Can VLC Play Blu-ray: Discover the Proper Ways on Windows and Mac

VLC media player is one of the most popular open-source media players in the world. It runs on all platforms and can play almost everything, including media files, discs, webcams, devices and streams. However, many users still ask the same question: Can VLC play Blu-ray discs? The short answer is yes - but with limitations. In this guide, we'll explain the limitations and show you how to play Blu-ray discs with VLC step by step.

Part 1. Can VLC Play Blu-ray Discs?

Yes, VLC supports Blu-ray playback, but it cannot play many commercial Blu-ray discs by default. Most Blu-ray movies are protected by encryption technologies such as Advanced Access Content System (AACS). Since VLC is an open-source project, it does not include built-in libraries to decrypt these protections.

To enable VLC Blu-ray playback, users usually need to download the AACS library and the keys database. Many newer Blu-ray discs use AACS 2.0 or higher, which older versions of VLC may not support. To ensure smooth playback, make sure you have the latest version installed.

Follow the comprehensive guide below, and you'll be able to play your Blu-ray discs successfully.

Part 2. Steps on How to Use the VLC to Play Blu-ray (Windows)

Step 1Make sure that you are using the required version of VLC. Otherwise, upgrade or install the VLC Windows 3.0 with 64bit for you to possibly play the Blu-ray on your Windows device.

Step 2Next, you need to download the AACS library and the keys database. This will avoid the issue of playing encrypted Blu-rays. Visit https://www.videolan.org/developers/libaacs.html or https://github.com/KnugiHK/libaacs-libbdplus-windows to acquire the said keys and library. Now, you should make sure that the database file, namely KEYDB.cfg, along with the dynamic library, namely libaacs.dll, after getting VLC to play Blu-ray should be on your Windows computer.

Step 3Rename the downloaded folder as AACS and transfer the KEYDB.cfg file there. After that, go to your local drive C:Program FileVideoLANVLC to drop the libaacs.dll file into.

Step 4Finally, you can now open the VLC and insert your Blu-ray disc on your computer. Then, go to Media, and choose Open Disc. Toggle the Blu-ray, select your Blu-ray disc, then click Play on the popped-up window.

Part 3. Steps on How to Use the VLC to Play Blu-ray (Mac)

For Mac users, the exact requirement follows. This way, you can use the VLC player to play Blu-ray. You will notice that the steps below are quite the same as the previous steps for Windows computers.

Step 1Go to the Apple Store and get the latest version of the VLC for Mac.

Step 2Now same for Windows; visit http://vlc-bluray.whoknowsmy.name/ and start getting the required files. Please note that for Mac OS, you should have the /Library/Preference/aacs/ file name where you put the KEYDB.cfg file. Then, for the AACS library, go to the VLC and right-click to select the Show Package Contents to look for the Contents/MacOS/lib/, and put the libaacs.dll file to it.

Step 3You can now play the Blu-ray on VLC by inserting the disc on your Mac, launching the media player, and proceeding to the playback procedure.

Part 4. Troubleshooting: Fix VLC Blu-ray Playback Errors

Sometimes VLC still fails to play Blu-ray discs. Here are some common problems and solutions.

Part 5. A Much Easier Way to Play Blu-ray Movies Your Personal Computer

If the guidelines above proved to you the cumbersome procedure of VLC in playing Blu-rays, you should switch to a much easier and much more versatile master of Blu-rays and DVDs, which is the AVAide Blu-ray Player. This prominent software gives users the same level of quality on Mac and Windows OS devices. Furthermore, it comes with an interface that you can grasp and recognize quickly at first glance, for it has the most straightforward playback controls ever. If the VLC player can play Blu-ray with the help of the updated version and AACS libraries, this AVAide Blu-ray Player can play the Blu-ray without installing any other files. It means it works perfectly by itself.

How to Play Blu-rays Effortlessly

Step 1Get this powerful Blu-ray player to your personal computer. Grab it by clicking the download buttons presented.

Step 2Unlike how the VLC does to play Blu-ray, you can already do the task immediately after installation. So, insert your Blu-ray disc now, then launch the software and click the Open Disc option.

Step 3After that, choose your disc on the popped-up window, and click the OK button. Subsequently, the tool will bring you to the next window for the playback.

Step 4You can check and use the playback controls, and the presets presented on the interface this time. This way, you will be able to recognize all of the beautiful features this tool offers.

Part 6. FAQs Regarding VLC and Blu-rays

What is the Blu-ray codec for the VLC media player?

VLC supports various codecs. However, the primary codec that a blu-ray has fully supported by VLC is the H.264, also known as the MPEG-4.

How will I play different codecs on VLC?

If you want to play different codecs on VLC, go to its Tools and click Preferences. Then, click on the Input/Codec and start applying the other codecs you want on the setting window.

Why do I see errors saying it can't open my input in VLC?

This error usually occurs because VLC might not support the commercial disc you are using.

By Bryan Simmonds on Mar 13, 2026