How to Play VOB Files in Windows 11? Step-by-Step Guide

There are multiple ways to play VOB files in Windows 11. The most reliable method is to use a third-party media player that supports DVD formats and MPEG-2 codecs. Windows 11 does not always include native DVD playback capability, which is why VOB files may not open correctly.

You have three main options:

Use a dedicated media player that supports VOB files
Install codec packs to extend Windows Media Player compatibility
Convert the VOB file into a universally supported format

Among these methods, using VLC media player is the easiest and safest option. It is free, lightweight, and supports almost all video formats without requiring extra codecs.

In this complete guide, you will learn what a VOB file is, why it does not always work in the default player, and the exact steps to play it smoothly in Windows 11.

Table of Contents

What is a VOB File in Windows Media Player?

A VOB file, short for Video Object file, is a multimedia container format used on DVD video discs. It usually contains video, audio, subtitles, and menu information bundled together in one file. These files are commonly found inside the VIDEO_TS folder of a DVD.

In older systems like Windows Media Player, VOB files were sometimes playable if the correct DVD codecs were installed. However, in modern systems such as Windows 11, built-in codec support is limited. As a result, Windows Media Player may not recognize or properly decode VOB files.

A VOB file typically:

Is part of a DVD structure
Contains MPEG-2 video encoding
May include multiple audio tracks
Can include subtitles and DVD navigation data

Because of this complex structure, you need a compatible media player or convert the file into a more commonly supported format like MP4.

How to Play VOB Files in Windows 11?

To play VOB files in Windows 11, install a compatible media player such as VLC media player, open the program, click on Media, select Open File, and choose your VOB file. Alternatively, you can convert the VOB file to MP4 format using a video converter and then play it with the default media player.

Below is a detailed step-by-step guide.

Method 1: Play VOB Files Using VLC Media Player

Open your web browser and go to the official website of VideoLAN. Download the latest version of VLC media player compatible with Windows 11.

Make sure you download it from the official website to avoid malware or modified versions.

After downloading the installer file, double-click it. Follow the on-screen instructions and complete the installation process. The setup wizard will guide you through selecting the language and installation preferences.

Once installation is complete, launch VLC media player.

Inside VLC, click on Media in the top left corner. Select Open File from the dropdown menu. Browse to the location where your VOB file is stored. Select the file and click Open.

The VOB file should now start playing immediately with both video and audio working properly.

If you copied the entire DVD and have multiple VOB files inside a VIDEO_TS folder, click on Media and choose Open Folder instead of Open File. Select the VIDEO_TS folder, and VLC will play the DVD structure correctly.

This method preserves subtitles and menu structure if available.

Method 2: Play VOB Files Using Windows Media Player with Codecs

If you prefer using Windows Media Player, you may need to install additional codec support.

Search for a reliable MPEG-2 codec pack online. Make sure it supports Windows 11 and is from a reputable source.

Run the installer and follow the instructions. Once installed, restart your computer to ensure the codec integrates properly.

Locate your VOB file, right-click on it, and select Open With. Choose Windows Media Player. If the codec installation was successful, the file should play without errors.

Keep in mind that installing third-party codec packs can sometimes cause conflicts, so this method is less recommended compared to VLC.

Method 3: Convert VOB File to MP4 Format

If you want maximum compatibility, converting the VOB file into MP4 format is a good solution. MP4 works seamlessly in Windows 11 and on almost all devices.

You can use the VLC media player itself as a converter.

Launch VLC on your computer. Click on Media and choose Convert Save. In the File tab, click Add and select your VOB file. Then click Convert Save at the bottom.

Under Profile, select Video H 264 plus MP3 MP4 format. Choose a destination file name and location. Click Start.

The conversion process will begin. Once completed, you can open the MP4 file using the default Movies and TV app in Windows 11.

Faqs

Why does Windows 11 not play VOB files by default?

Windows 11 does not include built-in DVD playback codecs such as MPEG 2 due to licensing restrictions. That is why VOB files may not open in the default player.

Can I rename a VOB file to MP4 to make it work?

No. Simply renaming the file extension does not change the file format. You must properly convert the file using a video converter.

Is VLC media player safe to use?

Yes. VLC media player is developed by VideoLAN and is widely trusted worldwide. It is open source and free from spyware.

Can I play VOB files without installing software?

Not reliably. Windows 11 requires either additional codecs or a third-party player to handle VOB playback properly.

What is inside a VOB file?

A VOB file typically contains video streams, audio streams, subtitles, and DVD navigation information bundled into one container format.

Summary

Playing VOB files in Windows 11 is simple once you understand that the default system does not fully support DVD-based formats. A VOB file is a DVD video container format that stores video, audio, and subtitle data in a structured format.

The easiest and most effective solution is installing VLC media player, which supports VOB files without requiring additional codecs. Alternatively, you can install MPEG 2 codec packs for Windows Media Player or convert VOB files into MP4 format for universal compatibility.

If you frequently work with DVD content, using VLC is the most reliable long-term solution. It ensures smooth playback, better compatibility, and fewer technical issues in Windows 11.