How to Play MKV Files

Using VLC Media Player

1. Open the VLC Media Player webpage. Go to https://www.videolan.org/.

2. Click Download VLC. It's a blue button on the right side of the page. Doing so will prompt the VLC setup file to begin downloading to your computer.

   1. VLC's site will detect your operating system (e.g., Windows or Mac) and provide you with the correct download file.

3. Wait for the VLC setup file to download. Depending on your browser's settings, you may first have to select a download location or confirm the download before it will start downloading.

4. Install VLC media player. This process will vary based on your computer's operating system:

   1. Windows - Click Next in the bottom-right corner of the window until VLC begins installing, then click Finish when the setup completes.
   2. Mac - Open the setup file, verify the installation, and then drag the VLC icon onto the "Applications" folder shortcut.

5. Open VLC Media Player. Double-click the orange traffic cone icon to open VLC.

6. Click Media. This tab is in the upper-left corner of the VLC Media Player window. Doing so prompts a drop-down menu.

   1. On a Mac, click the File menu item in the top-left corner of the screen instead.

7. Click Open File…. You'll find this option near the middle of the drop-down menu. Clicking it opens a window in which you can select a file to open in VLC Media Player.

8. Select your MKV video. Click the file you want to open in VLC. You may first have to click the folder that the MKV video is in (e.g., Desktop) on the left side of the window.

9. Click Open. It's in the bottom-right corner of the window. Doing so will open the MKV video in VLC Media Player, where it should begin playing like any other video file.