VLC Media Player: Find and open the error log - how it works

If you have problems with the VLC media player, it is often worth taking a look at the error log. You can look up both the error log of the VLC player and that of Windows. We'll show you both ways.

Open the error log in the VLC player

The VLC media player contains its own event log, in which all messages of the tool are recorded. In addition to errors, this also includes mere warnings and information on the program sequence. You can find the error log directly in the VLC player.

1. Start the VLC player and click on "Tools" in the menu bar.
2. Select the "Messages" entry in the submenu to open the error log.
3. In the new window you can see all events since the last start of the VLC player. Click Save As to extract the error log.
4. Tip: As an alternative to the procedure described above, you can use the key combination [Ctrl] + [M] under Windows or [CMD] + [Shift] + [M] under MacOS to call up the error log.

Alternative: Call Event Viewer in Windows

If the fairly simple error log of the VLC player is not enough for you, you can also call up the event viewer in Windows. You will also find any errors in the media player there. There is currently no comparable function available for Mac users.

• First open the control panel on your PC.
• In the "System and Security" category, select the "Administration" sub-item.
• Double-click the "Event Viewer" entry to open the error log of the same name.
• You may have to confirm the user account control with your password.

If the VLC player no longer plays DVDs, you do not need to call up the error log. In this case, we will help you on the next page.