VLC Media Player is free to download for Windows 11, Windows 10, and macOS, with separate builds available for Windows x64, Windows ARM64, Intel Macs, and Apple silicon Macs. VideoLAN also provides MSI, ZIP, and 7-Zip packages for Windows, so you can choose between a normal installer and packages suited to deployment or installation without the standard setup wizard.
VLC plays most common video and audio formats without requiring separate codec packs, including MP4, MKV, AVI, MOV, WebM, MP3, FLAC, H.264, and many streaming formats. It can also play DVDs, audio CDs, network streams, webcams, and local media files.
This guide covers the official VLC download for Windows and Mac, x64 and ARM64 installers, MSI and ZIP packages, offline installation, Apple silicon downloads, system compatibility, updating VLC, and fixes for common installation problems.
Download VLC Media Player for Windows 11 and Windows 10
VideoLAN currently provides VLC 3.0.23 for Windows, with installer packages for standard PCs as well as ARM64 devices. The normal 64-bit installer is the correct choice for most Windows 11 and Windows 10 computers using Intel or AMD processors.
Official download: Download VLC Media Player for Windows
The main download button normally selects a Windows installer automatically, while the dropdown options let you choose 64-bit, ARM64, MSI, ZIP, or 7-Zip packages.
| VLC download | Best for |
|---|---|
| Windows x64 EXE installer | Most Intel and AMD Windows 11/10 PCs |
| Windows ARM64 installer | Snapdragon and other ARM64 Windows PCs |
| MSI package | Business deployment and managed installations |
| ZIP package | Running VLC without the normal Windows setup process |
| 7-Zip package | Smaller compressed package for manual extraction |
| macOS Intel DMG | Intel-based Macs |
| macOS ARM64 DMG | Apple silicon Macs |
| macOS Universal Binary | One package supporting both Mac architectures |
Download VLC 64-bit for Windows 11/10
The VLC x64 installer is the best download for almost every modern desktop PC and laptop with an Intel Core or AMD Ryzen processor. Windows 11 itself runs only on 64-bit processors, so there is normally no reason to install VLC 32-bit on a Windows 11 computer.
VideoLAN provides several x64 packages:
- Standard 64-bit EXE installer
- 64-bit MSI installer
- 64-bit ZIP package
- 64-bit 7-Zip package
If you simply want to install VLC and start playing videos, choose the standard 64-bit installer. It creates Start menu entries, registers VLC with Windows, and lets you select file associations during setup.
How to check whether your PC is x64
- Press Windows + I.
- Open System > About.
- Find System type.
- Look for 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor.
If you see x64-based processor, download the normal VLC 64-bit build. If Windows reports an ARM-based processor, use the ARM64 version instead.
How to Install VLC on Windows 11
- Download VLC from the official VideoLAN website.
- Open your Downloads folder.
- Double-click the VLC installer.
- Select Yes when Windows displays the User Account Control prompt.
- Choose the installation language.
- Click Next and review the installation options.
- Select the components and file associations you want.
- Choose the installation folder.
- Click Install.
- Open VLC when setup finishes.
VLC does not require you to create an account or sign in. You can open a video immediately by dragging it into VLC or selecting Media > Open File.
Download VLC ARM64 for Windows 11
VideoLAN provides a native ARM64 build of VLC for Windows PCs with ARM processors. This is the version to use on devices powered by Snapdragon processors rather than installing the x64 build through Windows emulation.
ARM64 download: open the VLC Windows download page and select Installer for ARM64 version.
VideoLAN also provides ARM64 versions of the MSI, ZIP, and 7-Zip packages, giving Windows on ARM users essentially the same installation choices available on x64 PCs.
Do you need VLC x64 or ARM64?
| Your processor | VLC version |
|---|---|
| Intel Core | x64 |
| Intel Core Ultra | x64 |
| AMD Ryzen | x64 |
| AMD Athlon | x64 |
| Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite | ARM64 |
| Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus | ARM64 |
| Other Windows ARM processor | ARM64 |
Using the native ARM64 version avoids the x64 emulation layer and is the logical choice whenever VideoLAN provides a native package for your device.
Download VLC Offline Installer for Windows
The standard VLC Windows installer works as an offline installer. Once you have downloaded the complete EXE or MSI package, you can copy it to another compatible PC and install VLC without an internet connection.
This makes VLC different from apps that download most of their files during setup. The installation package already contains the files needed to install VLC.
You can therefore:
- Download VLC on one computer and transfer it using a USB drive.
- Keep a copy for reinstalling VLC later.
- Install VLC on PCs without internet access.
- Deploy the same installer across several compatible computers.
Internet access is still required for online streams, network media hosted on the internet, update checks, and downloading a newer VLC release.
VLC x64 offline installer
For Intel and AMD PCs, download either the Installer for 64bit version or MSI package for 64bit version. Both can install VLC after the package has been downloaded to the computer.
VLC ARM64 offline installer
Windows on ARM users can download the standard ARM64 installer or ARM64 MSI package. Save the file locally before moving it to an offline PC.
Download VLC MSI Installer for Windows
VideoLAN provides official MSI packages for Windows, including separate x64 and ARM64 builds. The MSI version is particularly useful for administrators who deploy software through Windows management tools, scripts, Group Policy, or enterprise software distribution systems.
For a normal home PC, the EXE installer is simpler and provides the familiar setup interface. The installed VLC application itself is essentially the same.
Install VLC MSI from Command Prompt
You can install an MSI package through Windows Installer with:
msiexec /i "vlc-installer.msi"For a quiet installation:
msiexec /i "vlc-installer.msi" /quietReplace the example filename with the actual VLC MSI file you downloaded.
Business administrators should test silent installation commands and configuration policies before deploying VLC across a large group of computers.
Download VLC Portable ZIP for Windows
VideoLAN provides official ZIP and 7-Zip packages that contain VLC without requiring the normal Windows installation wizard. Extract the archive and run vlc.exe from the extracted folder.
- Open the VLC Windows download page.
- Select the ZIP or 7-Zip package for your processor architecture.
- Download the archive.
- Extract it to a folder.
- Open the extracted folder.
- Double-click vlc.exe.
This option is useful when you cannot install applications normally, want to keep multiple VLC versions in separate folders, or need a copy that can be moved between folders without running an installer.
The ZIP package should not automatically be treated as a completely self-contained portable application. VLC can still store preferences and other user data in Windows user-profile locations unless you configure its behavior differently.
Download VLC for Mac
VideoLAN provides three VLC downloads for macOS: Intel, Apple silicon, and Universal Binary. Choosing the processor-specific package gives you a smaller download, while the Universal Binary contains support for both architectures.
Official Mac download: Download VLC for macOS
VideoLAN currently lists VLC 3.0.23 for macOS. It supports 64-bit Intel Macs and Macs using Apple silicon.
Download VLC for MacBook M1, M2, M3, M4 & Apple Silicon
MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac, and Mac Studio models using Apple silicon should use the ARM64 Mac build. VideoLAN labels this download VLC for Macs with Apple Silicon chips.
The same ARM64 package works across supported Apple silicon generations, so you do not need to search for separate VLC installers for M1, M2, M3, M4, or later M-series processors.
Check whether your Mac uses Apple silicon or Intel
- Click the Apple menu.
- Select About This Mac.
- Look for Chip or Processor.
If the Mac shows an Apple M-series chip, choose Apple Silicon. If it lists an Intel processor, download the Intel version.
Download VLC for Intel Mac
VideoLAN continues to provide a 64-bit Intel build for compatible older Macs. Select VLC for Macs with Intel processors from the Mac download page.
VLC currently requires Mac OS X 10.7.5 or later and a supported 64-bit Intel processor or Apple silicon chip. Very old Intel Macs with Core Solo or Core Duo processors require an older VLC release.
VLC Universal Binary for Mac
The Universal Binary includes code for both Intel and Apple silicon Macs. It is useful when you want one installer that can be deployed to a mixed collection of Macs.
The tradeoff is file size. A universal package includes both architectures, so it is larger than either processor-specific download.
For one computer, choose the package matching its processor. For an organization managing both Intel and Apple silicon Macs, the Universal Binary can simplify deployment.
How to Install VLC on Mac
- Download the correct VLC DMG from VideoLAN.
- Open the downloaded DMG file.
- Drag the VLC icon into the Applications folder.
- Open Applications.
- Double-click VLC.
- Approve the macOS security prompt if it appears.
You can then make VLC the default application for particular media formats through Finder by selecting a file, opening Get Info, and changing the application under Open with.
Is VLC Media Player Really Free?
Yes. VLC is free and open-source software developed by the VideoLAN project. You do not need a subscription, license key, account, or paid upgrade to use the desktop player.
VideoLAN accepts donations, but donating is optional and does not unlock additional VLC playback features.
Be cautious when a website asks you to pay for a VLC download, purchase a codec package, or install a separate downloader before getting VLC. The official desktop application itself is free.
Download VLC Latest Version
VideoLAN currently lists VLC 3.0.23 as the stable Windows and macOS release. The project also publishes experimental development versions separately, including VLC 4 nightly builds.
For normal use, download the stable release. Nightly builds contain unfinished changes and VideoLAN explicitly warns that they can be unstable.
You can check the version currently installed on Windows by opening VLC and selecting:
Help > About
On a Mac, open:
VLC media player > About VLC media player
Should You Download VLC 3 or VLC 4?
VLC 3 is the current stable branch distributed from VideoLAN’s main download pages. VLC 4 development builds are available from VideoLAN’s nightly-build servers for testing.
Install VLC 3 if you want a normal media player for daily use. Test VLC 4 only if you specifically want to experiment with development features and accept crashes, incomplete functionality, or other bugs.
A nightly build should not replace the stable installation on a computer where reliable media playback matters.
VLC Windows System Requirements
VideoLAN lists support from Windows XP SP3 through the latest Windows 11 release for the current VLC 3 desktop branch. Modern Windows 11 and Windows 10 users should select a build matching their processor architecture.
| PC type | Recommended VLC package |
|---|---|
| Windows 11 Intel/AMD | Windows x64 |
| Windows 10 Intel/AMD 64-bit | Windows x64 |
| Windows 11 Snapdragon | Windows ARM64 |
| Managed business PC | x64 or ARM64 MSI |
| PC where you do not want to run Setup | ZIP or 7-Zip package |
VLC itself has modest hardware requirements, although smooth playback of high-resolution H.265, AV1, 4K, 8K, HDR, and high-frame-rate video depends heavily on the processor and GPU used by the computer.
VLC Mac System Requirements
The current VLC Mac download requires Mac OS X 10.7.5 or later according to VideoLAN. It supports Macs with a 64-bit Intel processor and Macs using Apple silicon.
| Mac | Download |
|---|---|
| Mac with Apple silicon | ARM64 DMG |
| Mac with 64-bit Intel processor | Intel64 DMG |
| Mixed Intel and Apple silicon deployment | Universal Binary DMG |
VideoLAN keeps older VLC releases in its archive for Macs that cannot run the current version.
What Formats Does VLC Play?
One reason VLC remains useful is that it includes support for a wide range of media formats and codecs without requiring users to install separate codec packs.
Commonly supported media includes:
- MP4
- MKV
- AVI
- MOV
- WebM
- MPEG
- MP3
- AAC
- FLAC
- OGG
- WAV
- H.264 and AVC video
- H.265 and HEVC video
- DVDs
- Audio CDs
- Network streams
Actual playback also depends on the file structure, encryption, DRM, disc protection, and whether the required decoder is available in the VLC build you installed.
How to Make VLC the Default Media Player in Windows 11
- Open Settings.
- Select Apps > Default apps.
- Search for VLC media player.
- Open VLC from the results.
- Select the file extensions you want VLC to open.
- Choose VLC when Windows asks which application should handle each format.
You can assign VLC only to formats such as MKV and AVI while leaving another player as the default for MP3 or MP4 files.
Fix VLC Not Installing on Windows 11 or Windows 10
Download the correct processor version
Install x64 VLC on Intel and AMD PCs and ARM64 VLC on supported ARM-based computers. Checking Settings > System > About confirms the processor architecture.
Download the installer again
Delete an installer that stops unexpectedly or reports corruption, then download a new copy directly from VideoLAN. A partially completed browser download can produce setup errors.
Try the MSI package
If the standard EXE installer fails, download VideoLAN’s MSI package for the same architecture. Windows Installer handles MSI installation separately from VLC’s normal setup executable.
Use the ZIP package
If you cannot run an installer because of account permissions or PC restrictions, the official ZIP package lets you extract VLC and start vlc.exe directly.
This does not bypass administrator policies imposed by an employer or school. Follow the organization’s software rules on managed computers.
Remove an old VLC installation
If setup fails while replacing an older release, uninstall VLC from Settings > Apps > Installed apps, restart Windows, and install the latest version again.
You can keep VLC preferences during uninstall unless damaged settings are causing the problem.
Fix VLC Not Opening or Playing Video
Reset VLC preferences
Corrupted settings can cause VLC to stop opening correctly or behave unexpectedly. Open VLC and select:
Tools > Preferences > Reset Preferences
Restart VLC after the reset.
Disable hardware-accelerated decoding for a test
Graphics driver problems can cause black video, distorted colors, or crashes during playback.
- Open Tools > Preferences.
- Select Input / Codecs.
- Find Hardware-accelerated decoding.
- Set it to Disable.
- Save the settings and restart VLC.
If playback works after this change, update the graphics driver before deciding whether to keep hardware decoding disabled.
Check whether the media file itself is damaged
Try another video in VLC. If other files play normally, the original video can be incomplete, corrupted, encrypted, or encoded in an unusual way.
Testing the same file on another device helps separate a VLC problem from a damaged source file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is VLC Media Player free for Windows 11?
Yes. VLC is free and open-source software. Windows 11 users can download the x64 or ARM64 version without purchasing a license.
What is the official VLC download website?
The official VLC website is VideoLAN.org. Use VideoLAN’s download pages rather than third-party mirrors when possible.
Which VLC version should I download for Windows 11?
Choose VLC x64 if the PC has an Intel or AMD processor. Choose VLC ARM64 if it has an ARM processor such as Qualcomm Snapdragon.
Is VLC available for Windows 10 64-bit?
Yes. VideoLAN provides a dedicated 64-bit VLC installer for Windows. The same x64 build works on supported 64-bit Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs.
Is there a VLC ARM64 download?
Yes. VideoLAN officially provides ARM64 EXE, MSI, ZIP, and 7-Zip packages for Windows.
Can I download VLC offline installer?
Yes. The standard VLC EXE and MSI packages contain the files required for installation. Once downloaded, you can move the installer to another compatible PC and install VLC without an internet connection.
Does VLC have an MSI installer?
Yes. VideoLAN provides MSI packages for Windows, including separate builds for 64-bit x64 and ARM64 systems.
Is there a portable VLC download?
VideoLAN provides ZIP and 7-Zip packages that can run after extraction without using the normal setup wizard. VLC can still save configuration data to the Windows user profile, so the ZIP build is not automatically a completely self-contained portable installation.
Can I download VLC for MacBook?
Yes. VideoLAN provides VLC for Intel Macs, Apple silicon Macs, and a Universal Binary supporting both architectures.
Which VLC should I download for an M1, M2, M3, or M4 Mac?
Choose the Apple Silicon version. VideoLAN’s ARM64 Mac package works with supported Macs using Apple M-series processors.
What is the VLC Universal Binary?
The Universal Binary contains both Intel and Apple silicon code in one Mac application. It is useful when the same installer needs to run across Macs with different processor architectures.
Can VLC play MKV files?
Yes. VLC supports MKV playback and includes decoders for many of the video and audio formats commonly stored inside MKV containers.
Can VLC play DVDs?
Yes. VLC supports DVD playback, although encrypted commercial discs can involve regional, encryption, or legal restrictions that depend on the disc and location.
Do I need to download codecs for VLC?
Usually no. VLC includes support for most common codecs and media formats, which is one of its main advantages over players that depend on separate codec packs.
Is VLC 4 available to download?
VideoLAN publishes VLC 4 nightly development builds, but the project identifies them as experimental and unstable. Use VLC 3.0.23 for a stable everyday installation unless you specifically want to test VLC 4.
Can VLC work without internet?
Yes. VLC can play local media files without an internet connection. Internet access is needed for online streams, update checks, and other network-based content.
