The VideoLAN Forums

Hello, I like VLC. There is one proble which is a tie breaker. When I go to file explore to look at files I want to see the type of file (mp3, flac, mp4 etc). What I see is VLC MEDIA TYPE. How to I remove this and return to just the simple file type display. Why would someone even change the name of the file type? To make searching files and working with files more difficult? To help me spend more time by hiding the fle type, maybe just to annoy a user, to wear out the name 'vlc' or maybe the programmers didn't know that it was not necessary change the world would still turn or maybe the believe was spiritual and that there is some power to ward of evil by hiding the real name and type. I am sure that there must be a curse to any one who does not change .mp4 to vlc media file? How many reasons can you come up with for them doing this to the file name. it is a mystery and annoying to me. If it requires more than a few key strokes there are some really nice players out there for free.
Anybody know how to stop this?
Thanks, T

When I go to file explore to look at files I want to see the type of file (mp3, flac, mp4 etc). What I see is VLC MEDIA TYPE.

Yep. I know what you are talking about. It's more frustrating than just not seeing the file type. Windows will not group the file types properly.
Here is a screen shot of what I'm trying to say.

This seems to affect both versions of VLC 3.0.0 (x86/x64) when installing on Windows x64.
I do hope this gets addressed.

Well, I'm not sure when this will be addressed and could not wait as I use group by file type dozens of times a day.
I created a Windows REG file for those who need this too.
https://pastebin.com/5kLtvLpR
This REG file will work for VLC 3.0.0 (x86 & x64). I make no guarantee this will work with earlier versions. After you import the entries(and restart computer) you will see the updated file type extension names. Here is a picture of the new names.


I hope this issue will be address in the updated versions to come.

Same problem here, Windows 7 64 bit.
Pre VLC 3 versions was showing types like on NewPlaza's screenshot.

Thanks for your REG solution. I modified it a little bit:
Removed: VLC.Bluray, VLC.CDAudio, VLC.DVDMovie, VLC.SVCDMovie, VLC.VCDMovie
Changed: VLC.thp
https://pastebin.com/9vLjXkDi

I'm glad it helped you.
Yeah, I wasn't sure about a few file types (ISO, ZIP) cause in all honesty, they are not media file types but I was like who cares. You won't even see the change if that particular filetype isn't already associated with VLC so, no harm done..

Good catch on VLC.thp. Thanks.

Still.. I hope this gets fixed.

I see v3.0.1 is out but didn't see anything in the release notes that address this issue.
I'm wondering if this is even looked at as a possible bug, or at the very least, an oversight. You can clearly see the issue from my first screenshot above.
Windows will not group file types properly making it frustratingly hard to select files based on their type.

I'm also having the same problem with VLC 3.0.2 in Windows 10 x64
The .reg file solved my issue. It is really frustrating to select different file types on single group of VLC media file. I hope on the next release this issue will be fixed.

Hi,

Can you tell me how I can download and install the .reg file correctly from the Pastebin website to correct this issue?

Thanks

Greg

Can you tell me how I can download and install the .reg file correctly from the Pastebin website to correct this issue?

On Pastebin, just above the file content are few buttons, click on "download" with right mouse button and "save as". In new window, delete ".txt" at the end of file name, and make sure it ends just with ".reg". Save it, then just double click and agree on everything (just with files linked here, as they are safe).

For anyone who just wants it to be displayed how Windows displays everything (e.g. MKV File, MP4 File, etc.) you can use this pastebin: https://pastebin.com/MScwCmns

I absolutely hate it showing (VLC) in the file type. I also don't need it to specify video, audio, etc.

Exact words I was searching for in case someone else tries to find this thread/solution: "file explorer hide (VLC)"

Edit: Guess I can't link external URLs. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯