Ever tried opening a .VOB file on Windows 11 only to realize it won’t play? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. VOB files (short for Video Object) are typically found on DVDs and contain video, audio, and subtitles all packed into one format. While older versions of Windows had built-in support, Windows 11 doesn’t play VOB files natively.

The good news? There are several easy ways to play VOB files on your Windows 11 PC. In this guide, I’ll walk you through step-by-step methods so you can watch your DVD videos without any hassle.

Table of Contents

What Is a VOB File?

A VOB file (.vob) is the standard container format for DVD video. It usually stores:

Video (MPEG-2 codec)
Audio (MP2, AC3, or DTS)
Subtitles
DVD menus

If you’ve ever copied a DVD to your computer, you’ve probably seen these files inside the VIDEO_TS folder.

Why Can’t Windows 11 Play VOB Files Natively?

Windows 11 doesn’t include DVD codecs or a built-in DVD player app. This means that even though your system recognizes the file, the default Movies & TV app can’t open it. You’ll need a third-party player or codec.

Method 1: Play VOB Files Using VLC Media Player (Recommended)

The easiest and most reliable way to play VOB files is by using VLC Media Player.

Steps:

Download VLC Media Player from the official VLC website.
Install and open VLC.
Click on Media > Open File.
Browse and select your .vob file.
Hit Play.

👉 VLC supports VOB playback out of the box—no extra codecs needed.

Method 2: Play VOB Files Using Windows Media Player (With Codec Pack)

If you prefer Windows Media Player, you’ll need additional codecs.

Download and install a trusted codec pack (e.g., K-Lite Codec Pack).
Open Windows Media Player.
Drag and drop your .vob file into the player.

Now it should play smoothly.

⚠️ Be cautious when downloading codec packs—stick to official websites to avoid malware.

Method 3: Play VOB Files with Media Player Classic (MPC-HC)

Media Player Classic – Home Cinema (MPC-HC) is another lightweight option.

Download MPC-HC from its official site.
Install and open the app.
Drag your .vob file into the player.

It’s simple, fast, and doesn’t hog system resources.

Method 4: Convert VOB Files to MP4

If you don’t want to install extra players, you can convert VOB files into MP4, which works everywhere.

Using VLC:

Open VLC Media Player.
Go to Media > Convert / Save.
Add your .vob file.
Click Convert / Save.
Choose MP4 as the output format.
Click Start.

Now you can play the converted MP4 on Windows 11 with the default Movies & TV app.

Method 5: Play VOB Files from a DVD Directly

If you still have a DVD with VOB files:

Insert the DVD into your laptop’s DVD drive (or external DVD drive).
Open VLC Media Player.
Go to Media > Open Disc.
Select your DVD drive.
Click Play.

This lets you watch the full DVD with menus and subtitles.

Method 6: Use Online VOB Players

If you don’t want to install software, online players like FileProInfo or Online-Convert can open VOB files.

Go to a trusted online VOB player.
Upload your .vob file.
Play or convert it to a compatible format.

⚠️ Not recommended for large files or sensitive content due to privacy concerns.

Method 7: Use Built-in Windows DVD Player (Paid App)

Microsoft offers a DVD Player app on the Microsoft Store, but it’s not free.

Open the Microsoft Store.
Search for Windows DVD Player.
Purchase and install it.
Use it to play DVD VOB files.

While it works, most users prefer free alternatives like VLC.

Troubleshooting: VOB File Won’t Play?

If your VOB file still won’t play:

Make sure the file isn’t corrupted.
Try using a different player like VLC or MPC-HC.
Update your graphics drivers.
Reinstall the codec pack.

Best Option for Most Users

If you want the simplest solution, go with VLC Media Player. It’s free, open-source, and supports almost every format including VOB, MP4, MKV, AVI, MOV, and more.

Conclusion

Playing a VOB file on Windows 11 isn’t as straightforward as double-clicking, but it’s still easy once you know how. Whether you use VLC Media Player, install a codec pack, or convert to MP4, you’ll have your DVD videos running smoothly in no time.

If you want a no-hassle, one-click solution, VLC Media Player is the way to go.

FAQs

1. Can Windows 11 play VOB files natively?
No, Windows 11 does not include built-in support for VOB files. You’ll need a third-party player or codecs.

2. What’s the best free software to play VOB files on Windows 11?
VLC Media Player is the most reliable free option.

3. Can I convert VOB files to another format?
Yes, you can convert VOB to MP4 using VLC, HandBrake, or online converters.

4. Do I need to install codecs to play VOB files?
Not if you use VLC or MPC-HC. But Windows Media Player requires a codec pack.

5. Is it safe to play VOB files online?
Yes, but only use trusted platforms. Avoid uploading sensitive files to online converters.

How to Play a VOB File on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide