Windows 11 includes a built-in video player called Films & TV. While the Films & TV app is fantastic, it lacks a number of important multimedia capabilities. The first issue you’ll probably encounter while using the Films & TV app is file format incompatibility and playing difficulties.
While video codecs may be installed in Windows 11 to resolve playback difficulties caused by incompatible file types, using a third-party media player program is preferable. When it comes to video players for Windows 11, you have several options, just as in Windows 10.
Best Free Video Players for Windows 11 List
Many free video players for Windows 11 available online have improved capabilities and provide an outstanding video viewing experience.
You may begin playing locally saved films on your device with those media players for Windows 11. But first, have a look at the top free video players for Windows 11.
1. VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player is absent from every ranking of the top media players for PC. VLC Media Player is a free and open-source media player program that works on nearly every platform.
The media player is cross-platform and can play practically any video and audio files.
VLC Media Player is more lightweight and uses fewer system resources than other media player programs for Windows 11. VLC Media Player can also transcode video files, stream videos online, and do other functions.
2. Media Player Classic
Many similarities exist between VLC Media Player and Media Player Classic. The user interface is nearly same. If you want a very lightweight, open-source media player for Windows 11, Media Player Classic could be the best option.
When it comes to file compatibility, Media Player Classic can play any video or audio file you can think of.
The Media Player Classic installation file is completely spyware-free, and it displays no advertisements on the toolbar or any other aspects of the media player.
3. GOM Player
Although GOM Player is not as well-known as VLC or Media Player Classic, it does have numerous advanced video-playing functions.
The media player is completely compatible with Windows 11 and provides several customization possibilities. GOM Player can play 360-degree and 8K videos in addition to standard video and audio file types.
GOM Player is free, although it includes advertisements in a few of the media player’s aesthetic aspects. If you can live with the advertisements, GOM Player could be the best option.
4. 5KPlayer
5KPlayer is a little more complex than the other video player applications mentioned in this post. It can play films and manage your full video library stored locally.
5KPlayer will automatically scan your disks for videos once loaded. After retrieving the films, it displays the whole video collection in a single location.
In terms of file compatibility, 5KPlayer supports nearly all major video formats, including 360-degree and 8K movies.
5. PotPlayer
PotPlayer is one of the web’s best and most sophisticated video players for Windows 11. Unlike other media players that require a separate codec installation to handle files, PotPlayer includes a large number of codecs.
Almost all major video and audio file types are supported by the free video player for Windows 11. PotPlayer can also play 360-degree and 8K videos on a suitable device.
Aside from basic video playback, PotPlayer can also record the screen, edit videos, and do a variety of other things.
6. KMPlayer
Although KMPlayer is not the most popular option on the list, it does support the most of the main video and music file types. Furthermore, the video player for Windows 11 PC is absolutely free to download and install, with no adverts displayed.
KMPlayer supports a wide range of codecs and high-definition services, including 4K, UHD, and 3D movies. It may also be used to record your screen.
KMPlayer is a good media player, but it has a few problems that frequently disrupt the video-watching experience.
7. MPV Player
MPV Player’s user interface is dated; yet, it is one of the best free media players available for Windows 11. MPV Player is a cross-platform, free, open-source media player recognized for its extensive scripting features.
Scripts may be used to make the media player do nearly anything. If you don’t care about the technological aspects, you may use it to play movies and audio.
The media player has no graphical user interface; instead, it features a tiny controller on top of the video for basic control. In addition, MPV Player may leverage your GPU to decode videos.
8. DivX Player
DivX Player is one of the few Windows 11 video players that supports the HECV format. This comprehensive video program allows you to play, produce, and cast your favorite films.
The media player is available in both free and paid versions for Windows and Mac. DivX Player’s free version supports all major video and music formats, including 4K videos.
9. PowerDVD
PowerDVD is the only way to have a great video viewing experience on your Windows 11 PC. It’s a full-featured media management program for Windows 11 that may assist you in managing all videos on your HDD/SSD.
PowerDVD can stream videos from online streaming sources in addition to playing videos from your local storage. Not only that, but PowerDVD allows you to download videos from streaming websites for offline viewing. PowerDVD supports all major video file formats, including HEVC and XAVC-S, in terms of file compatibility.
10. AllPlayer
AllPlayer is an underappreciated video player that is capable of competing with expensive video players for Windows 11. This free video player may be used to play videos from your local storage.
AllPlayer is compatible with all major file formats, including the most recent video and audio standards, such as 4K Ultra HD and WebM. The most striking feature of AllPlayer is its ability to automatically download subtitles.
Furthermore, Donly Surround, DTS, 3D Audio, SPDIF, and other sound systems are supported by AllPlayer. As a result, AllPlayer is an underappreciated free video player for Windows 11 that you should not overlook.