VLC Media Player, developed by VideoLAN, is a highly popular open-source multimedia player that supports a wide range of audio and video formats without requiring additional codecs. Its versatility, lightweight design, and cross-platform compatibility have made it a favorite among users for both casual and advanced media playback.
However, there are times when users may want to uninstall VLC Media Player — whether due to system cleanup, performance issues, or the desire to switch to an alternative media player. This guide provides several methods to completely remove VLC Media Player from your Windows device.
We will highlight important distinctions between 32-bit and 64-bit systems, as well as differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11. Each method includes detailed step-by-step instructions, key points, precautions, success rate estimates, and an analysis of its drawbacks. The final method introduces Perfect Uninstaller, a third-party tool designed for deep and comprehensive software removal. At the end, we provide a professional conclusion to help you choose the best uninstallation strategy.
Method 1: Uninstall via Settings App (Windows 10 / Windows 11)
Steps:
- Open Settings
- Press
Win + Ito open the Settings app.
- Go to Apps > Installed Apps
- In Windows 10, navigate to Apps > Apps & features.
- In Windows 11, go directly to Installed apps under the Apps section.
- Search for VLC Media Player
- Use the search bar at the top and type “VLC” or “VLC Media Player”.
- Uninstall the App
- Click on VLC Media Player, then click Uninstall.
- Confirm when prompted and wait for the process to complete.
Notes:
- Works identically on both 32-bit and 64-bit systems.
- Fully compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11.
- This method removes the main application but may leave behind configuration files and cache data.
Success Rate:
- ~85–90% successful removal of the installed package.
Drawbacks:
- Does not remove residual configuration or user-specific data unless manually deleted.
- Cannot uninstall deeply embedded registry entries or leftover files.
- Not suitable for removing all traces of the application.
Method 2: Using the Built-in Uninstaller (via Control Panel)
This method uses the traditional Control Panel interface, which many older users still prefer for managing installed programs.
Steps:
- Open Control Panel
- Type “Control Panel” in the Start menu and open it.
- Navigate to Programs > Uninstall a Program
- Locate VLC Media Player
- Scroll through the list and select VLC Media Player.
- Uninstall the Application
- Click Uninstall and follow the prompts to complete the process.
Notes:
- Compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit systems.
- Works on both Windows 10 and Windows 11, though the layout may differ slightly.
Success Rate:
- ~88–92% successful removal of the main program files.
Drawbacks:
- May not fully clean up user profiles or shared system folders.
- Less intuitive than the modern Settings interface.
- Still leaves behind some configuration and cache files.
Method 3: Manual File and Registry Cleanup (Post-Uninstall)
After uninstalling via any of the above methods, you can perform manual cleanup to remove any remaining files or registry entries.
Steps:
- Delete App Data Folders
- Navigate to:
C:\Program Files\VideoLAN C:\Program Files (x86)\VideoLAN (for 64-bit systems) C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\vlc C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\vlc
- Clear Temp Files
- Delete:
C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Temp\vlc*
- Clean Registry Entries
- Open Registry Editor (
regedit) as admin. - Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\VideoLAN HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\VideoLAN - Delete these keys if they exist.
- ⚠️ Warning: Always back up the registry before making changes.
Notes:
- This method requires technical expertise.
- Works on both 32-bit and 64-bit systems.
- Especially useful for advanced users or system administrators.
Success Rate:
- ~95–97% complete removal if executed properly.
Drawbacks:
- Time-consuming and error-prone.
- Risk of accidental file or registry deletion.
- Not recommended for novice users.
Method 4: Using Perfect Uninstaller (Third-Party Tool)
Perfect Uninstaller is a powerful utility designed to perform deep and comprehensive software removal, including leftover files, registry entries, and cached data that standard uninstallers often miss.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Download Perfect Uninstaller
- Visit the official website of Perfect Uninstaller (ensure it’s a trusted source).
- Download the correct version based on your system:
- 32-bit systems: Install 32-bit version.
- 64-bit systems: Install 64-bit version for full compatibility.
Step 2: Install and Launch the Software
- Run the installer and follow the setup instructions.
- Launch the application after installation.
Step 3: Locate VLC Media Player
- In the main interface, scroll through the list of installed programs.
- Find “VLC Media Player” and click on it.
Step 4: Initiate Uninstallation
- Click the Uninstall button.
- The tool will begin removing VLC, displaying real-time progress.
- During uninstallation, it will remove:
- Application files
- Registry entries
- Startup items
- User-specific data
Step 5: Perform Deep Cleanup
- After uninstalling, use the Scan for Leftovers feature.
- Let the tool scan for any remaining files or registry fragments.
- Select all found items and click Delete to ensure a clean system.
Notes:
- Perfect Uninstaller offers automated and comprehensive removal.
- Works seamlessly on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
- Ideal for users who want to avoid manual file hunting and registry editing.
Success Rate:
- ~98–100% complete removal, depending on software version and database updates.
Drawbacks:
- Requires downloading third-party software, which may raise security concerns.
- Some versions may include bundled software or ads.
- Paid versions often offer better support and functionality.
Conclusion
Uninstalling VLC Media Player on Windows can vary in effectiveness depending on the method used. For basic removal, the Settings app and Control Panel methods are sufficient and user-friendly, while manual cleanup ensures thoroughness but demands technical knowledge. Among all options, Perfect Uninstaller stands out as the most effective solution for guaranteed, complete removal of all app-related files and registry entries.
From a professional standpoint, while native tools are adequate for casual users, Perfect Uninstaller offers the highest reliability and ease of use, especially for those unfamiliar with manual file management or registry editing. With a success rate of up to 98–100%, it’s ideal for maintaining a clean, optimized system free from unnecessary bloatware.
However, always verify the authenticity and safety of third-party tools before installation to prevent potential malware or unwanted software. Whether you’re streamlining your system, troubleshooting media playback issues, or simply no longer using VLC, understanding how to fully remove it empowers you to maintain a secure and efficient computing environment.
In summary, while Windows offers several ways to uninstall apps like VLC Media Player, Perfect Uninstaller remains the best choice for deep, safe, and guaranteed removal — especially for non-technical users seeking a one-stop solution.