VLC Fix Guide

How to Install VLC on Windows 11 / 10 (Step by Step)

Beginner Last updated: Applies to: Windows 10 / 11 · x64 & ARM64

Installing VLC on Windows is a two-minute job — if you download from the right place. This guide covers the official download, the SmartScreen prompt, the 64-bit vs ARM64 choice, and a quick post-install check so you know everything works.

Step 1 — Download the official installer

  1. Go to videolan.org/vlc — the download button reads "Download VLC" with the current version (3.0.23).

    The official installer downloads.

  2. Choose "Windows 64bit" for virtually all modern PCs. Use "Windows ARM64" only on Snapdragon/ARM Windows devices.

    The right architecture is selected.

  3. Ignore third-party "VLC download" sites — official mirrors only. The installer is ~42 MB.

    You have a genuine installer.

Step 2 — Run the installer and handle SmartScreen

  1. Double-click the downloaded vlc-3.0.23-win64.exe.

    The installer starts.

  2. If Windows SmartScreen shows "Windows protected your PC", click "More info" > "Run anyway" — the file is signed by VideoLAN.

    The installer proceeds.

  3. Click Next through the wizard. Default options are fine; "Create a shortcut" and file associations can stay as-is.

    Installation completes.

NoteIf SmartScreen blocks the file permanently, your download is suspicious — re-download from videolan.org and verify the file size (~42 MB).

Step 3 — First launch and verification

  1. Launch VLC from the Start menu.

    VLC opens with the orange cone splash.

  2. Go to Help > About VLC — confirm the version matches 3.0.23.

    The version is verified.

  3. Play a test file; check the sound icon and volume slider.

    Playback works.

Frequently asked install questions

  • 32-bit or 64-bit? — 64-bit for all modern PCs; 32-bit installers are only needed for very old systems.
  • Is the Microsoft Store version the same? — It is a sandboxed build; the desktop installer is the classic, full version.
  • Do I need to uninstall the old version first? — No — install over it; settings are preserved. A clean uninstall is only needed for troubleshooting.
  • VLC keeps asking for file association? — Accept the prompt, or set it later in Tools > Preferences > Interface > "Use VLC as the default player for".

Frequently asked questions

Where do I download VLC for Windows safely?
Only from videolan.org. The official site hosts all current and archived versions (older versions live at download.videolan.org).
VLC installer was blocked by SmartScreen — what do I do?
Click "More info" > "Run anyway". The installer is signed by VideoLAN. If the warning repeats every time, verify the file size and re-download.
Can I install VLC on Windows 11 ARM?
Yes — use the ARM64 build for native performance; the x64 build also runs under emulation.
How do I update VLC on Windows?
Help > Check for Updates inside VLC, or download the latest installer from videolan.org and run it over the existing install.

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Edited by the VLC Fix Guide Tech Team — 10+ years of media software troubleshooting