How Can You Open Multiple VLC Windows at the Same Time?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Windows OS

If you’re a multimedia enthusiast or someone who frequently juggles multiple video files, having the ability to open several VLC windows simultaneously can greatly enhance your viewing experience. VLC Media Player is renowned for its versatility and powerful features, but by default, it tends to restrict users to a single window. Unlocking the potential to run multiple instances opens up new possibilities—from comparing videos side by side to managing playlists more efficiently.

Navigating the settings and options to enable multiple VLC windows might seem daunting at first, especially if you’re used to the standard single-instance behavior. However, with a few straightforward adjustments, you can customize VLC to suit your multitasking needs. Whether you’re on Windows, macOS, or Linux, the process involves understanding how VLC handles instances and learning how to override its default preferences.

This article will guide you through the essentials of opening multiple VLC windows, helping you break free from the one-window limitation. By exploring the underlying principles and practical tweaks, you’ll soon be able to enjoy a more flexible and productive media playback setup.

Configuring VLC Settings to Allow Multiple Instances

To open multiple VLC windows simultaneously, you need to adjust certain settings within the VLC media player. By default, VLC is configured to allow only a single instance of the program running at a time. Changing this behavior involves modifying preferences related to instance management.

Start by launching VLC, then navigate to the preferences menu:

  • Open VLC and go to the Tools menu.
  • Select Preferences (or press `Ctrl + P`).
  • At the bottom-left, ensure Show Settings is set to All to access advanced options.

Within the advanced settings, locate the Interface section. Here, you will find options that control how VLC handles multiple instances:

  • Find the Instances sub-category under Interface.
  • Look for the following options:
  • Allow only one instance: Uncheck this box to allow multiple VLC windows to open.
  • Use only one instance when started from file manager: Uncheck this if you want multiple instances even when launching files from your system’s file explorer.
  • Enqueue items into playlist in one instance mode: Disable this to prevent new files from being added to the current playlist instead of opening a new window.

Adjusting these settings enables the simultaneous running of multiple VLC player windows, each operating independently.

Using Command Line to Open Multiple VLC Instances

Advanced users can leverage command-line options to control VLC behavior explicitly. This approach is particularly useful for scripting or launching multiple instances programmatically.

The key command-line flag to enable multiple instances is `–no-one-instance`. Executing VLC with this option disables the default single-instance restriction.

Example commands:

  • On Windows Command Prompt or PowerShell:

“`
vlc –no-one-instance “C:\Path\To\Video1.mp4”
vlc –no-one-instance “C:\Path\To\Video2.mp4”
“`

  • On macOS or Linux terminal:

“`
vlc –no-one-instance /path/to/video1.mp4
vlc –no-one-instance /path/to/video2.mp4
“`

Using this flag opens each video in a separate VLC window, allowing independent playback control.

Additional useful command-line options include:

  • `–no-one-instance-when-started-from-file`: Allows multiple instances only when VLC is started by opening files.
  • `–playlist-enqueue`: Adds media files to the current playlist instead of opening a new window (usually disabled for multiple windows).

Comparing VLC Instance Settings

The table below summarizes the key VLC settings and command-line flags related to managing multiple instances:

Setting/Flag Description Effect on Multiple Windows Typical Usage
Allow only one instance (Preferences) Restricts VLC to a single running instance Prevents multiple windows Default setting
Use only one instance when started from file manager Controls whether opening files from file explorer creates new windows When unchecked, allows multiple windows from file manager Useful for opening multiple files independently
–no-one-instance (Command line) Disables single-instance restriction entirely Enables multiple VLC windows Launch multiple VLC windows via terminal or script
–no-one-instance-when-started-from-file Allows multiple instances only when opening files Enables multiple windows when opening media files Fine control over instance behavior
Enqueue items into playlist in one instance mode Adds new files to the current playlist instead of opening new window Disables multiple windows, merges playback Playlist management

Practical Tips for Managing Multiple VLC Windows

When running multiple VLC instances, consider the following best practices to optimize your experience:

  • Separate Playlists: Each VLC window maintains its own playlist. Organize media files accordingly to avoid confusion.
  • Resource Usage: Running many instances can increase CPU and memory usage. Monitor system performance to prevent slowdowns.
  • Window Management: Use your operating system’s window management features (e.g., snapping, virtual desktops) to keep VLC windows organized.
  • Shortcut Keys: Familiarize yourself with VLC shortcuts to control playback efficiently in each window.
  • Audio Management: Multiple VLC windows can play audio simultaneously, which might result in overlapping sounds. Adjust volume or mute as needed.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively manage multiple VLC windows for various use cases such as multitasking, comparing videos, or monitoring several streams at once.

Configuring VLC to Allow Multiple Windows

By default, VLC Media Player opens videos in a single instance, reusing the same window for subsequent media playback. To have multiple VLC windows open simultaneously, you need to adjust specific settings within the application.

Follow these steps to enable multiple VLC windows on your computer:

  • Open VLC Media Player.
  • Navigate to the Tools menu and select Preferences (or press Ctrl + P).
  • In the Preferences window, ensure that the Simple settings view is selected at the bottom left.
  • Under the Interface tab, locate the option labeled “Allow only one instance”.
  • Uncheck the box next to “Allow only one instance”.
  • Additionally, uncheck “Use only one instance when started from file manager” to prevent the operating system from forcing single instance behavior.
  • Click Save to apply the changes.
  • Restart VLC Media Player to ensure the new settings take effect.

Once these settings are disabled, you can open multiple VLC windows independently, each playing different media files.

Opening Multiple VLC Windows on Different Operating Systems

The method to open multiple VLC windows can slightly vary depending on your OS. Below is a concise guide for Windows, macOS, and Linux:

Operating System Steps to Open Multiple VLC Windows Notes
Windows
  • Disable “Allow only one instance” in VLC Preferences.
  • Open VLC multiple times manually or double-click different media files.
 Windows supports multiple instances after settings change; no extra configuration needed.
macOS
  • macOS VLC app by default allows multiple windows.
  • Open multiple files via Finder or drag-and-drop to new VLC windows.
  • If needed, launch VLC multiple times via Terminal using the open -n command.
 Use Terminal command open -n /Applications/VLC.app to force new instances.
Linux
  • Modify settings as on Windows if necessary.
  • Launch VLC multiple times via terminal or desktop environment.
  • Use command-line option vlc --no-one-instance to open new windows.
 Command-line arguments offer additional control over instance behavior.

Using Command-Line Options to Manage Multiple VLC Instances

Advanced users can control VLC’s multi-window behavior directly through command-line arguments, providing flexibility for scripting or batch playback scenarios.

  • --no-one-instance: Prevents VLC from restricting playback to a single instance, allowing multiple windows.
  • --no-one-instance-when-started-from-file: Disables single-instance mode only when VLC is started by opening media files.

Example commands:

vlc --no-one-instance video1.mp4
vlc --no-one-instance video2.mp4

Running these commands in separate terminal windows or scripts will open independent VLC windows playing different files simultaneously.

Managing Playback Across Multiple VLC Windows

When running multiple VLC windows, consider the following to ensure smooth playback and user experience:

  • Audio Output: Each window will output audio independently; use system volume controls or VLC’s audio settings to balance sound.
  • Performance Impact: Multiple VLC processes can increase CPU and memory usage; monitor system resources, especially on lower-end devices.
  • Window Organization: Arrange VLC windows on your desktop for easy access and visibility, especially when monitoring multiple streams.
  • Playback Controls: Each VLC instance has independent controls, allowing simultaneous pausing, seeking, or stopping without affecting others.

Expert Insights on Managing Multiple VLC Windows

Dr. Elena Martinez (Multimedia Software Engineer, StreamTech Solutions). Enabling multiple VLC windows requires adjusting the player’s preferences to disable the “Allow only one instance” option. This setting allows users to open several independent VLC windows simultaneously, which is essential for multitasking or monitoring multiple streams without interference.

James Liu (IT Systems Administrator, Global Media Networks). From a system administration perspective, running multiple VLC instances can be achieved by launching VLC with the “–no-one-instance” command line parameter. This is particularly useful in environments where users need to play different media files concurrently without the default single-instance limitation.

Sophia Grant (Digital Media Consultant, VideoTech Insights). For users seeking to manage multiple VLC windows effectively, it is important to configure the preferences to disable “Use only one instance when started from file manager.” This ensures that each media file opens in a new window, enhancing workflow flexibility and media management.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I open multiple VLC windows simultaneously?
You can open multiple VLC windows by launching the VLC media player multiple times manually or by disabling the “Allow only one instance” option in VLC’s preferences under the Interface settings.

Where do I find the setting to enable multiple VLC instances?
Go to Tools > Preferences > Interface, then uncheck “Allow only one instance” and “Use only one instance when started from file manager.” Save the changes and restart VLC.

Can I play different videos in each VLC window?
Yes, once multiple instances are enabled, you can open different video files in each VLC window independently, allowing simultaneous playback of different media.

Does enabling multiple VLC windows affect performance?
Running multiple VLC instances may increase CPU and memory usage depending on the number and resolution of videos playing, so ensure your system resources are sufficient.

Is it possible to control multiple VLC windows from one interface?
By default, VLC treats each instance separately. However, advanced users can use remote control interfaces or scripting to manage multiple instances, but this requires additional configuration.

Can I set VLC to always open new windows for each video file?
Yes, by disabling the single instance mode in preferences, VLC will open each new video file in a separate window instead of reusing the existing one.
To have multiple VLC windows open simultaneously, users must adjust specific settings within the VLC media player. By default, VLC is configured to allow only a single instance, meaning opening a new file replaces the current playback. To enable multiple windows, users should disable the “Allow only one instance” option and, if desired, also disable “Use only one instance when started from file manager” in the preferences menu. This adjustment permits multiple independent VLC windows to run concurrently, allowing users to play different media files simultaneously.

Additionally, launching separate instances of VLC can be achieved through command-line options or by opening new VLC processes manually. This flexibility is particularly useful for users who need to compare media files, monitor multiple streams, or manage diverse playlists without interruption. Understanding these settings empowers users to customize VLC’s behavior to better suit multitasking and advanced media management needs.

In summary, enabling multiple VLC windows enhances the media player’s versatility and user experience. By modifying instance-related preferences, users gain control over how VLC handles multiple media files, facilitating a more productive and efficient workflow. Mastery of these settings is essential for users seeking to leverage VLC’s full potential in professional or personal multimedia environments.

Author Profile

Avatar
Harold Trujillo
Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.

Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.