How to Change and Set the Default Media Player in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Windows has made easy process to switch default media player in Windows 11 which ensures your media files open automatically in your preferred apps. Windows 11 continues to develop with each update which allow you to customize its settings with your preferred default media player. When Microsoft introduced the new Media Player for Windows 11, it often replaced older defaults media player like Movies & TV and the classic Windows Media Player for handling media files (like MP4s, MP3s, etc.). Whether you prefer VLC Media Player, Media Player Classic, KMPlayer, or another third-party app over the built-in Windows Media Player or the new Windows 11 Media Player, you can easily change the default.

In this guide, I will explain how to change and set the default media player in Windows 11. This includes adjusting settings for different video and audio file types, configuring streaming options, and managing app permissions. Whether you want to open MP4 files in VLC or set Spotify as your primary music player, this guide will assist you.

Method 1: Change Default Media Player via Settings

Windows offers built-in app settings to change your preferred app to open your media files by default, such as videos or music. When you install a new app like VLC or Windows Media Player, it will automatically take over as the default app for media files. If you prefer to use Microsoft’s default media player or any other third-party apps, you can manually switch back to your preferred media apps via system settings.

Step 1: Press Windows + I keyboard shortcut or right-click the Start button and select Settings.

Step 2: In the left sidebar, click Apps, then choose Default apps from the right pane.

Step 3: In the search bar under “Set defaults for applications,” enter your preferred media player, such as VLC Media Player or KMPlayer. Then, open the application and click on “Set default.”

Step 4: Set Defaults by File Type: For file types such as .mp4, .mp3, .avi, .mkv, and others, you can set your preferred default app. Click on each file type you wish to associate with your media player. A pop-up will appear; select your desired media player and click OK.

On Windows 11, you cannot set a default media player for all media types with a single click — unlike older versions of Windows. you must assign your preferred media player to each file type individually (e.g., .mp4, .mp3, .avi, .mkv, etc.). When customizing your default media player, it’s best to prioritize common file extensions—for videos: .mp4, .avi, .mkv, .mov, and .wmv; and for audio: .mp3, .wav, .aac, .flac, and .ogg.

Method 2: Change Default Apps by File Type

This method helps you to assign a specific app to open each individual media file type . For example, you can set VLC for .mp4 files and use a different media player for .mkv files. It allows you to have complete control over which application manages each type of media extension file.

Step 1: Press Windows + I keyboard shortcut or right-click the Start button and select Settings.

Step 2: In the left sidebar, click Apps, then choose Default apps from the right pane.

Step 3: Scroll down and click on “Choose defaults by file type”.

Step 4: You’ll see a long list of media file extensions (like .mp3, .mp4, .avi).For each media file extension, click on the current default app and choose your preferred app from the list.

Although the process is a bit manual, once you configure each media extension, it becomes reliable. This one-time setup provides you with a highly customized media experience.

Method 3: Use “Open With” and Set as Default

This is a fast and convenient way to change the default app for a specific media file type without opening system settings.

Step 1: Right click on any media file (like a .mp4 or .mp3).Hover over with mouse “Open with” and click “Choose another app”.

Step 2: A list of apps will appear. Select your preferred media player (e.g., VLC or Windows Media Player).Then, check the box that says “Always use this app to open .mp4 files” and click OK.

This method only updates the default setting for the selected media file type. If you need to change the defaults for other file types, you’ll need to repeat the same process for all kind of media file.

Method 4: Set Default Apps Through Media Player Settings

For example if you use media players like VLC or classic Windows Media Player, which allow you to set the media players as the default players for certain media files through its settings or preferences menus. This is a fast and convenient way to configure multiple associations at single time without going through Windows Settings.

Example: Set File Associations in VLC

Step 1: Open VLC Media Player and navigate to the Tools menu. Then select Preferences and click on the Interface tab.

Step 2: Click Set up associations (this opens Windows Settings). And Use the earlier methods to change file associations from there.

Method 5: Set Preferred Music App for Voice and Playback Controls

Windows 11 has integrated more deeply with voice assistants and media controls. If you use features like Cortana (if available) or have an Alexa or smart home setup, you can set your default music app to ensure smooth playback control through voice commands and media keys. Moreover, Windows 11 handles media sessions with greater efficiency and allows control through media keys, Bluetooth devices, and system-wide playback settings.

Step 1: Press Windows + I keyboard shortcut or right-click the Start button and select Settings.

Step 2: Scroll to the bottom and click on Choose defaults by link type.

Step 3: Look for protocols like:
spotify:
mswindowsmusic:
itunes:

Step 4: Change them to your preferred app (e.g., Spotify, iTunes).

It enables voice commands such as “Play music” or media buttons on Bluetooth devices (e.g., car stereo) to utilize the default music application preferred by the user.

How to Remove or Hide the Default Windows Media Player

If you wish to use a third-party media player (like VLC or the new Microsoft Media Player) and want to remove or hide the classic Windows Media Player to reduce clutter, avoid confusion, or prevent it from showing up in the “Open with” menu, you can do so through Windows settings.

Step 1: Press Windows + I keyboard shortcut or right-click the Start button and select Settings.

Step 2: In the sidebar, click Apps.Then select Installed Apps to see a list of all apps currently installed on your system.

Step 3: Use the search bar at the top of the Installed Apps page to quickly locate Media Player (this refers to the new app introduced in Windows 11).Next to the Media Player entry, click the three vertical dots.

Step 4: From the dropdown, select Advanced options.

Step 5: • In the Advanced options screen, you’ll see two buttons:

Terminate – Instantly stops the app if it’s running in the background.
Reset – Erases the app’s data (settings, preferences, etc.) and returns it to its original state.

It enables voice commands such as “Play music” or media buttons on Bluetooth devices (e.g., car stereo) to utilize the default music application preferred by the user.

Final Thought: How to Change and Set the Default Media Player in Windows 11

Setting your default media player in Windows 11 gives you a complete control over how you experience videos and music. Windows provides the improved Settings interface in 2025, which is more transparent and user-friendly.

Whether you’re watching movies, editing sound, or just playing songs while you work, using a media player you trust makes a big difference. Choose your favorite media player app, set it as default, and enjoy a smoother media experience!

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