As one of the most popular media players in the world, VLC has become an essential tool for many Windows 10 users. Whether you’re watching your favorite TV shows, listening to music, or streaming online content, VLC is always there to provide a seamless viewing experience. However, have you ever wondered where VLC is installed on your Windows 10 operating system? If you’re struggling to find the answer, don’t worry – you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of locating VLC on Windows 10 and provide valuable insights into its installation process.
The Mystery of VLC’s Installation Location
When you install VLC on your Windows 10 computer, it doesn’t always follow the conventional installation path. Unlike other software, VLC doesn’t create a dedicated folder in the “Program Files” or “Program Files (x86)” directory. Instead, it takes a more unconventional approach, which can leave users scratching their heads.
Understanding the Different Installation Scenarios
Before we dive into the specifics of VLC’s installation location, it’s essential to understand the different installation scenarios that can occur on Windows 10. Here are two common scenarios:
Scenario 1: Default Installation
When you download VLC from the official website and run the installer, it will prompt you to choose the installation location. By default, VLC is installed in the “C:\Program Files\VideoLAN\VLC” directory. However, this is not always the case, especially if you’ve installed VLC through the Microsoft Store.
Scenario 2: Microsoft Store Installation
If you’ve installed VLC through the Microsoft Store, the installation process is handled differently. In this scenario, VLC is installed in the “C:\Users\
Locating VLC on Windows 10
Now that we’ve covered the different installation scenarios, it’s time to find out where VLC is installed on your Windows 10 computer. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you locate VLC:
Method 1: Search for VLC in the Start Menu
The easiest way to find VLC is by searching for it in the Start menu. Follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + S to open the Search bar.
- Type “VLC” in the Search bar and press Enter.
- In the search results, click on the “VLC media player” icon to open the application.
- Once VLC is open, click on the “Help” menu and select “About VLC media player” from the dropdown menu.
- In the About window, you’ll see the installation path listed under “Path:”
Method 2: Check the File Explorer
If you’re unable to find VLC through the Start menu, you can try checking the File Explorer. Here’s how:
- Press the Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
- Navigate to the “This PC” or “Computer” section.
- Click on the “C:” drive (or the drive where you installed VLC).
- Look for the “Program Files” or “Program Files (x86)” folder.
- If you find VLC in one of these folders, click on it to open the application.
Method 3: Check the Microsoft Store
If you installed VLC through the Microsoft Store, you can follow these steps to find it:
- Open the Microsoft Store app on your Windows 10 computer.
- Click on the three horizontal lines in the top-left corner to open the menu.
- Click on “My Library” from the menu.
- Find VLC in the list of installed apps and click on it.
- Click on the “More” button (three horizontal dots) and select “App settings” from the dropdown menu.
- In the App settings window, you’ll see the installation path listed.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
In some cases, you might encounter issues while trying to locate VLC on your Windows 10 computer. Here are some common issues and troubleshooting steps:
Issue 1: VLC Not Showing in the Start Menu
If VLC is not showing up in the Start menu, try reinstalling the application or checking the installation path manually.
Issue 2: VLC Not Installed in the Expected Location
If VLC is not installed in the expected location (e.g., “C:\Program Files\VideoLAN\VLC”), try checking the Microsoft Store installation path or searching for the application in the File Explorer.
Issue 3: VLC Not Working After Installation
If VLC is not working after installation, try uninstalling and reinstalling the application, or checking for updates in the Microsoft Store.
Conclusion
Locating VLC on Windows 10 might seem like a daunting task, but with the right guidance, it’s a breeze. By understanding the different installation scenarios and using the methods outlined in this article, you should be able to find VLC on your Windows 10 computer. Remember to check the Start menu, File Explorer, and Microsoft Store if you’re having trouble finding VLC. Happy streaming!
Where is VLC located on Windows 10?
VLC media player is typically installed in the “C:\Program Files\VideoLAN\VLC” directory on Windows 10. However, the exact location may vary depending on the installation method and the version of Windows 10 you are using. If you are unable to find VLC in the default location, you can try searching for it in the “C:\Program Files (x86)\VideoLAN\VLC” directory or check the installation directory specified during the installation process.
Additionally, you can also use the Windows search function to find VLC. Simply press the Windows key + S to open the search bar, type “VLC” and press Enter. This should bring up the VLC media player icon, which you can click to open the application.
Why can’t I find VLC on my Windows 10 computer?
If you are unable to find VLC on your Windows 10 computer, it’s possible that the application was not installed correctly or was uninstalled accidentally. Try reinstalling VLC media player from the official VideoLAN website to see if that resolves the issue. Make sure to follow the installation instructions carefully and choose the correct installation directory.
Alternatively, it’s also possible that VLC was installed in a different location on your computer. Try checking the “Program Files” or “Program Files (x86)” directories to see if VLC was installed in a different location. You can also try searching for VLC using the Windows search function to see if it brings up the application.
How do I install VLC on Windows 10?
To install VLC on Windows 10, simply download the installation file from the official VideoLAN website and follow the installation instructions. Make sure to choose the correct version of VLC (32-bit or 64-bit) that matches your Windows 10 architecture. Once the download is complete, run the installation file and follow the prompts to install VLC.
During the installation process, you will be asked to choose the installation directory and whether to associate VLC with certain file types. Choose the installation directory carefully, as this will determine where VLC is installed on your computer. You can also choose to install additional plugins or features, such as the VLC browser plugin or skin editor.
Can I move VLC to a different location on my Windows 10 computer?
Yes, you can move VLC to a different location on your Windows 10 computer. However, be careful when doing so, as this may affect the functionality of the application. Make sure to move the entire “VLC” folder, including all subfolders and files, to the new location. You may need to update the system environment variables and registry entries to reflect the new location.
Additionally, you may need to reinstall VLC or update the shortcuts and associations to point to the new location. It’s also important to note that moving VLC may affect any plugins or third-party applications that rely on VLC being installed in the default location.
What is the default installation directory for VLC on Windows 10?
The default installation directory for VLC on Windows 10 is typically “C:\Program Files\VideoLAN\VLC” for 64-bit systems and “C:\Program Files (x86)\VideoLAN\VLC” for 32-bit systems. However, this can vary depending on the version of Windows 10 and the installation method used.
It’s worth noting that the installation directory may be different if you installed VLC using a third-party installer or package manager. In this case, you may need to check the installation directory specified by the package manager or installer.
How do I uninstall VLC on Windows 10?
To uninstall VLC on Windows 10, go to the “Control Panel” and click on “Uninstall a program” under the “Programs” section. Find VLC media player in the list of installed programs and click on it. Then, click the “Uninstall” button to remove VLC from your computer.
Alternatively, you can also use the “Add or remove programs” option in the “Settings” app to uninstall VLC. Simply search for “VLC” in the list of installed programs, click on it, and then click the “Uninstall” button. Make sure to follow the uninstallation prompts carefully to ensure that VLC is removed completely from your computer.
What happens if I delete the VLC folder?
If you delete the VLC folder, you will remove the application and all its associated files and settings from your computer. This will effectively uninstall VLC, but it’s not recommended to do so, as it may not remove all the registry entries and system files associated with VLC.
Instead, it’s recommended to use the official uninstallation method, such as using the “Control Panel” or “Settings” app, to ensure that VLC is removed completely and cleanly from your computer. Deleting the VLC folder may also cause issues with other applications that rely on VLC or its plugins, so it’s best to avoid doing so.