How to Enable or Disable Multiple Instances of VLC Media Player

By default VLC Media Player is set to have multiple instances. That means more than one player or player window can run and operate at the same time. It can be used to access or play multiple media files simultaneously. You can be playing two audio files or a video and an audio file at the same time.

The feature comes to great use when there is a video or an audio file playing and you want to pause it and open a different media file. It allows you to keep your playback position in the original media file so you can continue it later. You can do a variety of other tasks like convert audio formats or cut video files in one VLC instance while playing something entertaining in another window.

Enabling Multiple Instances

VLC comes pre-packed with the multiple instance option enabled. If it has been somehow disabled and you want to allow it:
  • Go to Tools > Preferences [CTRL + P]. VLC Tools Preferences
  • Under the currently selected Interface preference, find the heading that says Playlist and Instances.
  • Make sure that Allow only one instance checkbox is not checked. Option to Allow Single Instance of VLC
To open a second player window, we just have to click on any shortcut which is used to access the software. Search for and click on the VLC menu item from the start menu and it will open a new one. Similarly, you can also simply right-click on the current VLC icon in the task bar and click on VLC Media Player to open a new one.

Different media files can be dragged to or opened [Media > Open File] from any one of the running VLC instance. But when we directly open a media file by clicking on it or by instructing it to play with the software, the first open window of the software plays it. That means if you’re trying to pause and play a different file, the new instance—even though it is already open—is not used.

So, if you want every new file to open in a new VLC window then follow these steps:

  • Go to Tools > Preferences [CTRL + P].
  • Under Playlists and Instances, uncheck the option that says Use only one instance when started from the file manager. Single Instance when Opened from File Manager
Now, every media file that you open from the Windows file explorer or any other place will open in a completely new VLC Media Player window. Every single video or audio file will get their own player. Don't forget to pause a previously playing file otherwise things might not sound pretty.

Disabling Multiple Instances

If you prefer to use a single window of the player every time then do not open more than one instance. But you want to disable the feature completely then follow these steps:
  • Go to Tools > Preferences [CTRL + P].
  • Under Playlist and Instances, check the option that says Allow only one instance. Disabling Multiple Instances of VLC
  • If unchecked, check the option that says Use only one instance when started from file manager.
Now only one player will run at one time. Even though you click a shortcut to the software again, there won't be a second VLC on your screen. When you open a media file from the file manager it will take over the currently playing file and the new one will begin playing.

If you want the new one to queue up in the playlist:

  • Go to preferences once again.
  • In the Playlist and Instances option check the one that says Enqueue items into playlist in one instance mode. Enqueue new files from file manager
Now when you open a media file via the windows file manager, it will get queued up in the playlist. The currently playing file won't be disturbed. To access the playlist press the shortcut key CTRL + L, or click on View > Playlist in the menu.

You may be interested in: How to Run Multiple Instances of VLC app in Android?

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