VLC Finally Brings Native ARM Support to Windows PCs

VLC is one of the most popular media players available, and it has finally taken a major step forward on modern Windows hardware. After years without proper support, VLC now runs natively on ARM-based PCs, removing the need for emulation on Snapdragon-powered devices.

VLC finally gets native ARM support and more

We knew that VLC was getting ARM support, and as reported by WindowsCentral, this feature is finally here. With native support, users can enjoy multimedia efficiently on Snapdragon-based systems without relying on x86 translation layers. This change brings better performance, improved stability, and lower power consumption on Windows on Arm devices.

The update arrives with VLC versions 3.0.22 and 3.0.23, which officially introduce compatibility for Windows on Arm64 systems. Users running devices powered by Snapdragon X-series processors can now experience smoother media playback and faster startup times compared to earlier emulated builds.

Alongside ARM support, VLC finally introduces a long-requested Dark Mode option on both Windows and Linux. The refreshed interface aligns better with modern operating system themes and reduces eye strain during extended viewing sessions.

This release also includes a wide range of fixes and improvements. Developers updated key codecs such as dav1d, ffmpeg, and libvpx, improved playback for multiple formats, and applied stability and security patches across the board. Interestingly, support for legacy Windows XP Service Pack 3 systems also received fixes, keeping VLC functional even on extremely old hardware.

Native ARM support proves especially important as more Windows devices ship with ARM processors. With new chipsets gaining traction, such as Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme and the Windows 11 26H1 debuting on Snapdragon devices, VLC’s update ensures broad compatibility moving forward.

The update is available now from VideoLAN’s official website, where users can also review the full changelog.