How to Fix VLC When it Crashes

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The VLC media player is capable of playing most media formats. This application has more settings and options than most programs of its kind. While the freedom of advanced options and customization is welcomed, the advanced configurations could lead to an accidental maladjustment in the program. If VLC is continually crashing, reset the program's configuration preferences.

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Reset Settings

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Step 1

Open VLC, then press the Ctrl and P keys simultaneously to open Preferences.

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Step 2

Click the "Reset Preferences" button at the bottom.

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Step 3

Click "OK" when the Reset Preferences confirmation appears.

Step 4

Close VLC, and then relaunch it.

Step 5

Click "Start." Type "%UserProfile%" into the search field, then press "Enter." This opens a new window.

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Step 6

Click "Tools," then "Folder Options." In the Folder Options box, click the "View" tab.

Step 7

Click the "Show Hidden Files" button, then select "Apply."

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Step 8

Close the "Folder Options" window, then open the "AppData" folder. Open the "Roaming" folder, then open the "VLC" folder.

Step 9

Right-click the "vlcrc" file and click "Delete." Click "Yes" to confirm. This deletes all modified configuration settings.

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Step 10

Launch VLC. If the problem persists, you must reinstall the program.

Reinstall

Step 1

Press the Windows and R keys.

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Step 2

Type "C:\Program Files (x86)\VideoLAN\VLC" into the "Run" field and press Enter. This opens the VLC program folder.

Step 3

Double-click "Uninstall." Click "Yes" on the UAC window. This starts the Uninstall wizard.

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Step 4

Follow the on-screen prompts in the wizard to remove VLC.

Step 5

Download a fresh copy from the official website and reinstall VLC.

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