If you’ve ever tried playing more than one video at the same time in Windows 11 using the built-in media player, you’ve likely noticed that it doesn’t allow simultaneous playback. Instead, it stops the current video and opens the newly selected one. Fortunately, there’s a simple and effective solution using VLC Media Player, a free and open-source multimedia player known for its versatility and lightweight performance.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of playing multiple video files at the same time using VLC Media Player in Windows 11 (also works for Windows 10 and older versions).
Why You Need VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player is a powerful tool that has been around for many years. It supports almost every audio and video format you can think of and is widely regarded as the go-to media player for both casual and advanced users. One of its often-overlooked features is the ability to play multiple media files simultaneously—perfect for multitasking or comparing video content.
You can download VLC Media Player for free from its official website:
👉 https://www.videolan.org/vlc
Step-by-Step Guide: Play Multiple Videos at Once
Step 1: Download and Install VLC Media Player
- Visit the official VLC website.
- Download the installer for your operating system.
- Run the setup file.
- Select your preferred language and click Next.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and click Install.
- Once installed, click Finish to launch VLC Media Player.
Note: VLC is completely free and does not include any ads, spyware, or tracking.
Step 2: Change VLC Settings to Allow Multiple Instances
By default, VLC allows only one video to play at a time. To change this:
- Open VLC Media Player.
- Go to the top menu and click Tools > Preferences.
- In the Interface tab (default view), look for these two options:
- Allow only one instance
- Use only one instance when started from file manager
- Uncheck both options.
- Click Save at the bottom.
This configuration allows VLC to open multiple windows, each playing a different video file.
Step 3: Open Multiple Videos
Now that VLC is configured to support multiple instances:
- Navigate to your video folder.
- Right-click on a video file.
- Select Open with > VLC Media Player.
- Repeat this for each video you want to play simultaneously.
You should now see each video open in its own VLC window, playing independently.
Optional: Set VLC as Your Default Video Player
If you want to always use VLC for video playback:
- Right-click a video file.
- Click Open with > Choose another app.
- Select VLC Media Player.
- Check the box that says Always use this app to open .mp4 files (or your desired format).
- Click OK.
Repeat this for other video file types if needed.
Why Would You Want to Play Multiple Videos at Once?
Here are a few practical scenarios:
- Watching a tutorial on one screen while following along in another.
- Monitoring security footage from multiple sources.
- Playing a relaxing video on one side while working on something else.
- Comparing edits of two or more versions of the same clip.
There are plenty of use cases—both professional and personal—for simultaneous video playback.
Should You Uninstall Windows Media Player?
That’s entirely up to you. If you find yourself never using the default Windows Media Player, you can uninstall it to declutter your system. However, it’s safe to leave it installed in case it’s needed in specific situations.
Final Thoughts
VLC Media Player remains one of the most powerful and flexible media players available. Its ability to play multiple videos simultaneously makes it an invaluable tool for multitaskers and video enthusiasts alike. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can easily set up your system for parallel video playback on Windows 11 or earlier versions.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only. Always download software from official sources to avoid malware or unwanted programs. VLC Media Player is maintained by VideoLAN and can be safely downloaded from https://www.videolan.org/vlc.
Tags
windows 11, play multiple videos, vlc media player, vlc settings, windows media player alternative, video playback, tech tutorial, media player tips, videolan, free software
Hashtags
#Windows11 #VLCMediaPlayer #TechTips #VideoPlayback #MediaPlayer #WindowsTips #Multitasking #Tutorial
