe to download VLC media player from Cnet?
    Zach Batt.
    Community Answer
    Whilst is likely is safe, it is always advisable to download software directly from the creators, or an authorized mirror listed on their website.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
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      Tips

      • VLC can be used to play all of the most common video file types. This includes things like MP4 files and MKV files.
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      Warnings

      • Only download the VLC Media Player and its add-ons from the official website to be sure that the content is legitimate.
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