How to Install Plugins and Extensions on VLC Media Player

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Add Plugins and Extensions on VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player is the most popular media player for all operating systems. It has many unique features – like changing skin, using it as a recorder, audio and video converter, and more. Besides these features, if you want to add more features and functionality. You can install add-ons and plugins for VLC Media Player. Each add-on has its own specific function and feature that it brings to the table.

A third-party developer that is interested in extending the use of VLC developed the add-ons. To add these add-ons, download .lua files or install them using the built-in plugin manager. Here is a complete guide on; how to install addons on VLC Media Player.

How to Install Addons on VLC Media Player on Windows 11

Installing addons on VLC Media Player can enhance the user experience by adding more features and functionality to the media player. The installation process is simple and can be done in just a few steps.

Here are two ways to install Addons on VLC Media Player. Let’s discuss them one by one.

1. Downloading .lua from the Official Website

You can download the VLC addons from the official website. For that, you can follow the steps mentioned below:

1. First, you should download suitable add-ons from VLC’s official website. For that, visit: http://addons.videolan.org

2. Search for the add-ons you want to install on VLC and download the .lua file.

Website to Download .lua Addons for VLC Media Player

3. After that, the download is complete. You need to move the download file to a specific directory. It is different for different operating systems:

  • Windows: C:\Program Files (x86)\VideoLAN\VLC\lua\extensions
  • Mac: /Applications/VLC.app/Contents/MacOS/share/lua/extensions/
  • Linux: /usr/share/vlc/lua/extensions/

Note

To install the VLC add-ons, you must create the directories if they don’t already exist.

4. Once done, you have to restart the VLC Media Player to apply the change.

2. Using Addons Manager

To install and manage add-ons, you can also use the add-ons manager. It is a built-in feature of VLC that allows users to install, delete, and manage plugins and extensions.

Here are steps you can follow to do so:

1. Open the VLC Media Player.

2. Click on the Tools tab and select the Plugins and Extensions option.

Accessing Plugins and Extensions Settings on VLC

3. It will open the plugins and extension window. From here, you can manage add-ons. Click the Find more addons online button to install new addons.

Addons Manager Window in VLC to Install Plugins and Extensions

4. Here, look for the add-ons you want to install to VLC.

5. Then click on the Install button to add it.

6. From here, you can also manage active extensions and plugins. You just need to select the specific menu from the tab.

Installing addons from the addons manager window

Install Addons on VLC on macOS

If you’re using VLC Media Player on a Mac and want to install extensions and add-ons, follow this guide. Installing VLC extensions on macOS differs from the process on the Windows operating system.

To install them correctly, follow these steps:

1. Open VLC on your Mac.

2. Click on the VLC Media Player option in the top menu bar.

3. Choose Addons Manager from the drop-down menu.

Addons Manager Window

4. You will get the Addons Manager window. To install extensions and addons, click on the Find more addons online option.

Find Addons Online for VLC on macOS

5. Here, you will see a list of extensions and addons that can be installed in VLC Media Player. Select the extension you want and click on the Install button.

Install Extension in VLC

6. After that, wait for the installation process to complete.

7. Once done, restart VLC Media Player, and you’re ready to use it.

8. To access the installed extensions features, click on the VLC Media Player option, choose Extensions, and select the extension you want to use.

Extensions Option in VLC

Conclusion

That’s it! This is how you can download and install add-ons in VLC Media Player. If you encounter any issues with the add-ons, you can easily uninstall the extensions to fix them. To learn how to uninstall extensions in VLC Media Player, refer to our detailed guide.

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Chandan is 18 years old, loves everything to do with technology and is a content writer. Right now, he's navigating his way through undergrad studies at the University of Delhi. When he's not busy with books, he brings out his creative side through drawings.
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