Download VLC for Windows
Download VLC Media Player free for Windows 11, 10, 8.1 and 7. The latest version plays almost any video or audio file — with no codec packs, no ads and no spyware.
VLC for Windows
Windows 7 SP1, 8.1, 10 and 11 · 32-bit & 64-bit
Links to VideoLAN's official, verified file
VLC Media Player for Windows
VLC for Windows is the free, open-source media player from the non-profit VideoLAN. It is one of the most widely installed programs on Windows for a simple reason: it plays virtually every video and audio file you throw at it — MP4, MKV, AVI, MOV, WMV, MP3, FLAC and hundreds more — without making you hunt down separate codec packs. Every codec it needs is built in.
The Windows build is a compact installer of about 42 MB. It runs on Windows 7 SP1 through Windows 11, in both 32-bit and 64-bit editions, and stays light on system resources even on older hardware. There is no advertising, no bundled software and no tracking — just a media player that works.
System requirements
| Operating system | Windows 7 SP1, 8.1, 10 or 11 |
| Architecture | 32-bit or 64-bit (64-bit recommended) |
| Download size | About 42 MB |
| Disk space | Around 150 MB once installed |
| Memory | 512 MB RAM minimum; 1 GB or more recommended |
How to install VLC on Windows
Installing VLC on Windows takes about two minutes.
- Download the installer. Select "Download VLC for Windows". The official installer — a file named vlc-3.0.23-win64.exe or similar — is saved to your PC.
- Open the downloaded file. Find the file in your browser downloads or your Downloads folder, double-click it, and approve the Windows security prompt to continue.
- Choose your setup options. Pick your language, accept the licence, and keep the default components and install location — they suit almost everyone. Click Install.
- Finish the installation. Wait a few seconds for setup to finish, leave "Run VLC media player" ticked, and click Finish.
- Open your first file. Drag any video or audio file onto the VLC window, or use Media then Open File. Playback starts immediately.
Which build should I choose?
Almost everyone should download the 64-bit build. Every mainstream Windows PC sold in roughly the last decade runs 64-bit Windows, and the 64-bit version of VLC handles large files, 4K video and high-bitrate audio more efficiently. The 32-bit build exists only for older PCs still running a 32-bit edition of Windows.
Not sure which Windows you have? Open Settings, go to System then About, and look at "System type". If it says 64-bit operating system, choose the 64-bit VLC download.
How to set VLC as your default media player
To make Windows open your videos and music in VLC automatically, go to Settings → Apps → Default apps, search for "VLC media player", and set it as the default for the file types you use most, such as MP4, MKV and MP3. Alternatively, right-click any media file, choose Open with → Choose another app, select VLC, and tick "Always use this app to open these files".
Is VLC for Windows safe?
VLC is safe software. It carries no advertising, installs no toolbars or extra programs, and collects no personal data. Because it is open source, anyone can inspect its code — which is a major reason security-conscious users trust it.
The one precaution that matters is where you download it. Some look-alike sites wrap the VLC installer in adware. The download button on this page links directly to VideoLAN's official servers, so the file you get is the genuine, unmodified installer. You can cross-check it any time at videolan.org.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about VLC Media Player on Windows.
Is VLC free for Windows?
Yes. VLC Media Player is completely free on Windows, with no trial, no paid version and no in-app purchases. It is developed by the non-profit VideoLAN and released as open-source software under the GPLv2-or-later licence. You can install it on as many Windows PCs as you like at no cost.
Which Windows versions does VLC support?
VLC 3.0.23 runs on Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 and Windows 11. Both 32-bit and 64-bit builds are available. VLC is lightweight, so it also runs well on older or low-specification PCs that struggle with heavier software.
Should I download the 32-bit or 64-bit version?
Choose the 64-bit build for any modern Windows PC — virtually all computers from the last decade are 64-bit, and the 64-bit version handles large and high-resolution files better. Only pick the 32-bit build if you are running an older 32-bit copy of Windows.
How do I make VLC my default media player on Windows?
Open Windows Settings, go to Apps then Default apps, and either search for VLC or choose a file type such as .mp4. Select VLC media player as the default. You can also right-click any media file, choose "Open with" then "Choose another app", pick VLC and tick "Always use this app".
Is VLC for Windows safe?
VLC itself is safe — it contains no ads, no bundled toolbars and no spyware. The risk is downloading it from the wrong place, as some sites repackage VLC with adware. The download button on this page links to VideoLAN’s official, verified installer, so you receive the genuine file.
How do I update VLC on Windows?
VLC checks for updates automatically and tells you when a new version is available; you can also choose Help then "Check for Updates" inside the player. To update manually, simply download the latest installer and run it — it upgrades your existing installation and keeps your settings.