How to Change Default Video Player in Windows 11

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Windows 11, the latest iteration of Microsoft’s operating system, comes with a myriad of features and improvements. One of the settings users often want to customize is the default video player. By default, Windows 11 uses the Movies & TV app (also known as Films & TV in some regions) for video playback. However, many users prefer other media players like VLC, Media Player Classic, or others due to their enhanced features and flexibility.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various methods to change the default video player in Windows 11, ensuring you can play your videos in your preferred application effortlessly.

Understanding Default Apps in Windows 11

Before diving into the process, it’s essential to understand what “default apps” mean in Windows. Default apps are the programs that Windows uses to open specific file types. For instance, when you double-click on a video file, the default video player opens to play that file.

The Importance of Changing Default Video Players


User Preference

: Different players offer varying interfaces and functionalities. Some users prefer the minimalist nature of VLC, while others may favor the advanced features of paid software.


File Compatibility

: Some video players handle specific file formats better than others. For instance, VLC supports a wide range of formats, making it more versatile for multimedia enthusiasts.


Performance

: Depending on your system resources, some video players may perform better in terms of playback smoothness and loading times.

With these reasons in mind, let’s explore how to change the default video player in Windows 11.

Method 1: Change Default Video Player Through Settings

The simplest and most straightforward way to change your default video player is through the Settings app. Here’s how to do it:


Open the Settings App

:

  • Click on the

    Start

    button (Windows icon) on the taskbar.
  • Select the

    Settings

    gear icon or press

    Windows + I

    to open Settings directly.


Navigate to Default Apps

:

  • In the Settings window, click on

    Apps

    in the left pane.
  • Then, select

    Default Apps

    from the options on the right.


Choose Video File Types

:

  • Scroll down and look for file types associated with video playback. Common video file extensions include

    .mp4

    ,

    .mkv

    ,

    .avi

    , and

    .wmv

    .
  • You can also search for video formats in the search bar provided at the top of the Default Apps window.


Select Your Preferred Video Player

:

  • Click on the current default app icon next to the video file type you want to change. A list of available apps that support that file type will appear.
  • Find and select your preferred video player from the list (e.g., VLC Media Player, Media Player Classic).


Repeat for Other Video Formats

:

  • You’ll need to repeat the above step for each video file type you want to open with your chosen player.


Close the Settings App

:

  • Once you’ve set your preferred player for all desired file types, close the Settings app.

Verification of the Change

To ensure the change was successful, navigate to a video file of the type you modified. Double-click it; the file should open in your newly selected default video player.

Method 2: Change Default Video Player Through File Explorer

Another method to change the default video player is by using File Explorer. Here’s how to do it:


Open File Explorer

:

  • You can do this by clicking on the File Explorer icon on the taskbar or pressing

    Windows + E

    .


Locate a Video File

:

  • Find a video file of the type you want to change the default player for in your file system.


Right-Click on the File

:

  • Right-click the video file. A context menu will appear.


Select ‘Open with’

:

  • Hover over the

    Open with

    option in the context menu.


Choose ‘Choose another app’

:

  • Click on

    Choose another app

    from the submenu.


Select Your Preferred Video Player

:

  • In the dialog box that appears, you’ll see a list of apps. If your preferred video player is displayed, select it. If not, click

    More apps

    to see additional options.
  • Ensure to check the box that says

    Always use this app to open .[file type] files

    at the bottom.


Click ‘OK’

:

  • After selecting your preferred player and checking the box, click

    OK

    .


Check the Default Setting

:

  • Repeat the process for other video file types to ensure the player is set as default for all of them.

Method 3: Use Third-Party software

If you’re looking for a more comprehensive solution, especially when dealing with multiple file types, consider using third-party software designed to manage default applications more efficiently. Tools like “File Types Manager” or “Default Programs Editor” can help streamline the process.

Here’s how:


Download and Install Third-Party Software

:

  • Download a trusted third-party software like File Types Manager or Default Programs Editor. Install it by following the on-screen instructions.


Run the Application

:

  • Launch the application after installation.


Locate Video File Types

:

  • In the third-party software, locate the video file types you want to modify, such as

    .mp4

    or

    .avi

    .


Change the Default Player

:

  • Follow the software’s instructions to change the default application associated with the selected file types.


Save and Exit

:

  • Once you’ve made your changes, save them and exit the application.

Method 4: Registry Editor (Advanced Users)

For advanced users, changing the default video player via the Windows Registry is an option. It offers a more manual approach and is effective, but caution is advised as incorrect changes can affect system stability.

Here’s how:


Open Registry Editor

:

  • Press

    Windows + R

    to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type

    regedit

    and press Enter. If prompted by User Account Control, click

    Yes

    to allow access.


Navigate to File Types

:

  • Go to the following registry key:

    HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.mp4
  • The displayed value on the right will show the default program associated with

    .mp4

    files.


Change the Default Value

:

  • Double-click on the

    (Default)

    value to modify it. Change it to the name of your preferred video player (e.g.,

    vlc.file.mpg

    for VLC).


Repeat for Other Formats

:

  • Repeat the same process for other video file types you want to change.


Close Registry Editor

:

  • Exit the Registry Editor once all changes are made.

Important Note on Using Registry Editor

Modifying the Windows Registry can lead to unintended consequences if not done correctly. Always back up your registry before making changes. To back up, click on

File > Export

, and choose a safe location to save your registry backup.

Method 5: Using Command Prompt

For users who prefer command-line interfaces, changing default applications using Command Prompt is a viable option. This method requires a more detailed understanding of commands but can be powerful for batch changes.


Open Command Prompt

:

  • Right-click on the Start button and select

    Windows Terminal (Admin)

    or search for

    cmd

    and run as administrator.


Use the Command to Change Default Media Player

:

  • The command structure to change the default app for a specific file type is:

    ftype = "%1"
  • For instance:

    ftype mp4file="C:Program FilesVideoLANVLCvlc.exe" "%1"


Run the Command

:

  • Execute the relevant command for each video file type you wish to change.


Exit Command Prompt

:

  • Once you’ve made all necessary adjustments, type

    exit

    and press Enter.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

With any process, there may be challenges. Here are some common issues users experience when changing default video players in Windows 11:


Changes Not Taking Effect

:

  • If your changes don’t seem to apply, ensure that you have admin rights when making changes (especially when using the Command Prompt).


File Type Not Visible

:

  • If a specific video file type isn’t visible in the settings, ensure that the application capable of playing that file type has been correctly installed on your system.


Return to Default Settings

:

  • If you wish to return to the default settings (e.g., Windows Movies & TV), you can easily do this by following the methods mentioned and selecting the default app.


App Crashes or Performance Issues

:

  • If your preferred player crashes or doesn’t perform well, consider updating it or checking for any known issues with the application.

Conclusion

Changing the default video player in Windows 11 is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your multimedia experience. Whether you prefer using the Settings app, File Explorer, command line, or advanced methods like the Registry Editor, you have multiple options to customize your video playback.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to set your preferred video player for different file types, offering greater flexibility and control over your media consumption. Enjoy watching your favorite videos in the player that suits your needs the best!

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