Every computer or phone has a video player A url video player is the app that opens when you click a video file A default video player is the one that your system uses automatically For example in windows the default video player is the movies and tv app On mac the default player is quicktime Sometimes this default app is not good for all file types It may not support mkv or avi videos or it may not have the features you want Many users like to change the default video player to vlc media player or another app because it supports more formats and gives better playback
In this guide you will learn how to change the default video player in windows mac and android devices You will also learn about file types and why it is useful to set a preferred video player
What is a Default Video Player
A default video player is the app that plays your video files when you double click them You do not need to choose the player each time The system remembers your choice For example if you set vlc media player as the default player then all mp4 mkv and avi files will open in vlc automatically
Why Change the Default Video Player
- Default media players do not always support every video format
- Some players are very simple and do not have extra features
- A player like vlc can play almost all file types
- Better playback speed and smooth performance
- More control over subtitles playlists and options
Changing your default player saves time and improves the media experience
Common Video File Types
- MP4 supported on almost every player
- MKV very popular for high quality videos but not always supported by default apps
- AVI old format but still common
- MOV used a lot on mac devices
- WMV windows media video format
- FLV old flash video files
If your default player does not support these you will need a stronger player like vlc
How to Change Default Video Player in Windows 11
Step by Step
1 Open the Settings App 2 Go to the Apps Section 3 Click on Default Apps 4 Find Video Player in the list 5 Click on it and choose your preferred player like vlc media player 6 The system will save your choice and all videos will open with that player next time
Change by File Type
1 In the same settings window go to Choose defaults by file type 2 Look for mp4 avi mkv or other types 3 Select the file type and pick your preferred player
This lets you set different players for different formats
How to Change Default Video Player in Windows 10
Steps are almost the same as windows 11 1 Open Settings App 2 Go to Apps 3 Open Default Apps 4 Select your video player from the list
How to Change Default Video Player in Mac
1 Open Finder and choose a video file 2 Right click and select Get Info 3 In the window go to Open With 4 Select your player like vlc 5 Click Change All so that all files of that type use vlc
Repeat this for each file type like mp4 mkv or avi
How to Change Default Video Player in Android
1 Open Settings 2 Go to Apps and Notifications 3 Tap Default Apps 4 Select Video Player 5 Pick your player like vlc or mx player
You can also do this when you open a video Just choose your player and tap Always
How to Change Default Player Using File Explorer in Windows
1 Find a video file in file explorer 2 Right click and select Open With 3 Pick your player and check Always use this app 4 From now on all files of that type will open with that player
Issues You May Face
- Sometimes the player you want does not show Install it again
- Windows updates may reset your default app Repeat the steps to fix it
- Mac users must click Change All or the change will not apply to every file
Why Choose VLC Media Player as Default
- Plays almost every video format mp4 mkv avi mov and more
- Free and open source
- Works on windows mac android and more
- Extra features like subtitles playlists speed control
- Light and fast performance
That is why many users make vlc their preferred player
Tips for Better Media Use
- Keep your player updated
- Use vlc if the default player does not work
- Use the step by step guide to set your player
- Learn extra features like subtitles and playlists
- Repeat the process on every device you use
Conclusion
Changing the default video player is very easy It makes your video watching smoother and faster In windows 11 mac and android you can use settings or file explorer to choose your preferred player Once you set it you do not need to select again Your system will always use that app
VLC media player is the best choice for most users because it supports almost all file types and gives a smooth experience By following this guide you can fix problems with unsupported formats and enjoy videos on your device without issues
