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How to Quickly Fix a VLC Install that Keeps Crashing on Your Computer

  • VLC is a popular open-source media player known for its versatility and compatibility with various video formats.
  • However, users often encounter crashing issues with VLC, which can be frustrating and disrupt their media playback experience.
  • This article provides a comprehensive guide to troubleshooting and resolving VLC crashing problems on your computer.

Introduction

VLC Media Player is a free and open-source multimedia player that has gained immense popularity due to its ability to play a wide range of audio and video formats. Despite its robustness, users often encounter issues where VLC keeps crashing, preventing them from enjoying their media content seamlessly. These crashes can occur for various reasons, such as software conflicts, outdated versions, or corrupted files.

Fortunately, there are several effective methods to fix a VLC install that keeps crashing on your computer. In this article, we’ll explore these solutions in detail, helping you get your VLC Media Player up and running smoothly again.

Identify the Cause of VLC Crashing

Before attempting to fix the crashing issue, it’s essential to understand the potential causes. Here are some common reasons why VLC might keep crashing:

  1. Outdated VLC Version: Running an outdated version of VLC can lead to compatibility issues with your operating system or the media files you’re trying to play.
  2. Corrupted Installation: If the VLC installation process was interrupted or corrupted, it could result in missing or damaged files, causing the application to crash.
  3. Conflicting Software: Other software or applications running on your computer might conflict with VLC, leading to crashes.
  4. Hardware Acceleration Issues: VLC’s hardware acceleration feature can sometimes cause crashes, especially if your computer’s hardware is not fully compatible or up-to-date.
  5. Corrupted Media Files: If the media files you’re trying to play are corrupted or incomplete, VLC might crash while attempting to process them.

Solutions to Fix a VLC Install that Keeps Crashing

Now that you understand the potential causes, let’s dive into the solutions to fix a VLC install that keeps crashing on your computer.

1. Update VLC to the Latest Version

One of the easiest and most effective solutions is to update VLC to the latest version. Developers regularly release updates to address bugs, improve performance, and enhance compatibility with new operating systems and media formats.

To update VLC, follow these steps:

  1. Open VLC Media Player.
  2. Click on “Help” in the menu bar.
  3. Select “Check for Updates.”
  4. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the latest version.

After updating VLC, try playing your media files again. If the crashing issue persists, proceed to the next solution.

2. Disable Hardware Acceleration

Hardware acceleration is a feature that utilizes your computer’s graphics processing unit (GPU) to improve video playback performance. However, in some cases, it can cause conflicts and lead to VLC crashing.

To disable hardware acceleration, follow these steps:

  1. Open VLC Media Player.
  2. Click on “Tools” in the menu bar.
  3. Select “Preferences.”
  4. In the “Preferences” window, navigate to the “Input / Codecs” section.
  5. Locate the “Hardware-accelerated decoding” option and change it to “Disabled.”
  6. Click “Save” to apply the changes.

After disabling hardware acceleration, restart VLC and try playing your media files again. If the crashing issue is resolved, you can continue using VLC without hardware acceleration. However, if the problem persists, move on to the next solution.

3. Reinstall VLC Media Player

If updating VLC and disabling hardware acceleration don’t resolve the crashing issue, you may need to reinstall the application. This can help fix any corrupted or missing files that might be causing the crashes.

Before reinstalling VLC, it’s recommended to completely uninstall the existing version and remove any leftover files. Here’s how:

  1. Close VLC Media Player if it’s running.
  2. Press the “Windows” key + “R” to open the “Run” dialog box.
  3. Type “appwiz.cpl” and press “Enter” to open the “Programs and Features” window.
  4. Locate “VLC media player” in the list of installed programs.
  5. Right-click on it and select “Uninstall.”
  6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.
  7. Once the uninstallation is complete, download the latest version of VLC from the official website (https://www.videolan.org/vlc/).
  8. Run the installer and follow the prompts to install VLC on your computer.

After reinstalling VLC, try playing your media files again. If the crashing issue persists, proceed to the next solution.

4. Reset VLC Preferences

Sometimes, corrupted or misconfigured preferences can cause VLC to crash. Resetting the preferences to their default settings can help resolve this issue.

To reset VLC preferences, follow these steps:

  1. Close VLC Media Player if it’s running.
  2. Press the “Windows” key + “R” to open the “Run” dialog box.
  3. Type “%AppData%\vlc” and press “Enter” to open the VLC preferences folder.
  4. Delete all files and folders in this directory.
  5. Restart your computer.
  6. Open VLC Media Player.

After resetting the preferences, VLC will load with its default settings. Try playing your media files again to see if the crashing issue has been resolved.

5. Check for Corrupted Media Files

If none of the above solutions work, the issue might be with the media files themselves. Corrupted or incomplete files can cause VLC to crash during playback.

To check for corrupted media files, you can try playing the same files in another media player. If the files play without any issues, the problem is likely with VLC. In this case, you may need to consider using an alternative media player or repairing the corrupted files using a video repair tool.

FAQ

Why does VLC keep crashing on my computer?

VLC can crash for various reasons, including outdated versions, corrupted installations, conflicting software, hardware acceleration issues, or corrupted media files. Identifying the root cause is crucial to resolving the issue effectively.

How do I update VLC to the latest version?

To update VLC, open the application, click on “Help” in the menu bar, and select “Check for Updates.” Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the latest version.

What should I do if disabling hardware acceleration doesn’t fix the crashing issue?

If disabling hardware acceleration doesn’t resolve the crashing issue, try reinstalling VLC Media Player or resetting the preferences to their default settings.

How do I reset VLC preferences?

To reset VLC preferences, close the application, navigate to the “%AppData%\vlc” folder, delete all files and folders inside, and then restart your computer. VLC will load with its default settings.

Can corrupted media files cause VLC to crash?

Yes, corrupted or incomplete media files can cause VLC to crash during playback. If none of the solutions work, try playing the same files in another media player or consider using a video repair tool to fix the corrupted files.

By following the solutions outlined in this article, you should be able to resolve the issue of VLC crashing on your computer. Remember to always keep VLC updated to the latest version and ensure that your media files are not corrupted for a smooth playback experience.

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