VLC Media Player is one of the most popular media players in the world, known for its versatility, ease of use, and wide range of features. However, some users have been plagued by a frustrating issue: VLC keeps stopping or freezing in the middle of playback. If you’re one of the unlucky ones, don’t worry – we’re here to help you diagnose and fix the problem.
Common Causes Of VLC Stopping
Before we dive into the fixes, it’s essential to understand the common causes of VLC stopping or freezing. Here are some of the most common culprits:
Hardware Issues
Outdated Graphics Drivers
Outdated graphics drivers can cause VLC to malfunction, leading to freezing or stopping issues. If you’re using an old or outdated graphics card, it might not be compatible with the latest VLC version.
Insufficient RAM
Running multiple resource-intensive programs simultaneously can cause VLC to freeze or stop. If your computer is low on RAM, it may struggle to handle the demands of media playback.
Software Conflicts
Conflicting Media Players
Having multiple media players installed on your computer can cause conflicts, leading to VLC stopping or freezing issues. Some media players, especially those with similar functionalities, may interfere with VLC’s operation.
Malware Or Virus Infection
Malware or virus infections can cause VLC to malfunction or freeze. If your computer is infected, it may affect VLC’s performance and cause it to stop unexpectedly.
File-Related Issues
Corrupted Media Files
Corrupted media files can cause VLC to stop or freeze. If the file is damaged or incomplete, VLC may struggle to play it back, resulting in freezing or stopping issues.
Incompatible File Formats
VLC may not support certain file formats, leading to freezing or stopping issues. If you’re trying to play a file in an unsupported format, VLC may not be able to handle it.
Troubleshooting Steps To Fix VLC Stopping
Now that we’ve covered the common causes, let’s move on to the troubleshooting steps to fix VLC stopping or freezing issues.
Step 1: Update VLC Media Player
Make sure you’re running the latest version of VLC Media Player. Sometimes, updating VLC can resolve the issue. To update VLC, follow these steps:
- Open VLC Media Player.
- Click on “Help” in the top menu bar.
- Select “Check for updates” from the drop-down menu.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to update VLC.
Step 2: Disable Hardware Acceleration
Hardware acceleration can sometimes cause VLC to freeze or stop. Try disabling it to see if it resolves the issue. Here’s how:
- Open VLC Media Player.
- Click on “Tools” in the top menu bar.
- Select “Preferences” from the drop-down menu.
- In the “Preferences” window, navigate to “Input/Codecs.”
- Uncheck the box next to “Hardware-accelerated decoding” in the “Codecs” section.
- Click “Save” to save the changes.
Step 3: Check For Corrupted Media Files
If you’re experiencing issues with a specific media file, try checking the file for corruption. You can do this by:
- Opening the file in a different media player to see if it plays back correctly.
- Trying to play the file in a different format, if possible.
- Re-downloading the file or re-ripping it from a physical copy.
Step 4: Disable Conflicting Media Players
If you have multiple media players installed, try disabling or uninstalling them to see if they’re causing conflicts with VLC. Here’s how:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the “Run” dialog box.
- Type “msconfig” and press Enter to open the “System Configuration” window.
- In the “Startup” tab, look for any media players that may be causing conflicts.
- Uncheck the box next to the media player to disable it.
- Click “Apply” and “OK” to save the changes.
Step 5: Run VLC In Safe Mode
Running VLC in safe mode can help you identify if the issue is related to a specific plugin or extension. Here’s how:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the “Run” dialog box.
- Type “vlc –safe-mode” and press Enter to run VLC in safe mode.
- If VLC runs smoothly in safe mode, it may indicate an issue with a specific plugin or extension.
Step 6: Reinstall VLC Media Player
If all else fails, try reinstalling VLC Media Player. This will remove any corrupted files or configurations that may be causing the issue. Here’s how:
- Uninstall VLC Media Player from the “Control Panel” or “Programs and Features” section.
- Download the latest version of VLC Media Player from the official website.
- Install VLC Media Player and follow the on-screen instructions.
Additional Tips And Tricks
In addition to the troubleshooting steps above, here are some additional tips and tricks to help you resolve VLC stopping or freezing issues:
Disable Windows Defender
If you’re using Windows 10, try disabling Windows Defender to see if it resolves the issue. Windows Defender may be interfering with VLC’s operation.
Check For Malware Or Virus Infections
Run a full scan of your computer using an anti-virus software to detect and remove any malware or virus infections.
Update Graphics Drivers
Update your graphics drivers to the latest version to ensure compatibility with VLC Media Player.
Reduce Resource Intensity
Try reducing the resource intensity of VLC by closing other resource-intensive programs or background applications.
Seek Further Assistance
If none of the above steps resolve the issue, you may want to seek further assistance from the VLC community or a technical support expert.
In conclusion, VLC stopping or freezing issues can be frustrating, but they’re often easy to resolve. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you should be able to identify and fix the problem. Remember to stay patient, and don’t hesitate to seek further assistance if needed. Happy streaming!
Why Does VLC Keep Stopping Or Freezing During Video Playback?
VLC keeps stopping or freezing during video playback due to various reasons. One common cause is hardware acceleration issues. VLC uses hardware acceleration to improve video playback performance, but sometimes this feature can malfunction, causing the player to freeze or stop. Another reason is corrupted or incomplete video files, which can cause VLC to crash or stop playing the video. Additionally, outdated or damaged codecs, plugins, or drivers can also lead to VLC stopping or freezing issues.
To resolve this issue, try disabling hardware acceleration or reinstalling VLC to its default settings. You can also try updating your codecs, plugins, or drivers to the latest versions. If the issue persists, try playing the video file in a different media player to isolate the problem. If the video file is corrupted or incomplete, try downloading it again or checking its integrity.
How Do I Fix VLC That Keeps Stopping On Windows 10?
To fix VLC that keeps stopping on Windows 10, try resetting VLC to its default settings. You can do this by going to the VLC settings, clicking on the “Reset” button, and then restarting VLC. Another solution is to disable hardware acceleration in VLC settings. This can be done by going to “Tools” > “Preferences” > “Input/Codecs” and unchecking the “Hardware accelerated decoding” option. Additionally, you can try updating your graphics drivers to the latest version.
It’s also recommended to check for any Windows 10 updates and install them, as this can resolve compatibility issues between VLC and the operating system. Moreover, try running VLC as an administrator to see if it resolves the issue. If none of these solutions work, you can try reinstalling VLC or seeking help from the VLC community forums.
Why Does VLC Keep Stopping On A Mac?
VLC keeps stopping on a Mac due to various reasons, including outdated or damaged codecs, plugins, or drivers. Another common cause is compatibility issues between VLC and macOS. Sometimes, VLC may not be optimized for the latest macOS version, leading to stopping or freezing issues. Additionally, corrupted or incomplete video files can also cause VLC to crash or stop playing the video.
To resolve this issue, try updating VLC to the latest version or reinstalling it to its default settings. You can also try updating your macOS to the latest version, as this can resolve compatibility issues between VLC and the operating system. Moreover, try checking the video file’s integrity and downloading it again if it’s corrupted or incomplete. If the issue persists, try seeking help from the VLC community forums or Apple support.
How Do I Fix VLC That Keeps Stopping During 4K Video Playback?
Fixing VLC that keeps stopping during 4K video playback requires a combination of solutions. Firstly, try updating your graphics drivers to the latest version, as 4K video playback requires high-performance graphics. Additionally, try disabling hardware acceleration in VLC settings, as 4K video playback can be too demanding for hardware acceleration. You can also try reducing the video playback resolution or using a different media player that’s optimized for 4K playback.
Another solution is to check if your computer meets the minimum system requirements for 4K video playback. Make sure your computer has a powerful processor, sufficient RAM, and a high-performance graphics card. Additionally, try closing other resource-intensive applications while playing the 4K video to free up system resources. If none of these solutions work, try seeking help from the VLC community forums or the manufacturer of your graphics card.
Why Does VLC Keep Stopping During AVI File Playback?
VLC keeps stopping during AVI file playback due to various reasons, including corrupted or incomplete AVI files, outdated or damaged codecs, or plugins. AVI files can be prone to corruption, especially if they’re downloaded from unauthorized sources or transferred incorrectly. Additionally, outdated or damaged codecs can cause VLC to crash or stop playing the AVI file.
To resolve this issue, try reinstalling the necessary codecs or updating them to the latest version. You can also try playing the AVI file in a different media player to isolate the problem. If the issue persists, try checking the AVI file’s integrity and downloading it again if it’s corrupted or incomplete. Moreover, try converting the AVI file to a different format, such as MP4, to see if it resolves the issue.
How Do I Fix VLC That Keeps Stopping During MP4 File Playback?
Fixing VLC that keeps stopping during MP4 file playback requires a combination of solutions. Firstly, try updating your VLC to the latest version, as MP4 file playback may require updated codecs or plugins. Additionally, try reinstalling the necessary codecs or updating them to the latest version. You can also try playing the MP4 file in a different media player to isolate the problem.
Another solution is to check the MP4 file’s integrity and downloading it again if it’s corrupted or incomplete. Moreover, try converting the MP4 file to a different format, such as AVI, to see if it resolves the issue. If none of these solutions work, try seeking help from the VLC community forums or the manufacturer of your media player.
Can I Fix VLC That Keeps Stopping By Reinstalling It?
Yes, reinstalling VLC can fix the issue of VLC keeps stopping or freezing. Reinstalling VLC will reset it to its default settings, which can resolve configuration-related issues. Additionally, reinstalling VLC will update any outdated codecs, plugins, or drivers, which can resolve compatibility issues. However, before reinstalling VLC, try resetting it to its default settings by going to the VLC settings and clicking on the “Reset” button.
If reinstalling VLC doesn’t resolve the issue, try seeking help from the VLC community forums or the manufacturer of your media player. Additionally, try checking the system event logs for any error messages related to VLC, as this can help identify the root cause of the issue. Moreover, try updating your operating system and graphics drivers to the latest version, as this can resolve compatibility issues between VLC and the operating system.