The VideoLAN Forums

How do I make VLC my default player in W8.1? In the default programs menu VLC is not listed so I cannot select it. I get WMP popping up instead, and as often as not it cannot play the video I am trying to look at. I understand VLC is widely considered to be the best media but suggestions re alternatives would also be welcome. I dont need anything other than a fairly basic player.

clayto

Install with the .exe installer.

I too want to know how I make VLC the default in Windows 8.1. I do not understand the answer 'Install with the .exe installer' ---- How?? can you give a bit more detail and comment on the fact that I have VLC Portable, installed on a SD Card, not on the HDD. Does that affect your answer? Also I need some explanation why I get messages saying 'no media player can be found' when I have WMP as the default on the HDD and VLC also on the Memory Card?

You cannot do that with VLC portable.

Sorry, what do you mean by 'that' ----- do you mean you cannot make Portable VLC the default? I also have Windows Store VLC ---- can that be the default?

I also have Windows Store VLC ---- can that be the default?

Use Default Programs to set it

=> below comes straight from microsoft
To change the default music or video player

Open Computer by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, and then clicking Computer.

Open the folder containing the music or video file type you want to change.

Right-click the file, point to Open with, and then click Choose default program.

Click the program that you want to use to open this type of file.

Select the Always use the selected program to open this kind of file check box, and then click OK.

If that's not entirely what you want then read this... If VLC is already present on your machine it should show up there too

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/wind ... ult-player