VLC Media Player is one of the most widely used media players globally, known for its versatility and ability to play a wide range of file formats. However, some users have reported experiencing issues with VLC quitting unexpectedly, which can be frustrating, especially when in the middle of watching a movie or listening to music. In this article, we will explore the possible reasons why VLC keeps quitting and provide troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue.
Common Causes of VLC Quitting Unexpectedly
Before we dive into the troubleshooting steps, it’s essential to understand the common causes of VLC quitting unexpectedly. Some of the possible reasons include:
Corrupted Files or Settings
Corrupted files or settings can cause VLC to malfunction and quit unexpectedly. This can happen due to various reasons such as a sudden power outage, virus infection, or incorrect installation.
Outdated Version
Using an outdated version of VLC can lead to compatibility issues and cause the player to quit unexpectedly. It’s essential to keep VLC updated to the latest version to ensure smooth performance.
Conflicting Programs
Conflicting programs can cause VLC to quit unexpectedly. This can happen when two or more programs are trying to access the same system resources, leading to a conflict.
Hardware Issues
Hardware issues such as a faulty graphics card, outdated drivers, or insufficient RAM can cause VLC to quit unexpectedly.
Malware Infection
Malware infection can cause VLC to malfunction and quit unexpectedly. It’s essential to run regular virus scans to ensure your system is free from malware.
Troubleshooting Steps to Resolve VLC Quitting Issue
Now that we have identified the common causes of VLC quitting unexpectedly, let’s move on to the troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue.
Step 1: Update VLC to the Latest Version
The first step is to ensure that VLC is updated to the latest version. To do this:
- Open VLC and click on “Help” > “Check for Updates”
- If an update is available, click on “Download” to download the latest version
- Once the download is complete, click on “Install” to install the update
Step 2: Reset VLC Settings to Default
Resetting VLC settings to default can resolve issues caused by corrupted files or settings. To do this:
- Open VLC and click on “Tools” > “Preferences”
- Click on the “Reset Preferences” button at the bottom of the window
- Confirm that you want to reset the preferences to default
Step 3: Disable Conflicting Programs
Disabling conflicting programs can resolve issues caused by program conflicts. To do this:
- Press the “Ctrl + Shift + Esc” keys to open the Task Manager
- Look for programs that may be conflicting with VLC, such as other media players or system utilities
- Right-click on the program and select “End Task” to disable it
Step 4: Update Graphics Drivers
Updating graphics drivers can resolve issues caused by outdated drivers. To do this:
- Press the “Windows + X” keys and select “Device Manager”
- Expand the “Display Adapters” section and right-click on the graphics driver
- Select “Update Driver” to update the driver to the latest version
Step 5: Run a Virus Scan
Running a virus scan can resolve issues caused by malware infection. To do this:
- Open your antivirus software and select the “Scan” option
- Choose the type of scan you want to run, such as a quick scan or full scan
- Wait for the scan to complete and follow the prompts to remove any detected malware
Step 6: Reinstall VLC
Reinstalling VLC can resolve issues caused by corrupted files or settings. To do this:
- Uninstall VLC from the “Control Panel” or “Settings” app
- Download the latest version of VLC from the official website
- Install VLC and follow the prompts to complete the installation
Advanced Troubleshooting Steps
If the above steps do not resolve the issue, you can try the following advanced troubleshooting steps:
Step 1: Check for Corrupted System Files
Corrupted system files can cause VLC to quit unexpectedly. To check for corrupted system files:
- Press the “Windows + X” keys and select “Command Prompt (Admin)”
- Type the command “sfc /scannow” and press Enter
- Wait for the scan to complete and follow the prompts to repair any corrupted files
Step 2: Check for Driver Updates
Outdated drivers can cause VLC to quit unexpectedly. To check for driver updates:
- Press the “Windows + X” keys and select “Device Manager”
- Expand the “Sound, Video and Game Controllers” section and right-click on the audio driver
- Select “Update Driver” to update the driver to the latest version
Step 3: Check for Firmware Updates
Outdated firmware can cause VLC to quit unexpectedly. To check for firmware updates:
- Check the manufacturer’s website for firmware updates for your device
- Follow the instructions to update the firmware to the latest version
Conclusion
VLC quitting unexpectedly can be frustrating, but by following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you can resolve the issue and enjoy smooth playback. Remember to keep VLC updated to the latest version, reset settings to default, disable conflicting programs, update graphics drivers, run a virus scan, and reinstall VLC if necessary. If the issue persists, try the advanced troubleshooting steps to check for corrupted system files, driver updates, and firmware updates.
Why does VLC keep quitting on my computer?
VLC may keep quitting on your computer due to various reasons such as corrupted files, outdated software, or conflicts with other programs. It’s also possible that the media player is experiencing issues with the operating system or hardware. To resolve this issue, try updating VLC to the latest version, as newer versions often include bug fixes and performance improvements. Additionally, check for any corrupted files or settings that may be causing the problem.
If updating VLC doesn’t work, try resetting the application’s settings to their default values. You can do this by going to the ‘Tools’ menu, selecting ‘Preferences,’ and clicking on the ‘Reset Preferences’ button. If the issue persists, you may want to consider reinstalling VLC or seeking further assistance from the VLC support community.
How do I update VLC to the latest version?
Updating VLC to the latest version is a straightforward process. First, open VLC and go to the ‘Help’ menu. From there, select ‘Check for Updates.’ If an update is available, VLC will prompt you to download and install it. Alternatively, you can visit the official VLC website and download the latest version manually. Make sure to download the correct version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
Once you’ve downloaded the update, follow the installation instructions to install the new version. Make sure to restart VLC after the update is complete to ensure that the changes take effect. Updating VLC regularly can help resolve issues and improve the overall performance of the media player.
What are some common causes of VLC crashes?
VLC crashes can be caused by a variety of factors, including corrupted files, hardware issues, or conflicts with other programs. In some cases, VLC may crash due to a problem with the media file itself, such as a corrupted or incomplete download. Other common causes of VLC crashes include outdated graphics drivers, insufficient system resources, or a malfunctioning sound card.
To troubleshoot VLC crashes, try playing a different media file to see if the issue is specific to one file or a more general problem. You can also try disabling any recently installed plugins or extensions to see if they’re causing the issue. If the problem persists, try reinstalling VLC or seeking further assistance from the VLC support community.
How do I reset VLC to its default settings?
Resetting VLC to its default settings can help resolve issues caused by corrupted files or incorrect settings. To reset VLC, go to the ‘Tools’ menu and select ‘Preferences.’ From there, click on the ‘Reset Preferences’ button. This will restore VLC’s settings to their default values, which can help resolve issues and improve performance.
Keep in mind that resetting VLC will also delete any custom settings or preferences you may have configured. If you’ve made significant changes to VLC’s settings, you may want to consider creating a backup of your settings before resetting them. This can help you restore your custom settings later if needed.
Can I reinstall VLC to fix the quitting issue?
Reinstalling VLC can be a effective way to resolve issues caused by corrupted files or incorrect settings. To reinstall VLC, first uninstall the current version from your computer. Then, download the latest version of VLC from the official website and follow the installation instructions. Make sure to download the correct version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
During the reinstallation process, make sure to select the option to delete any existing settings or files. This will ensure that VLC is completely reinstalled with default settings, which can help resolve issues and improve performance. If you’re still experiencing issues after reinstalling VLC, you may want to consider seeking further assistance from the VLC support community.
How do I troubleshoot VLC issues on my computer?
Troubleshooting VLC issues on your computer can be a step-by-step process. First, try updating VLC to the latest version, as newer versions often include bug fixes and performance improvements. If updating VLC doesn’t work, try resetting the application’s settings to their default values. You can do this by going to the ‘Tools’ menu, selecting ‘Preferences,’ and clicking on the ‘Reset Preferences’ button.
If resetting VLC’s settings doesn’t work, try reinstalling the application or seeking further assistance from the VLC support community. You can also try checking the VLC forums or knowledge base for solutions to common issues. Additionally, you can try playing a different media file to see if the issue is specific to one file or a more general problem.
What are some alternative media players to VLC?
If you’re experiencing persistent issues with VLC, you may want to consider using an alternative media player. Some popular alternatives to VLC include KMPlayer, PotPlayer, and Media Player Classic. These media players offer many of the same features as VLC, including support for a wide range of file formats and customizable settings.
When choosing an alternative media player, consider factors such as compatibility with your operating system, support for your favorite file formats, and the availability of customizable settings. You may also want to read reviews or try out a few different options to see which one works best for you.