How to Download, Install, & Use VLC Player on Windows

VLC Media Player is one of the most reliable and versatile video players available today. For all of our clients at Jay Grubb Photography & Video, we recommend using VLC to watch your wedding videos for the smoothest experience.


Why We Recommend VLC Instead of the Default Windows Video Player

While Windows comes with a built-in video player, we strongly recommend using VLC Media Player for watching your wedding video files. Here’s why:

  • Better File Compatibility: VLC plays a much wider range of video formats than the default Windows player. Some wedding videos may be in high-quality formats (like MOV or MKV) that Windows Media Player can’t handle properly.
  • Smoother Playback: VLC is optimized for high-resolution video files, reducing common issues like freezing, lagging, or stuttering—especially important for long wedding videos.
  • Custom Playback Controls: VLC offers advanced playback options such as speed adjustment, frame-by-frame viewing, and custom subtitle support, which are not as flexible in the default player.
  • Fewer Playback Errors: Clients often report that videos that won’t play at all in the Windows player work perfectly when opened in VLC.
  • Trusted & Ad-Free: Unlike some free players, VLC is open-source and free of ads or bloatware, making it a safe, clean option for any computer.

Using VLC ensures the best possible experience when watching your wedding film, with fewer issues and more control over your viewing.


Step 1: Download VLC Player

  1. Go to the official VLC website: https://www.videolan.org/vlc/
  2. Click the "Download VLC" button.
  3. Your computer will automatically detect that you’re on Windows and start the download.
  4. Wait for the download to complete.
  5. You’ll usually find the file in your Downloads folder. The file name will look something like: vlc-3.x.x-win64.exe

Step 2: Install VLC Player

  1. Double-click the downloaded file to start the installation.
  2. If prompted with the message: “Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?”
  3. Click Yes.
  4. Choose your language and click OK.
  5. Follow the Setup Wizard:
  • Click Next on the Welcome screen.
  • Accept the License Agreement (click Next).
  • Leave the default components selected and click Next.
  • Choose your install location (the default is fine) and click Install.
  1. Once installation is complete, click Finish to launch VLC.

Step 3:Use VLC Player to Watch Your Video

Option 1: Open the Video from VLC

  1. Open VLC Media Player.
  2. Click Media in the top menu and choose Open File.
  3. Browse to your wedding video (likely in your Downloads or Videos folder).
  4. Select your video and click Open.

Option 2: Open the Video Directly from File Explorer

  1. Locate your video file in File Explorer.
  2. Right-click the video file.
  3. Hover over "Open with" and select VLC Media Player.


Tip: Set VLC as Your Default Video Player

If you want all your videos to open with VLC automatically:

  1. Right-click any video file.
  2. Select "Open with > Choose another app."
  3. Click VLC Media Player.
  4. Check the box that says "Always use this app to open .mp4 files" (or whichever file type you’re using).
  5. Click OK.


Quick Tips for a Better Viewing Experience

  • Full Screen: Press F on your keyboard to switch to full-screen mode.
  • Playback Speed: Speed up or slow down the video with the + and - keys.
  • Subtitles: If your video has subtitles, click Subtitle > Add Subtitle File from the top menu.
  • Volume Boost: VLC allows you to increase volume up to 200% using Ctrl + Up Arrow.

By following these steps, you'll have a smooth, reliable way to watch your wedding videos with minimal issues. VLC’s strong performance and flexibility make it the top choice for all of our clients. We want your wedding video experience to be as smooth and enjoyable as possible. If you run into any issues playing your video or have questions about downloading or viewing your files, check out our other tutorials.