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How To Run and Use VLC Media Player on a Chromebook Device

As an IT professional with over 10 years of experience working with various operating systems and devices, I often get asked how to run certain Windows or Mac programs on Chromebooks. One common request is how to install VLC media player, which is a popular open-source program for playing videos and music files.

The good news is that while Chromebooks run Chrome OS, which is based on Linux, you can install and run VLC media player with a few simple steps. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get VLC working on your Chromebook.

Enable Linux Support on Your Chromebook

The first step is enabling Linux support on your Chromebook. Here’s how:

  1. Go to your Chromebook settings
  2. Click on the “Linux” option in the left menu
  3. Turn on the “Linux (Beta)” feature

This will install a Linux virtual machine on your Chrome OS and allow you to install Linux apps.

Open the Linux Terminal

Once Linux is enabled, you need to access the Linux terminal to install VLC.

To open the terminal:

  • Click on the Linux Beta app icon in your apps menu or shelf
  • This will open a terminal window

The terminal is where you’ll enter the commands to install VLC media player.

Install VLC Media Player

Now you’re ready to install VLC.

In the Linux terminal, type the following command and hit enter:

sudo apt install vlc
  • This will install the latest VLC media player package on your Chromebook
  • You’ll need to type your Chromebook password when prompted
  • The installation process will take a few minutes to complete

Once it finishes, VLC is installed and ready to use!

Launch and Use VLC on Chromebook

To open VLC media player on your Chromebook:

  • Open the Linux apps menu and select “VLC media player”

OR

  • Type vlc in the Linux terminal and hit enter

When you first launch VLC, it will look very similar to the Windows and Mac versions you may be used to. Here are some tips for using its main features:

Play Media Files

  • Click Media > Open File (or press Ctrl+O) to open video, audio, and other media files stored on your Chromebook
  • Navigate to the file location and open the file to play it

Adjust Audio and Video Settings

  • Use the playback tools below the video window to adjust volume, brightness, etc.
  • Click Tools > Preferences (or press Ctrl+P) to access the full settings menu
  • You can tweak various audio, video, input, and output options here

Change Subtitles and Languages

  • Click on the Subtitles menu while playing a video to enable subtitles
  • Check the audio menu to change languages if available
  • Use the Tools > Track Synchronization option to fine tune timing

Keyboard Shortcuts

  • Spacebar to play/pause
  • Arrow keys to seek forward/backward
  • F for fullscreen
  • Esc to exit fullscreen
  • Plus and Minus to adjust volume
  • M to mute/unmute

And many more shortcuts available via the View menu

Customize Interface and Functions

As an open-source cross-platform app, one of the best things about VLC is its flexibility and customization options.

  • Use the View menu to show/hide certain UI elements
  • Assign hotkeys for your favorite functions
  • Change skins and themes by going to Tools > Preferences > Interface

Take some time to dive into the settings and tailor VLC’s look/feel to your preferences.

Tips for Running VLC Smoothly on a Chromebook

While the Linux virtual machine allows you to install VLC player, keep in mind that Chromebooks have modest hardware specs compared to Windows laptops.

Here are some tips for the best experience:

  • Close other apps/tabs – Especially if you have lots of Chrome tabs open, as this eats up RAM
  • Use a video player extension – For lighter video watching, try installing a Chrome extension like Video Player for Google Chrome instead
  • Lower resource usage in app settings – Disable unnecessary modules and lower caches for smoother playback
  • Update graphics drivers – Make sure Linux graphics drivers are up to date
  • Use lighter skin interfaces – Resource-intensive VLC skins can slow things down

With some small adjustments to balance resource usage, you can run VLC smoothly for music and video playback on Chrome OS.

Uninstalling VLC from Your Chromebook

If you decide you no longer need or want VLC on your Chromebook, uninstalling it is simple:

  1. Open the Linux terminal window
  2. Type the following command:
sudo apt remove vlc
  1. Confirm that you want to remove VLC when prompted

This will completely uninstall and remove VLC media player and all its components from your Chromebook.

Closing Thoughts on Running Desktop Apps on Chromebooks

Getting VLC media player running on Chrome OS is just one example of the added functionality and flexibility that Linux support brings. It essentially turns Chromebooks into mini Linux laptops.

While Linux apps may have some limitations compared to running natively in Windows or MacOS, the ability to install a wide range of handy software like VLC makes Chromebooks much more versatile machines.

As Chromebooks continue to embrace Linux and add features, the possibilities of what you can do with Chrome OS will only expand. So don’t be afraid to experiment with installing your favorite Linux apps!

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