How To Play A VOB File On Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

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5 min. read

Published on November 10, 2025

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VOB files, or Video Object files, are commonly found on DVDs and contain the actual video data, audio data, subtitles, and other navigation content. While they were once a standard format, playing VOB files directly on Windows 11 can sometimes be tricky due to codec compatibility. This guide will walk you through several methods to easily play your VOB files on your Windows 11 computer.

Whether you’re trying to watch a movie you ripped from a DVD or accessing video content stored in this format, understanding the best ways to handle VOB files is essential. We’ll explore different media players and conversion options to ensure you can enjoy your video content without any playback issues.

What’s the Best Way to Play VOB Files on Windows 11?

Here are several methods you can use to play VOB files on Windows 11:

Using VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player is a free, open-source, and versatile media player that supports a wide range of video and audio formats, including VOB files. It’s often the easiest and most reliable solution.

Download and install VLC Media Player from the official website (https://www.videolan.org/vlc/).
Open VLC Media Player.
Click on “Media” in the menu bar.
Select “Open File…” or “Open Folder…” depending on whether you want to play a single VOB file or an entire DVD folder.
Navigate to the location of your VOB file or DVD folder.
Select the VOB file or folder and click “Open”.
VLC Media Player will start playing the VOB file.

Using PotPlayer

PotPlayer is another excellent free media player known for its extensive codec support and customization options.

Download and install PotPlayer from the official website (https://potplayer.daum.net/).
Open PotPlayer.
Right-click anywhere within the PotPlayer window.
Select “Open” and then “Open Files…” or “Open Folder…”
Navigate to the location of your VOB file or DVD folder.
Select the VOB file or folder and click “Open”.
PotPlayer will begin playing the VOB file.

Converting VOB Files to a More Compatible Format

If you’re still having trouble playing VOB files directly, you can convert them to a more widely supported format like MP4 using a video converter.

Download and install a video converter like Handbrake (https://handbrake.fr/) or Freemake Video Converter.
Open the video converter.
Import the VOB file you want to convert.
Choose MP4 as the output format.
Adjust any desired video settings (resolution, bitrate, etc.).
Select an output folder for the converted file.
Start the conversion process.
Once the conversion is complete, you can play the MP4 file with any media player on Windows 11.

Using Windows Media Player (with Codec Pack)

While Windows Media Player doesn’t natively support VOB files, you can add support by installing a codec pack.

Download and install a codec pack like K-Lite Codec Pack (Basic version is sufficient) from (https://www.codecguide.com/download_kl.htm).
Follow the installation instructions, making sure to select the option to install codecs for VOB files.
Open Windows Media Player.
Navigate to the location of your VOB file.
Double-click the VOB file to play it.

Tips for Smooth Playback

Keep your media players updated: Regularly update your media players to ensure you have the latest codecs and bug fixes.
Check hardware acceleration: Ensure hardware acceleration is enabled in your media player settings for smoother playback, especially for high-resolution VOB files.
Optimize video settings: If you experience choppy playback, try lowering the video resolution or bitrate in your media player settings.
Defragment your hard drive: A fragmented hard drive can cause playback issues. Run a disk defragmentation tool to optimize your drive.
Close unnecessary programs: Close any resource-intensive programs running in the background to free up system resources for video playback.

Comparison of VOB File Players and Converters

Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose the best method for playing VOB files:

Feature	VLC Media Player	PotPlayer	Handbrake (Converter)	K-Lite Codec Pack (for WMP)
Ease of Use	Very Easy	Easy	Moderate	Moderate
VOB Support	Native	Native	Requires Import	Adds Support
Other Formats	Extensive	Extensive	Extensive	Extensive
Customization	Moderate	High	Moderate	Limited
Cost	Free	Free	Free	Free

Enjoying Your VOB Files on Windows 11

With these methods, you should be able to easily play VOB files on your Windows 11 computer. Experiment with different media players and conversion options to find the solution that works best for you.

FAQ

How do I convert a VOB file to MP4?

You can use a video converter like Handbrake or Freemake Video Converter. Import the VOB file, select MP4 as the output format, and start the conversion.

Why won’t Windows Media Player play my VOB files?

Windows Media Player doesn’t natively support VOB files. You need to install a codec pack like K-Lite Codec Pack to add VOB support.

Is VLC Media Player safe to download?

Yes, VLC Media Player is safe to download from the official website (https://www.videolan.org/vlc/).

What is the best free VOB player for Windows 11?

VLC Media Player and PotPlayer are both excellent free VOB players for Windows 11.