How to Stop VLC from Resizing Repeatedly: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you tired of VLC Media Player constantly resizing itself every time you play a video? This issue can be frustrating, especially if you have a specific viewing setup in mind. In this article, we will explore the possible reasons behind this problem and provide you with step-by-step solutions to stop VLC from resizing repeatedly.

Understanding the Issue

Before we dive into the solutions, it’s essential to understand why VLC might be resizing itself in the first place. Here are a few possible reasons:

Default Settings

VLC has a default setting that allows it to adjust its window size based on the video’s aspect ratio. This feature is designed to provide an optimal viewing experience, but it can sometimes cause the player to resize repeatedly.

Video Resolution

If the video resolution is not set correctly, VLC might resize itself to accommodate the video’s dimensions. This can happen if the video is not in the correct aspect ratio or if the resolution is not set to match the player’s settings.

System Settings

In some cases, system settings can cause VLC to resize itself. For example, if the system’s display settings are set to a different resolution or aspect ratio than the video, VLC might resize itself to match the system settings.

Solutions to Stop VLC from Resizing Repeatedly

Now that we’ve explored the possible reasons behind the issue, let’s move on to the solutions. Here are a few methods you can try to stop VLC from resizing repeatedly:

Method 1: Disable the “Resize Interface to Video Size” Option

One of the simplest ways to stop VLC from resizing itself is to disable the “Resize Interface to Video Size” option. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Open VLC Media Player and go to Tools > Preferences.
  2. In the Preferences window, click on the “Interface” tab.
  3. Scroll down to the “Window” section and uncheck the box next to “Resize interface to video size.”
  4. Click “Save” to apply the changes.

Method 2: Set the Video Resolution Correctly

If the video resolution is not set correctly, VLC might resize itself to accommodate the video’s dimensions. Here’s how to set the video resolution correctly:

  1. Open VLC Media Player and go to Tools > Preferences.
  2. In the Preferences window, click on the “Video” tab.
  3. Scroll down to the “Video Settings” section and select the correct video resolution from the dropdown menu.
  4. Click “Save” to apply the changes.

Method 3: Adjust the System Display Settings

In some cases, system display settings can cause VLC to resize itself. Here’s how to adjust the system display settings:

  1. Right-click on the desktop and select “Display settings.”
  2. In the Display settings window, click on the “Display” tab.
  3. Adjust the display resolution and aspect ratio to match the video’s settings.
  4. Click “Apply” to apply the changes.

Method 4: Use the “Scale” Option

VLC has a “Scale” option that allows you to adjust the player’s size without resizing the video. Here’s how to use the “Scale” option:

  1. Open VLC Media Player and go to Tools > Preferences.
  2. In the Preferences window, click on the “Video” tab.
  3. Scroll down to the “Video Settings” section and select the “Scale” option from the dropdown menu.
  4. Adjust the scale to your desired size and click “Save” to apply the changes.

Advanced Solutions

If the above methods don’t work, you can try the following advanced solutions:

Method 5: Edit the VLC Configuration File

VLC has a configuration file that stores its settings. You can edit this file to stop VLC from resizing itself. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Open the VLC configuration file using a text editor. The file is usually located in the “C:\Users\\AppData\Roaming\vlc” directory.
  2. Look for the “resize” option and set it to “0.”
  3. Save the changes and restart VLC.

Method 6: Use a Third-Party Plugin

There are several third-party plugins available that can help you stop VLC from resizing itself. Here’s how to use a third-party plugin:

  1. Download and install a third-party plugin that allows you to control VLC’s window size.
  2. Configure the plugin according to your needs.
  3. Restart VLC to apply the changes.

Conclusion

Stopping VLC from resizing repeatedly can be a challenging task, but with the right solutions, you can achieve your desired viewing setup. By following the methods outlined in this article, you can stop VLC from resizing itself and enjoy a seamless viewing experience. Remember to always adjust the settings according to your needs and experiment with different methods until you find the one that works best for you.

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips to help you get the most out of VLC Media Player:

  • Always update VLC to the latest version to ensure you have the latest features and bug fixes.
  • Experiment with different video settings to find the optimal viewing experience for your needs.
  • Use the “Snapshot” feature to take screenshots of your favorite videos.
  • Use the “Record” feature to record your favorite videos.

By following these tips and using the solutions outlined in this article, you can take your VLC viewing experience to the next level.

Why does VLC keep resizing repeatedly?

VLC may keep resizing repeatedly due to various reasons such as incorrect video settings, outdated software, or incompatible hardware. One common cause is the ‘autoscale’ feature, which can be enabled accidentally, causing the video to resize continuously. Additionally, if the video file is corrupted or encoded incorrectly, it may cause VLC to resize the video repeatedly.

Another possible reason is the ‘resize interface to video size’ option, which can be enabled in the VLC settings. This option can cause the VLC window to resize automatically to fit the video size. However, if the video size is not consistent, it can cause the VLC window to resize repeatedly. To resolve this issue, users can try disabling the ‘autoscale’ feature or the ‘resize interface to video size’ option in the VLC settings.

How do I stop VLC from resizing repeatedly?

To stop VLC from resizing repeatedly, users can try disabling the ‘autoscale’ feature or the ‘resize interface to video size’ option in the VLC settings. To do this, go to ‘Tools’ > ‘Preferences’ > ‘Video’ and uncheck the ‘autoscale’ option. Alternatively, go to ‘Tools’ > ‘Preferences’ > ‘Interface’ and uncheck the ‘resize interface to video size’ option. Users can also try resetting the VLC settings to their default values by going to ‘Tools’ > ‘Preferences’ > ‘Reset preferences’.

Additionally, users can try updating VLC to the latest version, as newer versions may have fixed bugs that caused the resizing issue. Users can also try reinstalling VLC or seeking help from the VLC community forums if the issue persists. It’s also recommended to check the video file for any corruption or encoding issues, as this can also cause the resizing problem.

What are the steps to reset VLC settings to default?

To reset VLC settings to default, go to ‘Tools’ > ‘Preferences’ > ‘Reset preferences’. This will reset all VLC settings to their default values, including the video and interface settings. Alternatively, users can also delete the VLC configuration file, which is usually located in the ‘Application Data’ or ‘AppData’ folder. Deleting this file will also reset VLC settings to their default values.

However, resetting VLC settings to default will also remove any custom settings or preferences that users may have set. Therefore, users should be cautious when resetting VLC settings and should only do so if they are experiencing issues that cannot be resolved by other means. It’s also recommended to backup VLC settings before resetting them, in case users need to restore their custom settings later.

How do I update VLC to the latest version?

To update VLC to the latest version, go to the official VLC website and download the latest version of VLC. Users can also check for updates within VLC by going to ‘Help’ > ‘Check for updates’. If an update is available, VLC will prompt users to download and install the latest version.

Alternatively, users can also use a software updater tool to update VLC to the latest version. These tools can automatically detect and update outdated software, including VLC. However, users should be cautious when using third-party software updater tools and should only use reputable and trustworthy tools to avoid any potential security risks.

What are the common video settings that can cause VLC to resize repeatedly?

Some common video settings that can cause VLC to resize repeatedly include the ‘autoscale’ feature, the ‘resize interface to video size’ option, and the ‘scale’ option. The ‘autoscale’ feature can cause VLC to resize the video automatically to fit the window size, while the ‘resize interface to video size’ option can cause the VLC window to resize automatically to fit the video size.

The ‘scale’ option can also cause VLC to resize the video repeatedly if it is set to a value that is not compatible with the video size. Additionally, if the video file is encoded with a variable aspect ratio, it can cause VLC to resize the video repeatedly. Users can try adjusting these video settings to resolve the resizing issue.

Can I prevent VLC from resizing repeatedly by adjusting the video file?

Yes, users can try adjusting the video file to prevent VLC from resizing repeatedly. One way to do this is to re-encode the video file with a consistent aspect ratio. This can be done using video editing software such as Handbrake or FFmpeg.

Additionally, users can try removing any variable aspect ratio metadata from the video file, as this can cause VLC to resize the video repeatedly. Users can also try converting the video file to a different format, such as MP4 or AVI, which may be more compatible with VLC. However, adjusting the video file may not always resolve the resizing issue, and users may need to try other solutions as well.

What are the potential risks of resetting VLC settings to default?

Resetting VLC settings to default can potentially remove any custom settings or preferences that users may have set. This can include settings such as video and audio preferences, subtitle settings, and interface settings. Additionally, resetting VLC settings to default can also remove any plugins or extensions that users may have installed.

Furthermore, resetting VLC settings to default can also potentially cause issues with video playback, especially if users have customized their settings to work with specific video files or hardware. Therefore, users should be cautious when resetting VLC settings to default and should only do so if they are experiencing issues that cannot be resolved by other means. It’s also recommended to backup VLC settings before resetting them, in case users need to restore their custom settings later.

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