How To Install VLC Media Player on AlmaLinux 10

VLC Media Player stands as one of the most versatile and widely-used multimedia applications across all operating systems. This free, open-source media player handles virtually every audio and video format you can imagine, making it an essential tool for AlmaLinux 10 users. Whether you’re streaming content, playing local media files, or converting between formats, VLC delivers exceptional performance and reliability.

AlmaLinux 10, as a Red Hat Enterprise Linux-based distribution, provides a stable and secure platform for both desktop and server environments. However, like other RHEL-based systems, it doesn’t include VLC in its default repositories due to licensing restrictions. This comprehensive guide will walk you through multiple installation methods, ensuring you can choose the approach that best fits your system configuration and preferences.

Throughout this tutorial, you’ll learn three distinct installation methods: using EPEL and RPM Fusion repositories, Flatpak universal packages, and Snap containers. Each method offers unique advantages, from traditional package management to modern containerized applications. By the end of this guide, you’ll have VLC running smoothly on your AlmaLinux 10 system with full multimedia codec support.

Prerequisites and System Preparation

Before installing VLC Media Player, ensure your AlmaLinux 10 system meets the basic requirements. Your system should have at least 512MB of RAM and 100MB of available disk space, though more resources will provide better performance for high-definition content. Most modern systems exceed these minimal requirements significantly.

Administrative privileges are essential for installing system packages and enabling repositories. You’ll need either root access or a user account with sudo privileges. Verify your access by running sudo whoami in the terminal. If the command returns “root,” you’re ready to proceed.

Update your system packages before beginning the installation process. Run sudo dnf update to ensure all existing packages are current. This step prevents potential conflicts during the VLC installation and ensures compatibility with the latest system libraries.

Stable internet connectivity is required for downloading packages and repository metadata. The installation process will download several megabytes of data, including VLC itself and its dependencies. Consider using a wired connection if your wireless signal is unstable.

Basic terminal familiarity will help you follow the command-line instructions effectively. While this guide provides detailed explanations, understanding fundamental Linux commands like cd, ls, and basic package management will enhance your experience.

Understanding Repository Requirements

AlmaLinux 10 uses a curated set of default repositories that prioritize stability and security over comprehensive software selection. VLC requires additional repositories because it includes multimedia codecs and features that aren’t included in the base system due to patent and licensing considerations.

The Extra Packages for Enterprise Linux (EPEL) repository provides packages that complement the base AlmaLinux installation without conflicting with core system components. EPEL maintains strict quality standards and follows Red Hat’s packaging guidelines, ensuring system stability while expanding available software options.

RPM Fusion serves as the primary source for multimedia-related packages in RHEL-based distributions. This community-maintained repository includes software that cannot be included in Fedora or EPEL due to various restrictions. RPM Fusion splits into “free” and “nonfree” sections, with the free section containing open-source multimedia software like VLC.

The relationship between EPEL and RPM Fusion creates a robust foundation for multimedia applications. RPM Fusion packages often depend on libraries provided by EPEL, making both repositories necessary for a complete VLC installation. This dependency structure ensures proper integration with your AlmaLinux system.

AlmaLinux 10 maintains full compatibility with packages designed for RHEL and its derivatives. This compatibility extends to third-party repositories, meaning packages from EPEL and RPM Fusion will integrate seamlessly with your system’s package management infrastructure.

Method 1: Installing VLC via EPEL and RPM Fusion

Enabling Required Repositories

The traditional method for installing VLC on AlmaLinux 10 involves enabling both EPEL and RPM Fusion repositories. Start by installing the EPEL repository, which serves as a prerequisite for RPM Fusion packages.

Execute the following command to install EPEL:

sudo dnf install epel-release

This command downloads and installs the EPEL repository configuration, making thousands of additional packages available for installation. The installation process typically completes within seconds, depending on your internet connection speed.

Next, install the RPM Fusion free repository using this command:

sudo dnf install rpmfusion-free-release

Alternatively, you can install both repositories simultaneously:

sudo dnf install epel-release rpmfusion-free-release

For systems requiring more control over the installation process, you can use direct URLs:

sudo dnf install --nogpgcheck https://dl.fedoraproject.org/pub/epel/epel-release-latest-9.noarch.rpm
sudo dnf install --nogpgcheck https://mirrors.rpmfusion.org/free/el/rpmfusion-free-release-9.noarch.rpm

Verify successful repository installation by listing enabled repositories:

dnf repolist

You should see both EPEL and RPM Fusion repositories in the output, confirming they’re properly configured and active.

System Update and Package Cache Refresh

After enabling new repositories, refresh your system’s package metadata to recognize newly available software. This step ensures DNF can locate VLC and its dependencies across all enabled repositories.

Run a complete system update:

sudo dnf update

This command may take several minutes if many packages require updates. Allow the process to complete fully before proceeding to the VLC installation.

Clear DNF cache if you encounter repository errors:

sudo dnf clean all
sudo dnf makecache

These commands remove cached repository data and rebuild the cache with current information from all enabled repositories.

Installing VLC Media Player

With repositories properly configured, install VLC using the standard DNF package manager. The installation command automatically resolves dependencies and downloads all required components.

Install the complete VLC package:

sudo dnf install vlc

This command installs VLC along with its graphical interface, codecs, and plugins. The installation typically requires 50-100MB of disk space, depending on existing system libraries.

For server environments or minimal installations, consider the core-only package:

sudo dnf install vlc-core

The core package provides VLC’s essential functionality without the graphical interface, making it suitable for headless systems or command-line usage.

During installation, DNF may prompt you to confirm package downloads and GPG key imports. Type ‘y’ and press Enter to accept these prompts and continue the installation process.

Method 2: Installing VLC via Flatpak

Installing Flatpak Package Manager

Flatpak offers a modern approach to application distribution, providing sandboxed environments that isolate applications from the host system. This isolation enhances security while ensuring consistent application behavior across different Linux distributions.

Install Flatpak on your AlmaLinux 10 system:

sudo dnf install flatpak

Flatpak applications run in containerized environments with controlled access to system resources. This approach prevents applications from interfering with system files or other applications, improving overall system stability.

Add the Flathub repository, which serves as the primary source for Flatpak applications:

flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

Flathub provides a curated collection of applications packaged specifically for the Flatpak ecosystem. The repository includes both free and commercial applications, all distributed with consistent metadata and sandboxing policies.

VLC Installation Through Flatpak

Install VLC from Flathub using the flatpak command:

flatpak install flathub org.videolan.VLC

This command downloads the VLC Flatpak package along with its runtime dependencies. Flatpak may download several hundred megabytes of data for the initial installation, including shared runtime libraries used by multiple applications.

The installation process includes verification of digital signatures and dependency resolution. Flatpak ensures all required components are available before completing the installation.

Confirm the installation when prompted, and wait for the download and installation process to complete. The first Flatpak application installation takes longer due to runtime downloads, but subsequent installations will be faster.

Running Flatpak VLC

Launch VLC installed via Flatpak using the command line:

flatpak run org.videolan.VLC

Alternatively, VLC should appear in your desktop environment’s application menu after installation. The application integrates with your desktop environment while maintaining its sandboxed security model.

Flatpak applications may have limited access to system resources by default. Grant additional permissions if needed using Flatseal or the flatpak command-line interface. Common permissions include access to home directories, removable media, and network resources.

Method 3: Installing VLC via Snap

Snap Package Manager Setup

Snap provides another universal packaging system that delivers applications with all their dependencies bundled together. Canonical develops and maintains the Snap ecosystem, focusing on easy installation and automatic updates.

Install snapd, the Snap daemon, on AlmaLinux 10:

sudo dnf install snapd

Enable and start the snapd service:

sudo systemctl enable --now snapd
sudo systemctl start snapd

Create a symbolic link for the snap command to work properly:

sudo ln -s /var/lib/snapd/snap /snap

The Snap store provides applications packaged with their complete dependency trees, ensuring consistent behavior across different Linux distributions.

VLC Snap Installation

Install VLC from the Snap store:

sudo snap install vlc

Snap packages run with strict confinement by default, limiting their access to system resources. This security model protects your system while allowing applications to function normally within their designated boundaries.

The VLC snap receives automatic updates from the Snap store, ensuring you always have the latest version with security patches and feature improvements. You can control update timing and channels if needed.

Post-Installation Configuration

Launching VLC Media Player

After successful installation via any method, launch VLC from the command line:

vlc

For Flatpak installations, use the full application identifier:

flatpak run org.videolan.VLC

Snap installations support the standard command:

vlc

VLC should also appear in your desktop environment’s application menu under multimedia or sound/video categories. The application icon typically displays the distinctive orange traffic cone logo.

Initial Setup and Configuration

VLC’s first-run wizard guides you through basic configuration options. Accept the default privacy settings unless you have specific requirements for data sharing or online features.

Configure audio output to match your system’s sound configuration. VLC automatically detects available audio devices and selects appropriate output methods. For advanced audio setups, explore the audio preferences to configure specific devices or output formats.

Video output settings typically work well with default configuration on most systems. However, users with multiple monitors or specific display requirements may need to adjust video output preferences to achieve optimal performance.

File Association Setup

Set VLC as your default media player for supported file formats. Most desktop environments provide file association settings through their system preferences or control panels.

VLC supports an extensive range of multimedia formats, including MP4, AVI, MKV, MP3, FLAC, and many others. The application can handle both common and obscure formats without requiring additional codec installations.

Configure automatic subtitle loading and preferred subtitle languages in VLC’s preferences. The application can automatically detect and load subtitle files with matching names in the same directory as your video files.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Repository and Dependency Issues

If you encounter missing dependency errors during installation, try installing with the --skip-broken flag:

sudo dnf install vlc --skip-broken

For persistent dependency conflicts, use the --allowerasing option:

sudo dnf install vlc --allowerasing

Clean DNF cache and rebuild repository metadata if you experience package resolution problems:

sudo dnf clean all
sudo dnf makecache
sudo dnf install vlc

Some installations may require enabling the PowerTools or CodeReady Builder repository for additional development libraries:

sudo dnf config-manager --set-enabled crb

Audio and Video Playback Issues

Audio playback problems often stem from incorrect output device selection or muted system audio. Check your system’s audio settings and ensure VLC is configured to use the correct audio output device.

Video acceleration issues may require disabling hardware acceleration in VLC’s preferences. Navigate to Tools > Preferences > Video and disable hardware-accelerated decoding if you experience video corruption or poor performance.

For DVD playback issues, install additional codec libraries:

sudo dnf install libdvdcss

This package provides CSS decryption capabilities for commercial DVD playback.

Permission and Access Issues

VLC should not be run as the root user for security reasons. If you encounter permission errors, ensure you’re launching VLC as a regular user account.

SELinux policies may restrict VLC’s access to certain system resources. Check SELinux context and policies if you experience unexpected access denials:

sestatus
sudo setsebool -P allow_execmem 1

File permission issues typically resolve by ensuring your user account has read access to media files and directories. Use chmod and chown commands to adjust permissions as needed.

Advanced Configuration and Optimization

Performance Tuning

Enable hardware acceleration for improved video playback performance on systems with compatible graphics hardware. Navigate to VLC preferences and enable GPU acceleration options appropriate for your graphics card.

Adjust cache and buffer settings for network streaming or large media files. Increase file caching values in VLC’s advanced preferences to improve playback stability for high-bitrate content.

Configure memory usage limits for systems with constrained resources. VLC allows fine-tuning of memory allocation for different types of media content and streaming scenarios.

Security and Privacy Settings

Review VLC’s privacy settings to control data collection and online features. Disable automatic update checks and metadata fetching if you prefer manual control over network communications.

Configure network access controls to restrict VLC’s internet connectivity. This approach enhances security for systems in sensitive environments or with limited network access requirements.

Disable unused plugins and interfaces to reduce VLC’s attack surface and improve startup performance. The application includes numerous plugins that may not be necessary for typical usage scenarios.

Updating and Managing VLC

Regular updates ensure you have the latest features, security patches, and codec improvements. For EPEL installations, update VLC using the standard DNF command:

sudo dnf update vlc

Flatpak installations receive automatic updates through the Flatpak system:

flatpak update org.videolan.VLC

Snap packages update automatically by default, but you can manually trigger updates:

sudo snap refresh vlc

Check your installed VLC version using:

vlc --version

This command displays detailed version information and compile-time options, helping verify successful updates and troubleshoot compatibility issues.

Alternative Media Players and Comparisons

While VLC excels in format compatibility and feature richness, consider alternative media players for specific use cases. MPV offers a minimalist interface with powerful command-line controls, making it ideal for advanced users and scripting scenarios.

MPlayer provides excellent performance on older hardware with its efficient codebase and minimal resource requirements. However, it lacks VLC’s user-friendly interface and extensive format support.

GNOME’s default Videos application (Totem) integrates seamlessly with the GNOME desktop environment but offers limited format support compared to VLC. Choose VLC when you need comprehensive codec support and advanced features.

Uninstalling VLC

If you need to remove VLC from your system, use the appropriate command for your installation method.

For EPEL installations:

sudo dnf remove vlc

For Flatpak installations:

flatpak uninstall org.videolan.VLC

For Snap installations:

sudo snap remove vlc

Remove associated configuration files from your home directory if desired:

rm -rf ~/.config/vlc

Consider removing EPEL and RPM Fusion repositories if you no longer need them for other applications:

sudo dnf remove epel-release rpmfusion-free-release

Congratulations! You have successfully installed VLC. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing VLC Media Player on your AlmaLinux OS 10 system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official VLC website.