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How to Fix Keyboard Shortcuts Not Working in VLC on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

VLC Media Player is one of the most popular video players on Windows 11. It offers many keyboard shortcuts to make controlling media playback easier and faster.

Sometimes, these keyboard shortcuts may stop working, which can be frustrating. Fortunately, there are simple ways to fix this issue.

This guide will walk you through easy-to-follow steps to restore your VLC keyboard shortcuts on Windows 11. No advanced knowledge is needed.

By the end, you should have your shortcuts working smoothly again, improving your VLC experience.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

Before starting the troubleshooting, make sure of the following:

  • VLC is the active window: Keyboard shortcuts only work when VLC is focused. Click on the VLC window before using shortcuts.
  • Check your keyboard: Try typing in another app to confirm your keyboard is working normally.
  • Close other programs: Some apps may interfere with keyboard shortcuts. Temporarily close unnecessary applications.
  • Update VLC: Using the latest VLC version ensures you have recent bug fixes that might solve shortcut problems.

Step 1: Restart VLC and Your Computer

Sometimes, the simplest solution is to restart the software and your system. This clears temporary glitches.

  1. Close VLC completely. Ensure it’s not running in the background by checking the Task Manager (press Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
  2. Restart your Windows 11 PC to refresh system processes.
  3. Open VLC again and test the keyboard shortcuts.

This step is important because temporary software conflicts or system issues can cause shortcuts to stop responding.

Step 2: Check VLC Shortcut Settings

VLC lets you customize keyboard shortcuts. Sometimes, they get changed or disabled unknowingly.

  1. Open VLC.
  2. Click on Tools in the top menu, then select Preferences (or press Ctrl + P).
  3. At the bottom left, select All under “Show settings” to see advanced options.
  4. In the left sidebar, expand Interface and click on Hotkeys.
  5. Here, you will see all the keyboard shortcuts. Check if the ones you want are assigned correctly.
  6. If a shortcut is missing or incorrect, double-click the action to set a new key combination.
  7. Click Save to apply changes.

Ensuring shortcuts are properly configured is vital because VLC relies on these settings to respond to your key presses.

Step 3: Reset VLC Preferences to Default

If your shortcut settings seem messed up, resetting VLC preferences can help restore the default setup.

  1. Open VLC.
  2. Go to Tools > Preferences.
  3. At the bottom of the window, click on the Reset Preferences button.
  4. Confirm the reset if prompted.
  5. Close and reopen VLC to see if shortcuts work now.

Resetting removes any customizations or corrupt settings that might block shortcuts from functioning.

Step 4: Run VLC as Administrator

Windows sometimes restricts applications from capturing keyboard input fully unless they have administrator privileges.

  1. Close VLC if it’s running.
  2. Right-click the VLC shortcut on your desktop or Start menu.
  3. Select Run as administrator.
  4. Test if the keyboard shortcuts respond.

Running as administrator gives VLC higher permissions to interact with keyboard inputs, which can resolve shortcut issues.

Step 5: Disable Conflicting Programs

Some background apps, especially those managing keyboard inputs or shortcuts, may interfere with VLC.

  1. Look for apps like screen recorders, keyboard managers, or gaming software running in the system tray.
  2. Temporarily close these programs by right-clicking their icons and selecting Exit or Close.
  3. Restart VLC and check if shortcuts start working.

If this fixes the problem, you may need to configure those apps to exclude VLC or disable conflicting shortcut keys.

Step 6: Reinstall VLC

If none of the above steps work, reinstalling VLC can fix corrupted files or installation issues.

  1. Press Win + I to open Windows Settings, then go to Apps > Installed apps.
  2. Find VLC Media Player, click the three dots, and select Uninstall.
  3. Follow the prompts to remove VLC completely.
  4. Visit the official VLC website (videolan.org) and download the latest Windows version.
  5. Install VLC and check if keyboard shortcuts are working.

Reinstalling ensures you have a fresh, clean version of VLC without any corrupted or missing files.

FAQs

Why do VLC keyboard shortcuts only work when VLC is the active window?

VLC shortcuts are designed to work only when VLC is focused. If another window is active, VLC cannot capture your key presses.

Can I customize VLC shortcuts?

Yes, VLC allows you to change and assign new keyboard shortcuts through the Preferences menu under Hotkeys.

What if my keyboard works in other apps but not in VLC?

This usually indicates a VLC-specific problem or interference from other software. Following the steps above should help resolve this.

Does running VLC as administrator pose any risks?

Running as administrator gives VLC elevated permissions, which is generally safe if you trust the software and source. Avoid running unknown programs as admin.

Are there any alternative ways to control VLC if shortcuts fail?

Yes, you can use the on-screen controls or a VLC remote app on your smartphone to control playback.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and keyboard shortcuts still do not function, here are some final options:

  • Check VLC forums: Visit VLC official forums to seek help from the community.
  • Report a bug: Submit a bug report on the VLC bug tracker if you suspect a software issue.
  • Try alternative players: Consider other media players like MPC-HC or PotPlayer if VLC continues to have problems.
  • Windows update: Ensure your Windows 11 is updated as system updates may fix compatibility problems.

Conclusion

Keyboard shortcuts in VLC enhance your media playback experience, but it can be frustrating when they stop working. By following this step-by-step guide, you can easily diagnose and fix common issues causing shortcut failures.

Start with simple fixes like restarting VLC and your PC, then check shortcut settings and permissions. If needed, reset preferences or reinstall VLC for a fresh start. Also, watch out for conflicting software that might block shortcuts.

With these solutions, you should regain full control over VLC using your keyboard shortcuts on Windows 11. Enjoy smooth and efficient media playback!

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