How can I download and update the VLC codec? – Step by step guide

To liven up moments in your workplace, such as your office or home, the most common is to do it from our computer. This is because there are different media players that make it possible. 

Therefore, if you want to listen to music from your computer, you need to download an audio player for this purpose, and you must also have encoders that allow you to play the files. The most recommended is VLC because it has the ability to play a large number of audio and video formats due to the VLC codec.

In this guide you will know about VLC codec, how you can download them and if you already have them, what you should do to update them, and the advantages of using the VLC program over others that we already know.

What are VLC codecs? Characteristics

You must have prior knowledge of what the VLC codec means. These are programs that are run from the audio and video player in order to process the media files, compressing and decompressing the same according to their content, and thus enable it for use.

So that you know much more about the codecs, we will talk about their characteristics:

• They cause loss of information. When the action of the codecs is executed on a given file, and the compression process is carried out, a certain amount of information is lost. And this happens with most of them. Since when you compress it, the size of the file is reduced, containing it in a certain place so that it can later be executed in the multimedia player.
• Codecs that do not cause information loss. There are codecs, as is the case of one called FLAC that do not generate a great loss of information and maintain their quality as far as audio or video is concerned. The same when compressing it, the size of the file is reduced and some quality is lost, but using FLAC this is reduced.
• A security cone. VLC has a distinctive that characterizes it visually, and it is an orange cone that represents a multimedia section on our computer. Seeing this image will immediately bring to mind the VLC program.

 How can I download and update my VLC codec?

The VLC application is one of the most complete since it has integrated almost all the codecs that exist. It has wide compatibility with a variety of audio and video files. In addition, it allows you to download the VLC codec and even update them, just by following the steps below:

Documents to download:

• Access the 'Tools' option. Once there, you will be shown various options, from which you must choose and click on 'Add-ons and extensions'. Other options will be displayed and you will need to select 'Search internet plug-ins'.
• The 'Video LAN' page will open immediately, showing you a section in which you will write the name of the codecs you want to download, if you have a particular name at hand.

To actualize: Generally, VNC automatically downloads the codecs that the application needs, but we can also do it manually:

• Go to the 'Help' option and we are located in 'Check for Updates' and select it. This will show us the most recent update of the VLC application, as well as its respective codecs, to which we must give 'Yes'. We must then choose the location and click 'OK'. You'll see the download process, and that's it, you'll be able to access VLC without fear of inconvenience.

Keeping your player updated It will hardly cause any inconvenience when you use it on Windows.

Advantages of using the VLC program

Using the VLC program represents a great advantage for the following reasons:

• It has a great ability to access various formats audio and video, since its automated system. It executes an intelligent process of searching for and downloading different types of codecs, and stores them in its system, saving you time and putting at your disposal a very helpful program in this field.
• If you are one of those who want do it manually, also VLC gives you the opportunity to run the procedure yourself.
• Compatibility with streaming platforms, and converters in different formats. Being the same a tool that you can easily customize according to your preferences.

• Having VLC as default media player in Windows. If you liked all the advantages that VLC offers you, you can have it as your default player. That way, you can quickly access it.
• You won't have to worry about searching and downloading on the web codecs for your player, it currently represents the best choice when it comes to media players.

The choice of the player that you will have in your team is only up to you. but remember thatue in these times of technology, we must choose the ones that best adapt to our circumstances and demands, and VLC represents this and more.