How to Install & Uninstall VLC Media Player on Your Chromebook

Ethan Martinez

2 days ago

VLC Media Player is a versatile and popular open-source multimedia player that supports a wide range of audio and video formats. Although Chromebooks primarily run Chrome OS, which is known for its simplicity and reliance on web-based applications, you can still install VLC Media Player to enjoy a variety of media formats locally. In this article, we will walk you through how to install and uninstall VLC on your Chromebook, along with some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help clarify the process.

How to Install VLC Media Player on Your Chromebook

There are a couple of different ways to install VLC on your Chromebook. Here, we’ll focus on the method using the Linux (Beta) feature, also known as Crostini, which allows you to run Linux applications on Chrome OS.

Step 1: Enable Linux (Beta) on Your Chromebook

Before you can install VLC, you need to ensure that Linux (Beta) is enabled on your Chromebook. This will allow you to run Linux-based apps.

Open Settings: Click on the time in the bottom-right corner to open the system tray, then click on the gear icon to open the settings menu.
Enable Linux (Beta): In the left-hand menu, scroll down and select Developers. Look for the Linux (Beta) option and click on Turn On.
Set up Linux: Follow the on-screen instructions to set up Linux. This process may take several minutes, depending on your Chromebook model.

Once Linux is set up, you’ll have access to a terminal where you can install Linux apps.

Step 2: Install VLC Using Terminal

After Linux is enabled on your Chromebook, you can use the terminal to install VLC.

Open the Terminal: You can access the terminal by going to the app launcher and searching for “Terminal.”
Update Linux Packages: Before installing VLC, it’s a good idea to update your Linux system. In the terminal, type the following command and press Enter:
```
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
```
Install VLC: Once the updates are complete, install VLC by typing the following command:
```
sudo apt install vlc
```
Press Enter, and the installation process will begin. VLC will be downloaded and installed on your Chromebook.
Launch VLC: Once the installation is complete, you can open VLC by searching for it in the app launcher.

Step 3: Enjoy VLC on Your Chromebook

After installation, VLC should now be available in your app launcher. You can open it and start playing your media files directly from your Chromebook.

How to Uninstall VLC Media Player from Your Chromebook

If you no longer want VLC installed on your Chromebook, you can easily uninstall it using the terminal.

Step 1: Open the Terminal

Launch the terminal again from your app launcher by searching for “Terminal.”

Step 2: Uninstall VLC

To remove VLC, type the following command and press Enter:

sudo apt remove vlc

This command will uninstall VLC from your Chromebook.

Step 3: Clean Up Unused Packages (Optional)

To make sure all residual files are removed and free up space, you can use the following command to clean up unused packages:

sudo apt autoremove

Once this is done, VLC will be completely uninstalled from your Chromebook.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I install VLC on a Chromebook without enabling Linux (Beta)?

Currently, the official VLC app is only available for Linux systems on Chromebooks through the Linux (Beta) feature. However, there are alternative options like the Android version of VLC, which can be installed directly from the Google Play Store, if your Chromebook supports it.

2. What if my Chromebook doesn’t support Linux (Beta)?

If your Chromebook doesn’t support Linux (Beta), you can still use the Android version of VLC if your device supports the Google Play Store. Just search for VLC in the Play Store, download, and install it as you would on any Android device.

3. How can I check if my Chromebook supports Linux (Beta)?

To check if your Chromebook supports Linux (Beta), go to Settings > Developers. If you see the option to enable Linux (Beta), your device supports it. You can also check Google’s official list of Chromebooks that support Linux (Beta).

4. Is VLC free to use on Chromebooks?

Yes, VLC Media Player is completely free to use on all platforms, including Chromebooks. It is an open-source application, meaning there are no hidden costs or subscriptions involved.

5. What file formats can VLC play on my Chromebook?

VLC supports a wide variety of audio and video file formats, including but not limited to MP4, AVI, MKV, MP3, FLAC, and more. It is known for handling uncommon formats and codecs that the default media player on your Chromebook might not support.

Conclusion

Installing VLC Media Player on your Chromebook is a straightforward process, whether you use Linux (Beta) or the Google Play Store. VLC’s ability to handle multiple file formats and codecs makes it an excellent choice for Chromebook users looking for more robust media playback. Additionally, the ability to uninstall VLC is just as simple, allowing you to keep your Chromebook’s storage optimized. If you encounter any issues, the FAQs above should help guide you through common concerns.

Now you’re all set to enjoy your media with VLC on your Chromebook!