People who receive video and audio in a mix of formats can use VLC Media Player to play them from one Windows app. VLC includes codecs for many common media files, so separate codec packs are usually unnecessary.
Which files and discs can VLC play?
VLC handles common formats such as MP4, MP3, MKV, FLAC, and AVI. Its built-in codecs cover many audio and video files without a separate codec-pack installation.
The player also supports DVDs, Audio CDs, and VCDs. For online or local network media, it can open streams that use supported streaming protocols.
How can I adjust subtitles and playback?
The playback window keeps basic controls such as play, pause, volume, and a timeline in view. Additional controls include playback-speed adjustment and an audio equalizer.
Subtitle synchronization controls let you change subtitle timing when captions appear ahead of or behind the dialogue. VLC also provides audio and video timing adjustments for correcting synchronization problems.
- Use the speed controls to slow down or accelerate playback.
- Adjust subtitle timing when captions do not match the spoken dialogue.
- Change equalizer settings to alter the audio balance.
Can VLC play a stream as well as a local file?
Yes. VLC supports various streaming protocols in addition to files and discs. This lets viewers open compatible network streams from within the player, alongside media stored on the computer.
Pros
- Plays formats including MP4, MKV, AVI, MP3, and FLAC
- Supports DVDs, Audio CDs, VCDs, and streaming protocols
- Provides subtitle timing controls and playback-speed adjustment
- Includes an audio equalizer for adjusting sound
System requirements: Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Windows 11 · ARM64 installer available
Do I need to install codec packs to play common files?
Usually not. VLC includes codecs for many common audio and video formats.
Can VLC play DVDs and Audio CDs?
Yes. VLC supports DVDs, Audio CDs, and VCDs.
How do I fix subtitles that are out of sync?
Use VLC’s subtitle synchronization controls to adjust when the subtitles appear.