VLC Not Working in Windows 11? Fix it in 3 Easy Steps

The VLC media player is the best free open-source cross-platform media player worldwide. This media player offers features like good video quality, control over subtitles, and cross-functionality with other devices.

But recently, many users have complained about the VLC media player not working on Windows 11. Issues like these mainly occur due to corrupt cache data. However, there are many other reasons why users may face this error.

Keep reading this post to know how to fix the VLC media player not working on Windows 11.

Does VLC support Windows 11?

The latest version of the VLC media player is now available in the Microsoft Store app on Windows 11. All you need to do is download VLC from the Microsoft Store and start using it.

Can I download an older version of VLC?

Although the VLC media player comes with many built-in features, there are still some reasons why someone may prefer the old one. You can download an older version of VLC right away.

How do I make VLC my default player in Windows 11?

1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
2. Navigate to Apps and click on Default Apps.
   
3. Scroll down and click on VLC media player.
   
4. Click on .3G2 at the top.
   
5. Select the VLC media player from the pop-up.
6. Click on OK to save the changes.
   

Several users complain about VLC audio not working. Rest assured that our guide shows you what to do in case that happens.

What can I do if my VLC media player is not working?

1. Increase Cache Values

1. Open the VLC media player, click on Tools, and go to Preferences.
   
2. Navigate to the Show Settings option and select All.
3. Now click on Input / Codecs option. Change the values for File caching (ms) to a higher value.
   
4. Click on Save and restart VLC and check if the VLC media player could not start error in Windows 11 is fixed.

If you are facing other issues, like VLC could not open the MP4a audio encoder issue, we recommend you check out this informative guide to find solutions.

2. Configure Video Output Mode

1. Open the VLC media player, click on Tools, and go to Preferences.
2. Navigate to the Video section, check Enable Video, and then the Window Decorations box.
   
3. Now click on the dropdown menu beside Output.
4. Select DirectX (DirectDraw) Video Output.
   
5. Click on Save once done and quit the VLC media player.
6. Now restart the VLC player.

3. Disable Hardware Video Decoding

1. Open VLC, click on Tools and go to Preferences.
2. Click on the Show Settings option and select All.
3. Click on Input / Codecs option.
4. Now expand Video codecs and select FFmpeg.
   
5. Navigate to Hardware decoding and select Disable.
   
6. Once disabled restart VLC and forget all about VLC crashing on startup or other similar issues.

How do I reset the VLC media player?

1. Open the VLC media player, click on Tools, and then on Preferences.
2. Click on Reset Preferences.
   
3. Now, click on the OK button.
   

Several users have complained about an error while checking for updates in VLC. If that troubles you, read our post to fix this issue.

Well, that’s all from our side on how to solve the VLC media player when it’s not working on Windows 11. If this guide was helpful, do let us know in the comments below.