I’ve told you about VLC Media Player before. But this amazing, free program is certainly worth mentioning again. In fact, it deserves a good shoutout from the rooftops.
It offers the ability to play almost any kind of video file including DVDs on Windows computers that no longer come with a built-in DVD playing program. And yes, it plays Blu-Ray!
Not only that, but it’s available for Windows, Mac, and Linux devices as well as Android and iOS. It even works with Xbox One. If you have a Chromecast device, you can stream video to your TV.
It is completely free. No spyware. No ads. No user tracking.
You get 4K and 8K playback, the ability to play 360 degree videos, and it supports 3D sound and HDR video.
In addition to playing CDs, DVDs, and Blu-Ray, let’s check out the other files it will play:
Video: MPEG-1/2, DivX® (1/2/3/4/5/6), MPEG-4 ASP, XviD, 3ivX D4, H.261, H.263 / H.263i, H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC, Cinepak, Theora, Dirac / VC-2, MJPEG (A/B), WMV 1/2, WMV 3 / WMV-9 / VC-1, Sorenson 1/3, DV, On2 VP3/VP5/VP6, Indeo Video v3 (IV32), Real Video (1/2/3/4).
Audio: MPEG-1/2, DivX® (1/2/3/4/5/6), MPEG-4 ASP, XviD, 3ivX D4, H.261, H.263 / H.263i, H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC, Cinepak, Theora, Dirac / VC-2, MJPEG (A/B), WMV 1/2, WMV 3 / WMV-9 / VC-1, Sorenson 1/3, DV, On2 VP3/VP5/VP6, Indeo Video v3 (IV32), Real Video (1/2/3/4).
DVDs: DVD, Text files (MicroDVD, SubRIP, SubViewer, SSA1-5, SAMI, VPlayer), Closed captions, Vobsub, Universal Subtitle Format (USF), SVCD / CVD, DVB, OGM, CMML, Kate.ID3 tags, APEv2, Vorbis comment.
To download, click here. You’ll be asked if you’d like to make a donation, but it’s voluntary. After you use it and see how great it is, go back and give them a little. They certainly deserve it for this program.
Then run the program from your Downloads folder. You’ll need to give it permission to install.
Follow the instructions of the Installation Wizard.
VLC is now ready to go! There are no ads, spyware, or tracking software in VLC.
It’s pretty straightforward and easy to use. You’ll find a pretty extensive support section by clicking here.