VLC Media Player is a widely used and highly versatile media player, appreciated for its user-friendly interface and customizable keyboard shortcuts. However, some users experience problems where keyboard shortcuts stop working, either partially or completely. This issue can occur on both Mac and Windows 10/11 systems. If you’re facing this frustrating problem, don’t worry — there are several solutions to try.
In this guide, we’ll explore common reasons why keyboard shortcuts might not work in VLC and provide step-by-step fixes for both Mac and Windows.
1. Check If Global Hotkeys Are Enabled
One of the first things you should check is whether the global hotkeys feature is enabled in VLC. Global hotkeys allow you to use keyboard shortcuts even when VLC is not the active window, and it’s essential to ensure that they’re working correctly.
– Solution:
– Open VLC and navigate to Tools > Preferences.
– In the Preferences window, select the Hotkeys tab.
– Scroll down and look for the Global Hotkeys section.
– Ensure that global hotkeys are enabled by checking if the desired keyboard shortcuts are assigned to specific actions.
– If not, set them by clicking on the relevant action and pressing your preferred key combination.
After confirming or adjusting your global hotkeys, check whether the issue persists.
2. Update VLC Media Player
Using an outdated version of VLC can sometimes cause issues with keyboard shortcuts due to bugs or compatibility problems with your operating system.
– Solution:
– Open VLC and go to Help > Check for Updates.
– If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install the latest version.
Keeping VLC up to date ensures that you have the latest bug fixes, which can resolve issues like non-functional keyboard shortcuts.
3. Reset VLC Preferences
If the issue persists after updating, there might be corrupted settings in VLC’s configuration files. Resetting the preferences to their default settings can help resolve this issue.
– Solution (Windows and Mac):
– Open VLC and go to Tools > Preferences.
– At the bottom of the Preferences window, click Reset Preferences.
– Confirm the action by clicking OK.
After resetting the preferences, restart VLC and check if your keyboard shortcuts are working again.
4. Check for System-Level Conflicts
Sometimes, system-level settings or other applications may interfere with VLC’s keyboard shortcuts. For instance, your operating system might have its own shortcuts that conflict with VLC’s, or another application might be hijacking certain key combinations.
– Solution (Windows 10/11):
– Open the Settings app and navigate to Ease of Access > Keyboard.
– Turn off any system-level shortcuts that may conflict with VLC’s keyboard controls, such as Sticky Keys or Filter Keys.
– Solution (Mac):
– Go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts.
– Check for any global shortcuts that may conflict with VLC’s.
Once system-level conflicts are addressed, test VLC to see if the issue is resolved.
5. Reinstall VLC Media Player
If none of the above solutions work, reinstalling VLC is often the last and most effective step. Reinstalling ensures that all files are reset, and any corrupt installations are fixed.
– Solution:
– On Windows, open Settings > Apps and uninstall VLC. Then download and reinstall the latest version from the official website.
– On Mac, drag the VLC application to the Trash, empty the Trash, and download the latest version from the VLC website.
If your keyboard shortcuts are not working in VLC, the issue can usually be resolved by enabling global hotkeys, updating VLC, resetting preferences, checking for conflicts, or reinstalling the player. By following these steps, you should be able to restore full keyboard functionality in VLC and enhance your viewing experience.