Download Details

Version: 26.10.21.0 (latest)
File size: 48.88 MB
License: Free
Security scan: VirusTotal: 48 of 48 engines say OK (0 flagged)
SHA-256 checksum: 71374ce7f60136b8e8dd1618f736d37ccbefcc5875feb33650f9f8de0bba87e8
Developer: Kakao Corp.
Supported OS: Windows 11, Windows 10
Installers: 64-bit (x64), 32-bit (x86), ARM (Arm64), Offline
Downloads: 16450
Rating: 4.9 out of 5 · 111 reviews
File name(s): PotPlayerSetup64.exe, PotPlayerSetup.exe, PotPlayerSetupARM64.exe

Reviewed by Mohamed Zaki
Tested on Windows 11 and 10 · November 3, 2026 · How we review

Screenshots

PotPlayer is a free media player from Kakao Corp. that plays most video and audio formats without a separate codec pack.

It suits people who want control over subtitles, audio, video output and keyboard shortcuts. If the built-in Windows player feels too basic, this is a strong upgrade.

It is light on system resources, so it also runs well on older PCs.

Potplayer for Windows PC

What is PotPlayer?

PotPlayer is a free video and audio player for Windows, developed by Kakao Corp. It has a loyal following among people who like to tune their playback.

It is a good fit if you want a free media player that opens MKV, MP4, FLV and OGG files without extra codec packs.

Format and codec support

PotPlayer ships with its own decoders, so most common video and audio files play right after installing. You rarely need K-Lite or a similar pack.

Tip: if a file refuses to play, update PotPlayer before installing any outside codecs. Extra codec packs can cause conflicts.

Performance and hardware acceleration

PotPlayer can use DXVA, CUDA and Intel Quick Sync to hand decoding to your graphics hardware. That keeps HD video smooth and CPU use low.

The player itself is light, which helps on older laptops.

Tip: if you get a black screen, green screen or stutter, press F5 to open Preferences and try a different video renderer or hardware decoding option. Test the same file after each change.

Subtitles, audio and playback controls

You can switch subtitle and audio tracks, load subtitle files manually, and adjust subtitle and audio sync while a video plays. Playback speed is adjustable too.

Tip: for automatic subtitle loading, give the subtitle file the same name as the video and keep both in one folder. Garbled text usually needs a different encoding in Preferences.

Bookmarks, screenshots and shortcuts

You can bookmark scenes, build playlists and capture screenshots. Almost every action can be bound to a keyboard shortcut.

Tip: set shortcuts for the actions you use most, such as skipping forward or taking a screenshot. It saves a lot of menu digging.

Customization

The interface, filters and playback options are all adjustable. That is the main appeal for power users.

Beginners can get lost here, because the Preferences window is dense.

Is PotPlayer safe to install?

The installers listed on this page scored 48 of 48 clean on VirusTotal, with 0 engines flagging them. Each build was reviewed by hand before listing, and there is no bundleware or paid placement here.

Fake installers using the PotPlayer name exist elsewhere, so download from this page or the official site only. Read each setup screen and untick any optional extra you did not request.

Who should skip it

You want a simple player with few settings.
You use a Mac, Android phone or iPhone, because PotPlayer is Windows only.
You mostly watch network streams, where VLC may be easier.

How to Download & Install

Click the download button at the top of this page to get the PotPlayer EXE installer for Windows.

Installation steps

Step 1: Open your Downloads folder and find the installer you just downloaded.

Step 2: Double-click the installer to start it.

Double Click to Begin

Step 3: The setup wizard opens on a welcome screen. Click “Next”.

Welcome Screen

Step 4: Read the license agreement, accept it and click “Next” again.

License Agreement

Step 5: Keep the suggested install folder, or click “Browse” to pick another one. Then click “Next”.

Choose Installation Folder

Step 6: Choose which components to install, such as file associations. The defaults work for most people, so click “Next”.

Customization Options

Step 7: Check the summary of your choices and click “Install”.

Step 8: Wait for the progress bar to finish.

Installation Progress

Step 9: Tick the option to launch PotPlayer and click “Finish”.

Completion

Which installer should you choose?

Main installer: usually 64-bit, the right pick for almost every Windows 11 and Windows 10 PC.
32-bit installer: only for older 32-bit systems.
ARM64 installer: for Windows devices with an ARM processor.

System requirements

Windows 11 or Windows 10
A 64-bit (x64), 32-bit (x86) or ARM (Arm64) processor, matching the installer you choose

How to update PotPlayer

Download the latest installer from this page and run it over your current install.

Your settings normally stay in place.

Fixing common install problems

Installer will not open: you probably picked the wrong build. Check whether your PC is 64-bit, 32-bit or ARM and download the matching installer.
Windows warns about an unrecognized app: use “More info” then “Run anyway”, but only if the file came from this page or the official site.
Unwanted extras offered during setup: read every screen and untick any optional item you did not ask for.

Uninstall PotPlayer

Step 1: Open the Start menu and search for “Programs and Features”.

Step 2: Find “PotPlayer” in the list of installed programs.

Step 3: Right-click it and choose “Uninstall”.

Step 4: Click “Uninstall” in the confirmation window.

Uninstall PotPlayer 1

Step 5: Wait for the progress bar to finish.

Uninstall PotPlayer 2

Step 6: Click “Close” when the removal is complete.

Uninstall PotPlayer 3

Pros & Cons

What we liked

Plays almost every video format
Light on system resources
Built-in decoders, no codec pack
Highly customizable interface and shortcuts
Free with hardware acceleration

What we didn't like

Preferences can overwhelm beginners
Windows only

Best PotPlayer Alternatives

VLC media player
Free open source player that handles nearly every audio and video format.
Media Player Classic – BE
Lightweight media player with built-in decoders, subtitle controls and low resource use.
PowerDVD
Blu-ray and DVD player with HDR upscaling, surround sound and library tools.

Conclusion

4.9out of 5 · 111 user ratings

PotPlayer sits among several strong free players, so here is how it compares.

App	Best For	Price	Platform	Standout Feature
PotPlayer	Tweaking playback on Windows	Free	Windows	Deep control over video, audio and subtitles
VLC	Simple playback and streams	Free	Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS	Plays almost anything on any device
MPC-BE	Minimal, lightweight playback	Free	Windows	Classic, small and fast interface
mpv	Config-file and script fans	Free	Windows, Mac, Linux	Scriptable, minimal player

Final verdict

PotPlayer is a strong free pick if you use Windows and like adjusting how video and audio play. The formats, hardware decoding and shortcuts cover most needs.

If you want something simpler or need Mac and mobile versions, VLC is the easier choice.

FAQ

Is PotPlayer safe to download and install on Windows 11 and 10?

Yes, when it comes from a trusted source. The installers on this page scored 48 of 48 clean on VirusTotal.

Fake installers with the same name are the real risk, so avoid unofficial sites and untick any optional extras during setup.

Do I need K-Lite or another codec pack to play MKV and HEVC files in PotPlayer?

No. PotPlayer includes its own decoders for most common formats, so MKV, MP4 and AVI files usually play right after installing.

Outside codec packs rarely help and can cause conflicts.

Why are subtitles not showing in PotPlayer?

Right-click the video, open the Subtitle menu and make sure a track is selected and not hidden. Load the file manually if it was not detected.

Automatic loading works best when the subtitle has the same name as the video and sits in the same folder. Garbled text usually needs a different encoding in Preferences.

How do I fix a black screen, green screen or stuttering in PotPlayer?

Update your graphics driver, then press F5 to open Preferences and try a different video renderer.

Switch hardware decoding off, or try another hardware option if it was already off. Test the same file after each change so you know what fixed it.

PotPlayer vs VLC: which media player is better for Windows?

PotPlayer gives you more control over video output, audio, subtitles and skins, which suits people who like tuning playback.

VLC is simpler, handles network streams well and also runs on Mac, Android and iPhone. PotPlayer is Windows only.

Which PotPlayer download should I choose: 64-bit, 32-bit or ARM?

Choose the main 64-bit installer for nearly every Windows 11 and Windows 10 PC.

Use the 32-bit installer only on a 32-bit system, and the ARM64 installer only on Windows devices with an ARM processor.

Found a problem with this download? Report an outdated version, broken link, suspicious installer or incorrect information.

PotPlayer