Chromebooks have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. They offer a lightweight, affordable, and easy-to-use alternative to traditional laptops. However, one of the main concerns for many users is the availability of their favorite apps on Chrome OS. In this article, we’ll explore the possibility of running VLC on Chromebook.
What is VLC Media Player?
Before we dive into the main topic, let’s take a brief look at what VLC Media Player is. VLC is a free and open-source media player that can play a wide range of audio and video formats. It’s available for various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. VLC is known for its versatility, customization options, and ability to play damaged or incomplete files.
Why Use VLC on Chromebook?
So, why would you want to use VLC on Chromebook? Here are a few reasons:
- Format support: VLC can play a wide range of file formats, including some that may not be supported by the default media player on Chrome OS.
- Customization: VLC offers a range of customization options, including skins, plugins, and extensions.
- Free and open-source: VLC is completely free and open-source, which means that it’s constantly being improved and updated by a community of developers.
Can VLC Run on Chromebook?
Now, let’s get to the main question: can VLC run on Chromebook? The answer is a bit complicated. VLC is not natively available on Chrome OS, but there are a few workarounds that you can use to install and run VLC on your Chromebook.
Method 1: Android App
One way to run VLC on Chromebook is to install the Android app. In 2016, Google announced that it would be bringing the Google Play Store to Chrome OS, which means that you can install Android apps on your Chromebook. To install VLC on your Chromebook using the Android app, follow these steps:
- Enable the Google Play Store: Make sure that the Google Play Store is enabled on your Chromebook. You can do this by going to the Settings app and clicking on the “Google Play Store” option.
- Search for VLC: Open the Google Play Store and search for “VLC Media Player.”
- Install the app: Click on the “Install” button to download and install the VLC app.
- Launch the app: Once the app is installed, you can launch it by clicking on the VLC icon in the app drawer.
Method 2: Linux App
Another way to run VLC on Chromebook is to install the Linux app. In 2018, Google announced that it would be bringing Linux support to Chrome OS, which means that you can install Linux apps on your Chromebook. To install VLC on your Chromebook using the Linux app, follow these steps:
- Enable Linux: Make sure that Linux is enabled on your Chromebook. You can do this by going to the Settings app and clicking on the “Linux” option.
- Install VLC: Open the Linux terminal and type the following command:
sudo apt-get install vlc - Launch the app: Once the app is installed, you can launch it by typing the following command:
vlc
Challenges and Limitations
While it’s possible to run VLC on Chromebook, there are some challenges and limitations that you should be aware of. Here are a few:
- Performance: VLC may not run as smoothly on Chromebook as it does on other platforms. This is because Chrome OS is designed for web-based applications, and VLC is a desktop app.
- File access: VLC may not have access to all of the files on your Chromebook. This is because Chrome OS has a different file system than other platforms.
- Updates: VLC may not receive updates as frequently on Chromebook as it does on other platforms. This is because Chrome OS has a different update mechanism than other platforms.
Alternatives to VLC
If you’re having trouble running VLC on your Chromebook, there are some alternative media players that you can use. Here are a few:
- Google Play Movies & TV: This is a media player that comes pre-installed on Chrome OS. It can play a wide range of file formats, including MP4, AVI, and MKV.
- Plex: This is a media player that can play a wide range of file formats, including MP4, AVI, and MKV. It also has a range of customization options and can be used to stream media to other devices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, VLC can run on Chromebook, but there are some challenges and limitations that you should be aware of. If you’re having trouble running VLC on your Chromebook, there are some alternative media players that you can use. We hope that this article has been helpful in answering your question about whether VLC can run on Chromebook.
Final Thoughts
Chromebooks are versatile devices that can be used for a wide range of tasks, from browsing the web to running desktop apps. While VLC may not run as smoothly on Chromebook as it does on other platforms, it’s still possible to install and run the app using the Android or Linux app. We hope that this article has been helpful in exploring the possibility of running VLC on Chromebook.
Can VLC Run on Chromebook?
VLC can run on Chromebook, but it requires some workarounds. Chromebooks are designed to run Chrome OS, which is a lightweight operating system that is optimized for web-based applications. However, VLC is a desktop application that is typically run on Windows, macOS, or Linux. To run VLC on a Chromebook, you’ll need to use the Android version of the app or install a Linux distribution on your Chromebook.
The Android version of VLC is available on the Google Play Store, and it can be installed on Chromebooks that support Android apps. This version of VLC has most of the features of the desktop version, including support for a wide range of video and audio formats. However, it may not have all the features of the desktop version, and it may not be as stable.
How Do I Install VLC on My Chromebook?
To install VLC on your Chromebook, you’ll need to enable the Google Play Store on your device. This will allow you to download and install Android apps, including VLC. To enable the Google Play Store, go to your Chromebook’s settings and click on the “Apps” tab. Then, click on the “Google Play Store” toggle switch to enable it.
Once you’ve enabled the Google Play Store, you can search for VLC in the store and click the “Install” button to download and install it. The installation process should only take a few seconds, and you’ll be able to launch VLC from your Chromebook’s app drawer. If you’re using a Chromebook that doesn’t support Android apps, you may need to install a Linux distribution on your device to run VLC.
What Are the System Requirements for Running VLC on a Chromebook?
The system requirements for running VLC on a Chromebook are relatively modest. You’ll need a Chromebook with a recent processor, at least 2GB of RAM, and a decent amount of storage space. You’ll also need to be running the latest version of Chrome OS, as older versions may not support the Android version of VLC.
In terms of specific hardware requirements, VLC can run on a wide range of Chromebooks, including budget models with Intel Celeron processors. However, if you’re planning to play back high-definition video or use advanced features like hardware acceleration, you may need a more powerful Chromebook with a recent Intel Core processor or an AMD Ryzen processor.
Can I Use VLC to Play DVDs on My Chromebook?
VLC can play DVDs on a Chromebook, but it requires a few extra steps. First, you’ll need to make sure that your Chromebook has a DVD drive, as not all models do. You’ll also need to install the Android version of VLC, as the Linux version may not have the necessary drivers to access the DVD drive.
Once you’ve installed VLC and inserted a DVD into your Chromebook’s DVD drive, you can launch VLC and select the DVD drive as the playback source. VLC should then be able to play back the DVD, including menus and special features. However, keep in mind that not all DVDs may be compatible with VLC, especially if they use advanced copy protection schemes.
How Do I Update VLC on My Chromebook?
Updating VLC on a Chromebook is relatively straightforward. If you’re using the Android version of VLC, you can update it through the Google Play Store. To do this, go to the Google Play Store and search for VLC. If an update is available, you’ll see an “Update” button next to the app’s icon.
Clicking the “Update” button will download and install the latest version of VLC. You may need to restart your Chromebook or close and reopen VLC for the update to take effect. If you’re using a Linux distribution on your Chromebook, you may need to update VLC through the Linux package manager.
Is VLC Free to Use on a Chromebook?
Yes, VLC is free to use on a Chromebook. The Android version of VLC is available for free on the Google Play Store, and it doesn’t have any ads or in-app purchases. The Linux version of VLC is also free and open-source, and it can be downloaded and installed on a Chromebook for free.
VLC is a non-profit project, and it relies on donations to support its development. If you find VLC useful, you may want to consider making a donation to support the project. However, you’re not required to pay anything to use VLC on your Chromebook.
Are There Any Alternatives to VLC for Playing Video on a Chromebook?
Yes, there are several alternatives to VLC for playing video on a Chromebook. Some popular options include Google Play Movies & TV, YouTube, and Netflix. These apps are all available on the Google Play Store and can be used to play back video content on a Chromebook.
If you’re looking for a more traditional video player, you may want to consider apps like MX Player or KMPlayer. These apps are also available on the Google Play Store and offer many of the same features as VLC, including support for a wide range of video formats. However, they may not have all the features of VLC, and they may not be as stable.