VLC media player is a popular and widely-used media player known for its versatility and compatibility with various file formats. However, there may come a time when you need to uninstall VLC from your computer, whether it’s due to corrupted files, compatibility issues, or simply a desire to try a different media player. While VLC provides an uninstaller, manual uninstallation may be necessary in certain situations. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of manually uninstalling VLC from your Windows or macOS computer.
Why Manual Uninstallation?
Before we dive into the uninstallation process, it’s essential to understand why manual uninstallation might be necessary. Here are a few scenarios where the built-in uninstaller may not be effective:
- Corrupted files: If VLC’s installation is corrupted or damaged, the built-in uninstaller may not be able to remove all files and registry entries, leaving behind residual files and settings.
- Failed uninstallation: In some cases, the built-in uninstaller may fail to remove VLC, leaving you with a partial or incomplete uninstallation.
- Custom installations: If you’ve installed VLC with custom settings or plugins, the built-in uninstaller may not remove all associated files and settings.
Preparing for Manual Uninstallation
Before you begin the manual uninstallation process, make sure you have:
- Administrative privileges: You’ll need administrator access to your computer to modify system files and registry entries.
- Backup your data: Make sure to backup any important data or files associated with VLC, as manual uninstallation will remove all related files and settings.
- Close all VLC instances: Ensure that all VLC instances are closed to prevent any file access conflicts during the uninstallation process.
Manual Uninstallation on Windows
The following steps will guide you through the manual uninstallation process on Windows:
Removing VLC Files and Folders
- C:\Program Files (x86)\VideoLAN\VLC: Navigate to this directory and delete the entire VLC folder and all its contents.
- C:\Program Files\VideoLAN\VLC: If you have a 32-bit version of VLC installed, navigate to this directory and delete the entire VLC folder and all its contents.
- C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\vlc: Navigate to this directory and delete the entire vlc folder and all its contents.
Removing VLC Registry Entries
- Press the Windows key + R: Open the Run dialog box and type “regedit” to open the Windows Registry Editor.
- Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\VideoLAN\VLC: Delete the entire VLC key and all its subkeys.
- Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\VideoLAN\VLC: Delete the entire VLC key and all its subkeys.
Removing VLC Startup Entries
- Press the Windows key + R: Open the Run dialog box and type “msconfig” to open the System Configuration utility.
- Disable VLC from startup: In the Startup tab, locate VLC and uncheck the box to disable it from startup.
Manual Uninstallation on macOS
The following steps will guide you through the manual uninstallation process on macOS:
Removing VLC Files and Folders
- /Applications/VLC.app: Navigate to the Applications folder and drag the VLC app to the Trash.
- ~/Library/Application Support/VLC: Navigate to the Application Support folder and delete the VLC folder and all its contents.
- ~/Library/Preferences/org.videolan.vlc.plist: Navigate to the Preferences folder and delete the org.videolan.vlc.plist file.
Removing VLC Launch Agents and Daemons
- /Library/LaunchAgents/com.videolan.vlc helper.plist: Navigate to the LaunchAgents folder and delete the com.videolan.vlc helper.plist file.
- /Library/LaunchDaemons/com.videolan.vlc.plist: Navigate to the LaunchDaemons folder and delete the com.videolan.vlc.plist file.
Removing VLC Services
- /System/Library/Services/VLC.service: Navigate to the Services folder and delete the VLC.service file.
Post-Uninstallation Cleanup
After completing the manual uninstallation process, it’s essential to remove any remaining files and registry entries to ensure a clean removal.
Removing Remaining Files and Folders
- Search for VLC files and folders: Use the Windows Search or Spotlight search on macOS to find any remaining VLC files and folders.
- Delete remaining files and folders: Delete any remaining VLC files and folders to ensure a clean removal.
Removing Remaining Registry Entries (Windows only)
- Use a registry cleaner: Use a reputable registry cleaner software to remove any remaining VLC registry entries.
Conclusion
Manually uninstalling VLC can be a complex process, but it’s sometimes necessary to ensure a clean removal. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to remove VLC from your Windows or macOS computer. Remember to backup your data, close all VLC instances, and remove all remaining files and registry entries to ensure a successful uninstallation. If you’re still experiencing issues, it may be helpful to seek assistance from a professional or a VLC support forum.
Why do I need to uninstall VLC manually?
Removing VLC from your computer can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re not tech-savvy. Sometimes, the built-in uninstaller may not completely remove all files and settings associated with VLC, leaving behind junk data that can take up valuable space on your hard drive. Manual uninstallation ensures that you remove every last bit of VLC from your system, freeing up space and eliminating potential conflicts with other software.
By following this guide, you’ll be able to carefully and thoroughly remove VLC, eliminating any potential issues that may arise from an incomplete uninstallation. You’ll also learn how to remove any remaining files and registry entries, giving you a clean slate to install new software or simply enjoy a clutter-free computer.
Will manual uninstallation delete my VLC settings and playlists?
Unfortunately, yes, manual uninstallation will indeed delete your VLC settings and playlists. When you uninstall VLC, all of its associated files and settings are removed, including your custom settings and playlists. If you want to keep your playlists, you should back them up before uninstalling VLC. You can do this by exporting your playlists as XML files, which can be easily imported into a newly installed VLC or other media players.
Don’t worry if you’re concerned about losing your playlist data; it’s easy to export and import playlists. If you’re unsure about the process, we can provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to do so. Additionally, if you have any other concerns or questions about saving your VLC data, feel free to ask, and we’ll be happy to help.
Can I simply use the built-in uninstaller to remove VLC?
While the built-in uninstaller can remove VLC from your system, it may not completely eliminate all associated files and settings. This can leave behind residual data that can take up space on your hard drive and cause potential conflicts with other software. Manual uninstallation is a more thorough and comprehensive process that ensures every last bit of VLC is removed, leaving your system clean and clutter-free.
In addition, the built-in uninstaller may not remove any additional software or plugins you may have installed alongside VLC. By manually uninstalling VLC, you can identify and remove these additional components, giving you a cleaner and more streamlined system. If you’re unsure about the best approach, our guide can walk you through the process step-by-step.
What are the system requirements for manual uninstallation?
You don’t need any specialized technical knowledge or software to manually uninstall VLC. All you need is a basic understanding of Windows Explorer and the ability to follow instructions. Our guide will walk you through every step of the process, making it easy to remove VLC from your system. You’ll also need a working internet connection to download any necessary tools, but that’s about it.
As for the system requirements, you can manually uninstall VLC on any Windows-based system, including Windows 10, 8, and 7. Our guide is designed to be user-friendly, so even if you’re not an advanced computer user, you’ll be able to follow along and successfully remove VLC from your system.
Will manual uninstallation affect other software on my system?
Manual uninstallation is a targeted process that specifically removes VLC and its associated files and settings. It shouldn’t affect any other software on your system, as long as you follow the steps carefully and accurately. Our guide is designed to minimize any potential risks, and we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step to ensure that you only remove VLC-related files and settings.
That being said, if you’re unsure about any part of the process or have concerns about potential conflicts with other software, you can always pause and ask for clarification. We’re here to help, and our goal is to make the manual uninstallation process as smooth and risk-free as possible.
How long does the manual uninstallation process take?
The manual uninstallation process typically takes around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the amount of data you need to remove and the speed of your system. Our guide is designed to be easy to follow, and we’ll break down the process into manageable steps that you can complete at your own pace.
Don’t worry if you’re short on time; you can always pause the process and come back to it later. We’ve designed our guide to be modular, so you can complete one step, save your progress, and come back to it when you’re ready.
Is manual uninstallation safe for my system?
Yes, manual uninstallation is completely safe for your system, as long as you follow the steps carefully and accurately. Our guide is designed to minimize any potential risks, and we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step to ensure that you only remove VLC-related files and settings. We’ll also provide you with tips and precautions to avoid any potential pitfalls.
If you’re unsure about any part of the process or have concerns about potential risks, you can always pause and ask for clarification. We’re here to help, and our goal is to make the manual uninstallation process as smooth and risk-free as possible.