VLC Media Player 3.0.24 is now available, bringing a major maintenance and security update to one of the world's most widely used free media players.

Released by VideoLAN on September 22, 2026, VLC 3.0.24 includes more than 130 security fixes across VLC and its bundled libraries. The update also upgrades FFmpeg, updates dozens of third-party libraries, adds support for additional media features, and fixes several Windows and macOS problems.

If you regularly use VLC on Windows to watch movies, play music, open different video formats, or stream media, updating to the latest version is worth considering.

In this guide, we explain what is new in VLC 3.0.24, the important security and performance improvements, supported platforms, how to update VLC on Windows, and what to do if VLC is already installed on your computer.

What Is VLC Media Player?

VLC Media Player is a free and open-source multimedia player developed by the VideoLAN project.

It supports a wide range of video and audio formats and can also handle DVDs, audio CDs, network streams, subtitles, and other multimedia sources.

One of VLC's biggest advantages is that users generally do not need to install separate codec packs for many common media formats.

VLC is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and several other platforms.

What's New in VLC 3.0.24?

VLC 3.0.24 is primarily a security, compatibility, and maintenance release, but it also introduces several useful improvements.

According to VideoLAN, the release includes more than 130 security fixes across VLC and its bundled libraries.

Here are some of the main changes.

1. More Than 130 Security Fixes

Security is one of the biggest reasons to pay attention to VLC 3.0.24.

VideoLAN says the release contains more than 130 security fixes affecting VLC and bundled libraries.

Media players process files from many different sources, so keeping them updated is important when security vulnerabilities are fixed.

If you are running an older VLC version, checking for the latest official release is a sensible maintenance step.

2. FFmpeg Updated to Version 8.1.2

VLC 3.0.24 upgrades its FFmpeg components from version 4.4 to FFmpeg 8.1.2.

FFmpeg is an important multimedia framework used for processing and handling audio and video.

The update helps VLC keep its underlying multimedia capabilities current while incorporating fixes and improvements from the newer FFmpeg release.

3. 49 Third-Party Libraries Updated

VideoLAN also reports updates to 49 third-party libraries included with VLC.

These libraries are used for different multimedia, networking, decoding, and other functions.

Keeping bundled components updated can improve compatibility, reliability, and security.

4. New ATRAC Audio Decoding Support

VLC 3.0.24 adds support for ATRAC3 and ATRAC9 decoding.

ATRAC is a family of audio compression technologies originally developed by Sony.

The new support can make VLC more useful for users who have media files using these audio formats.

5. CEA-708 Closed Captions in MP4

The new release adds CEA-708 closed-caption support in MP4.

Closed captions can provide text information alongside video content and can be useful for accessibility and supported broadcast-style content.

6. SRT Listener Mode

VLC 3.0.24 adds SRT listener mode.

SRT, or Secure Reliable Transport, is a protocol designed for reliable video and audio streaming over networks.

This improvement is particularly relevant to users working with streaming and network media workflows.

7. SFTP Public Key Authentication Options

The update also adds SFTP public-key authentication options.

This provides another authentication method for supported SFTP-related workflows.

8. Windows Startup Improvements

VideoLAN specifically lists a fix for slow Windows startup related to Daylight Saving Time changes.

If VLC has been taking unusually long to launch on a Windows computer, updating to 3.0.24 may help in situations related to this issue.

9. NV12 DirectShow Capture Support on Windows

VLC 3.0.24 adds NV12 DirectShow capture support on Windows.

This is relevant to certain video capture workflows and hardware configurations.

10. Windows Audio and Direct3D11 Fixes

The release also addresses Windows audio crashes and Direct3D11 rendering issues.

These fixes can improve reliability for users whose hardware and playback configuration is affected by the relevant problems.

11. macOS MIDI Crash Fix

For Mac users, VLC 3.0.24 fixes a MIDI playback crash affecting macOS 26 and later.

This is one of the platform-specific fixes included in the new release.

VLC 3.0.24: Important Changes at a Glance

The information above is based on VideoLAN's official VLC 3.0.24 release information.

Should You Update to VLC 3.0.24?

If you already use VLC, checking for version 3.0.24 is recommended as part of normal software maintenance because this release contains a large number of security fixes.

The update is particularly relevant for users who:

• Use VLC regularly on Windows
• Open media files from different sources
• Use network streaming features
• Experience VLC startup or playback problems
• Want the latest fixes included in the 3.0.x branch
• Are running an older VLC 3.0.x release

However, users should always download VLC from the official VideoLAN website rather than from unknown third-party download pages.

How to Check Your VLC Version

If VLC is already installed on your Windows computer, you can check the installed version without downloading anything.

Step 1: Open VLC

Launch VLC Media Player on your computer.

Step 2: Open the Help Menu

Click Help in the VLC menu.

Step 3: Select About

Choose About VLC.

A window will display information about the installed VLC version.

If your version is older than 3.0.24, you can check the official VideoLAN website for the latest release.

How to Update VLC Media Player on Windows

The safest method is to obtain VLC from the official VideoLAN source.

Method 1: Download the Latest Official Installer

Visit the official VLC website and download the Windows installer for VLC 3.0.24.

VideoLAN currently lists VLC 3.0.24 for Windows, including Windows 64-bit and Windows ARM64 options.

After downloading:

1. Close VLC Media Player.
2. Open the downloaded installer.
3. Follow the installation instructions.
4. Allow the installer to complete.
5. Launch VLC again.
6. Check the version from Help → About VLC.

Method 2: Update from an Existing VLC Installation

Depending on your existing VLC installation and update settings, VLC may notify you when a newer version is available.

If an update notification appears, follow the instructions provided by VLC.

If you are unsure whether the downloaded installer is genuine, use the official VideoLAN website rather than a third-party download portal.

Where Should You Download VLC 3.0.24?

For security and authenticity, users should obtain VLC from VideoLAN's official website.

VideoLAN identifies VLC as free and open-source software and currently lists version 3.0.24 for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and other supported platforms.

Official VLC source:
https://www.videolan.org/vlc/

KongSoftware recommends using the official software publisher's website whenever possible.

VLC 3.0.24 System Compatibility

VLC 3.0.24 is part of the VLC 3.0 “Vetinari” branch.

VideoLAN lists support across a broad range of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS.

For Windows users, the official release page lists Windows support and provides the latest Windows builds.

Because operating-system support can change over time, users should check the official VideoLAN release page for the latest compatibility information before installing VLC on an older computer.

What If VLC Is Running Slowly?

If VLC takes longer than usual to open, the first step should be to make sure you are using the latest version.

VLC 3.0.24 specifically includes a fix related to slow Windows startup when Daylight Saving Time changes.

If the problem continues after updating, try these basic troubleshooting steps:

1. Restart Windows

A simple restart can resolve temporary system or application problems.

2. Reset VLC Preferences

Corrupted or unusual VLC settings can sometimes cause unexpected behavior.

You can reset VLC preferences and test the program again.

3. Reinstall VLC

If the problem continues, uninstalling and reinstalling VLC from the official VideoLAN source can help determine whether the existing installation is damaged.

4. Check Security Software

Security software can sometimes interfere with applications.

If you suspect antivirus or security software is affecting VLC, do not immediately disable your protection. First make sure that VLC was downloaded from the official VideoLAN website and investigate the specific security alert or behavior.

Is VLC 3.0.24 Free?

Yes.

VLC Media Player is free and open-source software developed by the VideoLAN project.

There is no need to purchase a paid license simply to use the standard VLC Media Player.

Users should be careful with websites that claim they require payment for a normal VLC installation.

Does VLC Support 4K and HDR?

VLC's 3.0 branch supports hardware decoding and includes support for 4K/8K playback, HDR, and HDR tone mapping on supported hardware and configurations.

Actual playback quality depends on your computer hardware, operating system, media file, codecs, drivers, and display.

Therefore, having VLC installed does not automatically guarantee smooth 4K or 8K playback on every computer.

Does VLC Need Extra Codec Packs?

For many common video and audio formats, VLC includes the necessary multimedia support within the application.

This is one reason VLC is popular among Windows users.

Installing random third-party codec packs is generally unnecessary for normal VLC playback and can introduce additional software that you may not need.

Common VLC 3.0.24 Questions

Is VLC 3.0.24 the latest VLC version?

As of the publication of this article, VideoLAN lists VLC 3.0.24 as the current release in the 3.0.x branch. The release was published on September 22, 2026.

Because software versions can change, always check the official VideoLAN website for the newest release.

Is VLC 3.0.24 safe to install?

VLC 3.0.24 is an official VideoLAN release and includes more than 130 security fixes. Users should download it from the official VideoLAN website to reduce the risk of downloading a modified or fake installer.

Does VLC 3.0.24 work on Windows?

Yes. VideoLAN provides VLC 3.0.24 Windows builds, including a Windows 64-bit version.

Does updating VLC delete my media files?

Updating VLC normally does not delete your personal videos, music, photos, or other media files because those files are stored separately from the VLC application.

However, it is always good practice to keep important personal files backed up.

Can I continue using an older VLC version?

You may be able to continue using an older release, but using outdated software can mean missing security fixes, bug fixes, compatibility improvements, and other updates.

For this reason, users should periodically check the official VLC release information.

VLC Media Player 3.0.24 File Size

The download size of VLC Media Player 3.0.24 can vary depending on the operating system and installer version.

For Windows users, VideoLAN provides different builds, including Windows 64-bit and Windows ARM64 versions. The installer size may therefore differ between editions.

Before downloading, check the official VideoLAN download page and select the version that matches your Windows system.

VLC 3.0.24 Download Information

Tip: We recommend checking the file size shown on the official VideoLAN download page immediately before downloading because installer sizes can change between builds and releases.

Final Thoughts

VLC Media Player 3.0.24 is an important update for Windows and other supported platforms.

The release is particularly notable because VideoLAN reports more than 130 security fixes, an upgrade to FFmpeg 8.1.2, updates to 49 third-party libraries, and several new features and platform-specific fixes.

For Windows users, the update also includes improvements related to startup, audio, Direct3D11 rendering, and NV12 DirectShow capture.

If you are currently using an older version of VLC, checking the installed version and updating from the official VideoLAN website is a practical way to keep your media player current.

KongSoftware recommends downloading software from official or authorized sources and checking the publisher's website for the latest version, system requirements, and security information.

How to Download and Install VLC on PC?

1. Click on the Download Button below.
2. Open the downloaded .exe file. (Approximately 43MB to 46MB)
3. Click "Next" and then "Install". (After Installation Roughly 180MB to 200MB)
4. Enjoy your favorite movies!
⬇ Download VLC Player (Official)

Official Source

VideoLAN – VLC Media Player:
https://www.videolan.org/vlc/

VLC 3.0.24 Release Information:
https://images.videolan.org/vlc/releases/3.0.24.html

About This Article

This article was prepared by KongSoftware using information from the official VideoLAN VLC 3.0.24 release information. Software features and availability may change after publication, so readers should check the official publisher website for the latest information.

KongSoftware – Software, Technology & Helpful Guides.