Can’t get the VLC quick-launch icons to show up in Windows 11? Then let us know the various reasons why this happens. I’ve also provided some troubleshooting advice that should get you back on track in no time.

VLC shortcuts may not operate when mistakenly allocating the hotkeys in VLC hotkey settings. Using more than one type of keyboard layout could also cause this problem. It may be a problem in the version of the VLC media player that you have installed on your computer.

A broken keyboard driver or an incompatible keyboard layout can prevent you from using the VLC media player’s shortcut keys. If the Human Interface Device service is somehow deactivated on Windows 11, that won’t enable the keyboard shortcuts execute. Keyboard shortcuts for VLC might not work if you’re also using them for another app.

 

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Method 1: It’s Time For a Driver Update For Your Keyboard.

It is recommended to begin troubleshooting by manually updating the keyboard driver on your computer.

  1. By hitting Windows + X, you may access the Device Manager.
  2. Click Keyboards to reveal its contents.
  3. Just update the driver by right-clicking on its name and choose that option.
  4. To have Windows automatically find and instal the correct drivers, use the check box labelled Search Automatically for Drivers.
  5. Restart VLC after driver installation and give the shortcuts a go.

Method 2: The Appropriate Keyboard Layout Must Be Set

Avoid utilising different keyboard layouts and use just one. You’ll need to go into the Windows 11 controls to change that.

  1. To access the settings menu, press Windows + I.
  2. Here, on the left side. Select the Language and Time tab.
  3. Simply select Language & Region.
  4. Activate the language switcher by selecting the ellipsis ( ) button next to the active language.
  5. Select Language Settings from the drop-down box that appears.
  6. A new keyboard can be added by selecting the Add a Keyboard option.

Method 3: Put the VLC Media Player to Rest And Then Relaunch it.

If the VLC shortcuts aren’t working, closing the VLC media player is a quick and easy solution.

  1. In order to exit VLC, select the X in the top right corner.
  2. Hold off for a second, and then launch VLC.
  3. Make sure the shortcut keys are active now.

Method 4: Avoid Using Incompatible Apps

You may encounter issues while attempting to utilise the VLC media player alongside another app that makes use of keyboard shortcuts/hotkeys to operate some of its functions. Potential tensions could arise as a result of this. Close other programmes to make full advantage of VLC’s shortcuts.

  1. To access the task manager, press Ctrl+Shift+Esc.
  2. Select the programme you want to end by right-clicking it beneath the Processes tab.
  3. From the menu, choose the option to End Task.
  4. You may use the same procedure for any other programme, besides VLC, and it will work just fine.

Method 5: To Use a Human Interface Device With Windows, You Must Activate The Service.

If you have disabled the HID service, or Human Interface Device service, here’s how to turn it back on.

  1. Simply press the Windows key plus R, then enter services.msc.
  2. To access the Human Interface Device Service, just go there. It just needs a double-click on your part.
  3. Select the General tab in the Properties window.
  4. Select Startup Type from the menu that appears.
  5. Choose Automatic, then click Apply and finally OK.
  6. Get VLC going and get comfortable with the shortcuts.

Method 6: Try The Keyboard Repair Utility on Windows.

Windows has some diagnostic tools that can be used to fix various issues. Windows has a specialised tool for addressing keyboard difficulties. Here’s how to call it forth and put it to use.

  1. To open Windows, hit the Windows key.
  2. Select Settings Troubleshooting and press Enter. If it comes up in the search results, select Open to access it.
  3. Proceed by selecting Other Troubleshooters.
  4. Select Keyboard, and then hit the “Run” button.

To continue with the troubleshooting, please follow the on-screen instructions.

Method 7: Clear the VLC Keyboard Shortcuts Menu.

VLC’s hotkey settings can be restored to their factory defaults. Try this if you’ve already tweaked the hotkey settings and it’s stopped responding.

  1. The VLC media player should be started up on the computer.
  2. Select Instruments from the main menu.
  3. Choose Options / Preferences from the main menu. [Alternatively, you can open VLC and then press Ctrl + P]
  4. Select Hotkeys from the Simple Preferences menu.
  5. It’s time to reset your preferences, so do that now.

Method 8: Shortcuts in VLC Can be Reassigned.

Additionally, there is something else you can do. If you have any VLC shortcuts that aren’t functioning, try reassigning them.

  1. Turn on your PC and launch VLC.
  2. Select Instruments from the main menu.
  3. To adjust your preferences, either go to the Edit menu and pick Preferences, or use the shortcut Ctrl + P.
  4. In the Basic Options menu, select Hotkeys.
  5. Just launch VLC by double-clicking on its short cut.
  6. Then, to restore the original shortcut, press the old one again (Ctrl + F, for example).
  7. You must use the Save button to keep your modifications.
  8. Close VLC and relaunch it. Now, try using the hotkeys and it should work now.