How to Change Your Default Media Player in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide
Personalise Your Media Experience: Set a New Default Player on Windows 11
Changing your default media player in Windows 11 isn’t complicated, but it can really make your media handling a lot smoother. No more having to pick an app every time you open a video or music file. Ever double-click an .mp3 and it opens in some outdated player? Not ideal. Setting your favourite player means everything just works seamlessly. Here’s how to get it sorted.
Getting Into the Settings
First up, you need to access the right menu. It’s pretty important. You can open Windows Settings either via the Start menu (click that gear icon) or by pressing Windows key + I. That shortcut is like a VIP pass to all the settings, super handy.
Apps Settings
Once you’re in, click on Apps in the sidebar. This is basically your control centre for all installed programs. Then select Default Apps. Or, if you’re feeling lazy, just type “Default Apps” into the search bar at the top and save a few clicks.
Setting Up Your Defaults
Inside Default Apps, you can assign specific applications to handle different types of media files—like audio and video. Look for things like .mp3 and .mp4 on the list. When you click on the current app listed next to each media type, you’ll get the option to pick your preferred player. Making this switch helps keep your workflow smooth, especially if you tend to switch between media players. It’s all about keeping things hassle-free.
Finding Media File Types
Scroll down a bit to find the media formats you want to change, such as .mp4, .avi, or .mkv. Each has a default app shown beside it. Can’t see your fav media player? No worries—try reinstalling it or restart your PC after installation. Sometimes Windows just isn’t sure the app exists until you do a quick reboot.
Choosing Your Player
Click on the current default app next to a media file type, then select your preferred player from the dropdown. For example, choose VLC Media Player for videos or your favourite music app for tunes. Once selected, that file type will automatically open with your chosen program. No more accidentally launching that clunky, out-of-date app you never liked. It’s a real time-saver, honestly.
Pro Tips
Before you set a media player as default, make sure it’s up to date and properly installed. Head to the app’s website or your app store to check for updates. Updates often fix compatibility issues and boost performance. If you prefer to use different apps for audio and video, that’s easily doable—just set each one separately. For example, go with Foobar2000 for music and VLC for videos.
And if you decide to revert to the original defaults, just head back into the same menu and select the default options again. There’s even a reset button to restore Microsoft’s recommended settings if needed.
Common Questions Answered
Can I assign different media players for different file types?
Absolutely! Windows 11 allows you to specify different apps for various formats. You might have VLC Media Player for videos and Windows Media Player or another for music. Full flexibility.
What if my media player isn’t showing up in the list?
First, double-check that it’s installed properly. If it’s installed but not appearing, a quick restart can often do the trick and get Windows to recognise it. Also, you can set defaults manually by right-clicking a media file, choosing Open with, and ticking Always use this app to open .xxx files.
Does changing the defaults affect previously opened files?
Nope. Changing your defaults only affects new files opened after the change. Existing files won’t switch automatically—they’ll still open with the app they were originally associated with.
Can I revert to the original default settings?
Yes, simply go back into Default Apps and select the default options again. There’s even a reset button to restore Microsoft’s recommended defaults if you want to start fresh.
Am I free to change my defaults as often as I like?
Absolutely! Feel free to tweak your default apps whenever you wish. Experiment until you find what works best for you.
Final Thoughts
Customising your media playback options on Windows 11 is straightforward and really enhances your experience. Whether you’re after a simple player or something with all the bells and whistles, setting defaults helps you get the most out of your media and keeps everything running smoothly. Dive into the settings, have a fiddle, and make your Windows setup truly yours.
Here’s a quick checklist to keep in mind:
- Open Settings with Windows key + I
- Click on Apps
- Select Default Apps
- Scroll to your file type and set your preferred app
Hopefully, this makes things easier and saves you some hassle — worked for me across multiple PCs.