Operating-system compatibility
VideoLAN maintains downloads for supported versions of Windows, macOS and Linux. The exact minimum version can change, so confirm the current platform notes on the official download page. Older VLC releases may remain available for older systems, but they may not receive the same security fixes.
CPU, RAM and storage
Basic audio and standard-definition video need modest resources. High-resolution HEVC, AV1, 4K or high-frame-rate video can require a newer CPU or supported hardware decoding. VLC itself uses relatively little storage, but media files can be much larger than the application.
| Use | What matters most |
|---|---|
| Music and SD video | Supported OS and working audio/video drivers |
| 1080p playback | Modern dual/quad-core CPU or hardware decoding |
| 4K, HEVC or AV1 | Compatible GPU decoding, sufficient CPU and fast storage |
| Network streaming | Stable connection and permitted network access |
How to check your computer
On Windows, open Settings → System → About to view processor, system type and installed RAM. On macOS, use About This Mac. Linux desktop tools and terminal commands can show the same information. Compare the operating system and architecture with the current package listed by VideoLAN.
If playback is slow
- Try a lower-resolution copy of the same video.
- Update graphics drivers and VLC.
- Check whether hardware-accelerated decoding is available.
- Close heavy background applications.
- Test a local file to separate performance problems from network buffering.