If you’ve recently upgraded to Windows 11 and noticed that the default Movies & TV app just doesn’t cut it, you’re not alone. Whether you're watching HD movies, streaming anime, or playing 4K videos, you need a reliable, feature-rich, and lightweight video player.
Let's see the best video players for Windows 11, including free options, pros & cons, and what makes each one stand out in 2025.
1. VLC Media Player – Still the King (Free)
VLC has been around forever, and for good reason. It plays almost every video and audio format out there—no extra codecs needed.
Why it’s great for Windows 11:
- Clean, dark mode interface fits well with Windows 11 aesthetics
- No ads, no bloat
- Supports 4K, 8K, Blu-ray, and even network streams
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| VLC Media Player for Windows |
Click here to download VLC Media Player
Pros:
- Free and open-source
- Subtitles and playback speed controls
- Keyboard shortcuts for easy control
Cons:
- Slightly dated UI design
- Not the best library management
2. MPV Player – Minimal but Powerful
MPV is a lightweight, no-frills video player. It’s a favorite among power users and developers because it’s scriptable, fast, and handles high-quality video like a champ.
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| MPV Player |
Click here to download MPV Media Player
Why use MPV:
- Ultra-light on resources
- Perfect for 4K and HDR content
- Customizable with scripts and keyboard controls
Pros:
- Clean, no clutter
- Excellent performance
- No installation needed (portable version available)
Cons:
- No GUI menus by default
- May require some configuration for casual users
3. PotPlayer – Feature-Rich Alternative
If you want a ton of control over playback, subtitles, and even hardware acceleration, PotPlayer is a solid option. It’s developed by a Korean company and packs a punch in a small size.
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| Pot Player available on Microsoft Store for Windows 11 |
Click here to download Pot Player
Top Features:
- Hardware acceleration for smooth 4K playback
- Customizable interface
- Supports 3D and 360-degree video
Pros:
- Advanced settings for power users
- Excellent subtitle support
- Fast and lightweight
Cons:
- Some features are overkill for casual users
- Interface can feel busy
4. KMPlayer – Stylish and Stream-Ready
KMPlayer has come a long way in recent years. Its new version is sleek and supports all the modern formats, including HEVC, 4K, and 3D videos. It also offers cloud streaming and subtitle sync.
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| KM Player Windows 11 |
Click here to download Pot Player
Why it’s a good fit for Windows 11:
- Modern UI matches Windows 11 style
- Built-in codec support
- Supports online video playback (YouTube etc.)
Pros:
- Free and visually polished
- Handy features like screen capture and subtitle sync
Cons:
- Installer includes optional bloatware (opt-out!)
- Slightly heavier than MPV or VLC
Movies & TV
Windows 11 Built-in Player Movies & TV– Can You Rely on It?
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| Movies & TV app |
Windows 11 ships with the Movies & TV app, but it’s pretty barebones. It’s fine for basic needs, but it lacks codec support and features power users expect.
Best for:
- Occasional use
- Watching downloaded MP4 videos
Which One Should You Use?
- If you just want something that works out of the box, go with VLC.
- If you care about performance and minimalism, MPV is a clear winner.
- If you’re a power user or love tweaking settings, PotPlayer gives you maximum control.
- And if you’re after a stylish player with streaming capabilities, KMPlayer is worth a try.
Tips for Choosing and downloading a Video Player
- Always download from official websites or Microsoft Store.
- Look for portable versions if you don’t want to install.
- Consider keyboard shortcuts if you watch a lot of videos.
Additional Tips:
You can also keep two players installed—VLC for everything, and MPV for performance-heavy files.
Media players are essential for enjoying movies, music, lectures, and even casual YouTube downloads on your PC. Whether you're using VLC, MPV, PotPlayer, or Windows Media Player, there are a few tips that can instantly improve your viewing experience.
1. Learn Keyboard Shortcuts: Most media players support keyboard controls for common actions like play, pause, seek, volume, and full screen. For example, in VLC, spacebar plays/pauses, F toggles full screen, and Ctrl + Up/Down adjusts volume. These shortcuts save time and offer smoother control than a mouse.
2. Enable Hardware Acceleration: Playing 4K or HEVC videos? Check your player’s settings for hardware acceleration. This feature offloads decoding to your GPU, resulting in smoother playback and lower CPU usage—especially useful on laptops or older PCs.
3. Use Lightweight Players for Weak PCs: If your computer struggles with heavy apps, consider lightweight options like MPV or MPC-HC. These use minimal system resources while still supporting modern formats.
4. Add External Subtitles: Most players let you load .srt subtitle files manually—or simply name the subtitle file the same as the video. Some players can even download subtitles for you automatically.
5. Take Screenshots from Videos: Want to capture a scene? Use built-in screenshot tools. In VLC, just press Shift + S during playback to save a frame.
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