If you've been using Windows for years, there's one app you've likely installed on every PC you've owned: VLC. Whether the file was outdated, poorly encoded, or came with unsynced subtitles, VLC almost always worked. That’s why, even in 2026, it remains one of the most installed pieces of software in the world.
But here’s the surprising news: VLC now runs natively on Windows with Snapdragon (ARM64 processors). Even more surprising? It still supports Windows XP Service Pack 3. ARM, Copilot+ PCs, and Windows XP—all in the same update. Sounds surreal, but it’s real.
At TecnetOne, we break down what this move means, why it matters for the future of Windows, and what it says about well-built software.
VLC has always been that go-to media player you install by default. You wipe your PC, reinstall Windows, and before even copying your files, you download VLC.
It doesn’t require a store, login, or ads, and it plays nearly every format imaginable—even broken ones.
Meanwhile, Windows on ARM has long been an unfinished promise. Microsoft has tried multiple times, but always fell short: limited compatibility, emulated apps, sluggish performance, and slow adoption.
That began to change with Copilot+ PCs and Snapdragon X, where Windows on ARM is no longer an experiment but a serious platform. That’s where VLC comes in.
Until now, if you had a laptop with an ARM processor, most traditional apps only ran through emulation (via Prism on Windows). That worked, but came with trade-offs:
With VLC now compiled natively for ARM64, all that changes. The media player no longer has to translate x86/x64 instructions—it now speaks the same language as the hardware.
If you work, study, or just consume lots of media on a Snapdragon-powered laptop, you’ll notice the difference.
Read more: Microsoft Redesigns Windows Security Without Antivirus in the Kernel
Native ARM64 support comes with VLC versions 3.0.22 and 3.0.23, but not every Windows version is compatible:
If you have a modern Snapdragon-based device, you’re good to go.
While the ARM update grabs headlines, this VLC release brings broader improvements for traditional Windows, Linux, and even older systems.
VLC still isn’t the prettiest app, but now:
Not a massive redesign, but definitely welcome.
VLC continues focusing on technical upgrades over flashy features:
You can also rename, move, or delete files during playback in Windows now—small, but very handy.
Yes, you read that right: VLC still runs on Windows XP SP3—in 2026.
A system officially dead for over a decade still gets attention in VLC’s changelog.
From a security perspective, nobody recommends using Windows XP. But the reality is:
VLC isn’t encouraging you to stay on XP—but it isn’t abandoning you either.
This move speaks volumes about open-source values:
While many apps chase the latest trends, VLC proves you can look forward without breaking the past.
At TecnetOne, we see this as a clear lesson: technology isn’t just about rapid innovation—it’s about balance, compatibility, and user responsibility.
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That such a popular app as VLC is embracing native ARM is a major signal:
VLC doesn’t jump early—it moves when it makes practical sense. Their choice now implies ARM on Windows is truly viable.
It also puts pressure on other devs to follow. And the more native apps we get, the better the experience becomes for everyone.
Short answer: Yes.
Especially if you:
Even on traditional Windows, you’ll still benefit from upgrades—without losing compatibility.
VLC stays true to its core:
That it can embrace Windows ARM with Snapdragon and still support Windows XP in 2026 isn’t a contradiction—it’s a philosophy.
At TecnetOne, we believe this is the kind of software that shapes computing history. Once again, VLC proves why it’s indispensable.