How to Change the Default Video Player in Windows 11 to VLC or Media Player

By default, Windows 11 directs all double-clicked MP4, MKV, and AVI video files to its pre-installed modern Media Player or Films & TV application. While the default player offers a sleek interface, it frequently lacks native codec support for specialized audio tracks, struggles with external subtitle files, and stutters on high-bitrate 4K MKV files. Changing your default video player to a versatile third-party application like VLC Media Player or MPV ensures every video opens reliably with full audio and subtitle capabilities.

Why Set VLC or MPC-HC as Your Default Player?

Configuring a dedicated universal media player transforms your viewing experience:

• Universal Codec Decoding: Plays virtually any file format—including MKV, FLV, MOV, WebM, and AVI—without downloading codec packs.
• Instant Playback: Lightweight third-party players launch in milliseconds without loading telemetry or cloud store recommendations.
• Advanced Audio & Subtitles: Effortlessly switch multi-language audio tracks, synchronize delayed subtitles on the fly, and boost volume past 100%.

Method 1: Change Default Video Player via Windows 11 Settings

The central Settings app lets you change your default video player across all video formats simultaneously:

1. Open the Start menu and click the Settings gear icon (or press Windows Key + I).
2. In the left sidebar, click on Apps.
3. Click on Default apps in the main pane.
4. In the search box labelled Set defaults for applications, type VLC (or your chosen video player) and click on the app in the results.
5. At the top of the page, click the prominent blue Set default button. Windows 11 will automatically associate the player with dozens of common media formats (including .mp4, .mkv, .avi, .mov, and .wmv).
6. Scroll down the list of individual file extensions. If any specific format (such as .mkv) still displays a different app, click on that format and choose your player manually.

Method 2: Set Defaults Using the “Open With” Context Menu (Quickest)

If you have a video file ready on your desktop or inside File Explorer:

1. Right-click on any video file (e.g., an .mp4 or .mkv file).
2. Hover over Open with and click Choose another app.
3. In the pop-up list, select your preferred video player (such as VLC media player).
4. Click the Always button at the bottom of the dialogue box.
5. Windows will immediately open the video and associate that specific file extension with your player permanently.

Troubleshooting Default Reset Prompts

Following major Windows 11 feature updates, Microsoft occasionally suggests reverting back to the built-in Media Player. If you encounter an “An app default was reset” notification, simply reopen Settings > Apps > Default apps and reassert your third-party player preferences.