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how to install vlc on windows 10 in one minute

Published: May 4, 2020 (Updated: May 4, 2020)
#VLC #Windows 10 #Media Player

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Unlock Any Format: Your Easy Guide to Installing VLC Media Player on Windows 10

Introduction: Why VLC is the Essential Media Player

Welcome to Darren’s Tech Tutorials! If you’ve ever tried to play a video file on your PC only to be met with a frustrating “Codec Missing” error, you know how critical a powerful media player is.

Enter VLC Media Player.

VLC (formerly the VideoLAN Client) is the gold standard for media playback. It’s a completely free and open-source, cross-platform powerhouse developed by the VideoLAN project. The magic of VLC is its ability to handle almost any file type or streaming format you throw at it—no extra downloads required!

This guide will walk you through the process of downloading and installing VLC on your Windows 10 machine, ensuring you’re ready to play absolutely anything in minutes. Let’s get started!

Phase 1: Downloading the VLC Installer File

The first step is crucial: always download software directly from the official source to ensure you get the latest, safest version free from malware.

Step 1: Navigate to the Official VideoLAN Website

Open your preferred web browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox) and type in the official address: videolan.org/vlc/.

Step 2: Identify and Click the Download Button

On the main page, you will see a prominent, orange Download VLC button.

  • Pro Tip: VLC usually auto-detects your operating system (Windows 10, in this case), but if you need to manually select a 64-bit or 32-bit version, click the small dropdown arrow next to the button. For most modern Windows 10 PCs, the standard download is correct.

Step 3: Wait for the Download to Complete

Clicking the button will usually start the download immediately. The file is relatively small (typically around 40 MB), so it should only take a few moments.

  • The installer file will look something like vlc-3.0.18-win64.exe.
  • Once finished, locate the file in your browser’s download bar or navigate to your PC’s Downloads folder.

Phase 2: Installing VLC Media Player on Windows 10

With the installer secured, we can move on to the quick and easy installation wizard.

Step 1: Run the Installer

Double-click the .exe file you just downloaded to launch the setup wizard. You may be prompted by Windows User Account Control (UAC)—click Yes to allow the program to make changes to your device.

Step 2: Select Your Language

The first screen will ask you to select the language for the installation process. Choose your preferred language (English is the default) and click OK.

Step 3: Proceed Through the Setup Wizard

The wizard will now guide you through the process.

  1. Welcome Screen: Click Next to continue.
  2. License Agreement: This outlines the GNU General Public License. Read if you wish, and then click Next to accept the terms.
  3. Choose Components: VLC offers various features and shortcuts (e.g., desktop shortcuts, Firefox/ActiveX plugin support). We highly recommend leaving all components checked by default. This ensures maximum compatibility later. Click Next.

Step 4: Choose Installation Location

The setup wizard will suggest a default destination folder (usually C:\Program Files\VideoLAN\VLC).

  • For 99% of users, the default location is perfectly fine. Click Install.
  • If you need to install it to a different drive, use the Browse button.

Step 5: Finalize and Launch VLC

The installation process is very quick. Once the progress bar is complete, the final screen will appear.

  1. Leave the box checked for Run VLC media player.
  2. Click Finish.

VLC will launch, and you are now ready to enjoy seamless media playback!

Conclusion: Enjoy Your New Media Powerhouse!

Congratulations! You have successfully downloaded and installed the most versatile media player available on your Windows 10 PC. Say goodbye to frustrating codec errors and hello to instant playback of every file format under the sun.

VLC is more than just a media player; it’s a toolkit. You can use it to convert files, stream network content, and even tweak playback settings for the perfect viewing experience.

If this guide helped you conquer the installation process, please hit that Like button and Subscribe to Darren’s Tech Tutorials for more clear, accessible technology guides. Let me know in the comments below what the first media file you tested with VLC was! Happy viewing!