how to install vlc on windows 10 in one minute

Published: December 1, 2025 (Updated: Dec 1, 2025)

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The Easiest Way to Download and Install VLC Media Player on Windows 10


Hello tech enthusiasts! Darren O’Neal here from Darren’s Tech Tutorials.

If you’re struggling with a media player that refuses to play certain file types, or if you simply need an upgrade to the most reliable player on the planet, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re tackling the installation of a true digital powerhouse: VLC Media Player.

VLC (formerly the VideoLAN Client) is a legendary piece of software. It is completely free, open-source, and cross-platform—meaning it handles virtually any video or audio format you can throw at it.

This quick, step-by-step guide will walk you through downloading the official version and getting it installed on your Windows 10 system in minutes. Let’s dive in!


Phase 1: Downloading VLC Media Player

The most crucial step in any installation is making sure you download the software from the official, safe source. Avoid third-party download sites to ensure you get the clean, latest version.

Here’s how to find and download the installer:

  1. Open Your Browser: Launch your preferred web browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, etc.).
  2. Search for VLC: In the Google search bar, simply type “VLC” and hit Enter.
  3. Click the Official Site: Look for the official website, which is usually videolan.org. Click on this official link to avoid confusion.
  4. Initiate Download: Once on the VideoLAN site, locate and click the prominent “Download VLC” button.
  5. Wait for the Download: The download process should begin automatically shortly after clicking. Since the installer file is relatively small, this should only take a few seconds, depending on your internet speed.
  6. Locate the File: Once the download is complete, the installer file will appear in your browser’s download bar or be saved to your default “Downloads” folder.

Phase 2: Installing VLC on Windows 10

Now that we have the installer package, the installation process is straightforward, requiring just a few clicks through the setup wizard.

  1. Run the Installer: Click on the downloaded VLC installer file (it will likely be named something like vlc-x.x.x-win64.exe). If prompted by Windows User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to allow the program to make changes to your device.
  2. Select Language: A small setup window will appear. Choose your preferred language (the default is usually English) and click OK or Next.
  3. Welcome Screen: You will see the VLC Setup Welcome screen. Click Next to continue.
  4. Review License Agreement: Read through the general public license if you wish, then click Next.
  5. Choose Components (Default is Best): The setup will ask you what components you want to install. For most users, the default settings are perfectly fine and recommended. Click Next.
  6. Select Destination Folder (Optional): The setup will propose a location for the installation. Unless you have a specific reason to change this, leave the default path and click Install.
  7. Installation Progress: VLC will now quickly install the necessary files onto your system.
  8. Finish Setup: Once the progress bar is complete, the final screen will appear. Leave the box checked that says “Run VLC media player” and then click Finish.

Congratulations! VLC will now launch automatically, and you are ready to start enjoying its vast capabilities.


Wrapping Up and Ready to Play!

That’s all there is to it! You have successfully installed the VLC Media Player on your Windows 10 computer. You now have the power to play almost any video or audio file seamlessly, without worrying about annoying codec errors.

VLC is truly a game-changer for digital media consumption, and I hope you find it as useful as I do.

If you followed along and got VLC up and running smoothly, please let me know in the comments below! And if you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to like this post and subscribe to Darren’s Tech Tutorials for more clear, accessible technology guides.

Happy watching!