VLC Shortcuts and Hotkeys Not Working: FIX for Mac and Windows 10

VLC role player is the go-to app on every last major platforms, desktop, and mobile, for reliably playing a media file. The app supports a enlarged number of sound and video recording formats, allows users to stream content over the network, and has extensive tools for managing media and even converting media files.

With such an big list of features, it only makes sense that VLC player has extensive support for keyboard shortcuts. Non only does VLC player bread and butter keyboard shortcuts, it also allows users to custom-make them.

VLC shortcuts/hotkeys not working in VLC

Keyboard shortcut underpin is great and mostly speaking, all apps should have it. The only shortcoming with keyboard shortcuts is that there is a limited number of combinations that fire be used and oftentimes, lots of apps use the same combination.

If keyboard shortcuts are non working in VLC player, try the following fixes.

Before you start: If you suspect there might be a physical problem with your keyboard, i.e., a keypress isn't being executed, check the keys premier by followers this guide. If the keys are sending stimulation, continue with the fixes at a lower place.

1. Quit other/similar apps

A difference 'tween keyboard shortcuts is the number one reason for them not working. Generally speaking, the app that was run first will commandeer the keyboard shortcuts that it of necessity. Later apps that are run and use the unvarying combination of keys will non be capable to execute IT.

Cease completely apps that are running, especially if they'Re media players or apps like Spotify or Netflix.
Quit and restart VLC player.
Use the keyboard shortcuts and they should figure out.

2. Check keyboard shortcut mapping

If just about keyboard shortcuts cultivate in VLC player, but a prize few fare non, it is possible that the mapping of a keyboard shortcut has been removed.

Open VLC thespian.
Go off to Tools>Preferences.
Go to the Hotkeys tab.
Feeling through and through the list of hotkeys and make indisputable the unity you're trying to expend is mapped.
If the shortcuts are all ransacked, pawl the Reset Preferences button.
If a single shortcut is unmapped, double-penetrate it and enter the shortcut key combination you want to exercise.
Detent Save.
Restart VLC player.

3. Check keyboard layout

You will find the same put of keys on all keyboards however, their arrangement may not always be the same. Many keyboard layouts have major or minor differences and they may impact how keyboard shortcuts are dead.

On Windows 10

Examine your keyboard and look nearly at the arrangement of the keys.
Open the Settings app (Profits+I keyboard shortcut).
Go to Fourth dimension &adenylic acid; Language.
Select the Language tab.
Prime your language and click Options.

Below Keyboards, check which keyboard layout has been added.
If IT is false, click Add Keyboard and select the correct layout from the lean.

On macOS

Open Scheme Preferences.
Go to Keyboard.
Go up to the Input Sources tab key.
Get through the plus button at the bed of the left column.
Select the correct layout for your keyboard.
Remove the layout that doesn't match the physical keyboard.

4. Run keyboard trouble shooter

Windows 10 has a trouble shooter for the keyboard and it may resoluteness whatever is causing VLC to non respond to keyboard shortcuts.

Open the Settings app (Win+I keyboard shortcut).
Fail to Update &ere; Security.
Select the Troubleshoot tab.
Click Additional Troubleshooters.
Select the Keyboard troubleshooter and run it.
Apply all changes/fixes it recommends.

5. Uninstall and reinstall VLC player

VLC player isn't infallible. Information technology's a stable app, and it keister update in situ only it can still run into problems. If all else fails, uninstall the app and set u it over again.

Open Control Panel.
Die off to Programs>Uninstall a program.
Select VLC thespian and click the Uninstall button.
Once uninstalled, download and set u VLC player again.

Conclusion

When an app doesn't reply to a particular keyboard shortcut, the cuplript is normally another app that is using the indistinguishable shortcut, or it's a script that a drug user is running but has lost about. If you have any AHK scripts or the likes of running, or you've used a keyboard remapping tool on your system, quit/undo the changes and it will restore problems with VLC's keyboard shortcuts.