Playing multiple videos simultaneously on Windows 10 is a breeze if you know the right steps. Essentially, you need to use multiple media player windows or employ specific software designed for this purpose. By following a few simple steps, you can enjoy watching several videos at once without fuss.
How to Play Multiple Videos at Once Windows 10
To begin, you’ll need to open several media player applications or instances. This process will let you play different videos at the same time. Below are easy-to-follow steps to accomplish this task.
Step 1: Open the File Explorer
First, open the File Explorer on your Windows 10. You can do this by clicking the folder icon on the taskbar or pressing ‘Win + E’ on your keyboard.
This will give you access to your stored videos. Make sure they are all in easily accessible folders for quick access.
Step 2: Navigate to the Video File
Second, navigate to the location of the video file you wish to play. Double-click to open it with your default media player.
Your default media player (like Windows Media Player or VLC) will open and start playing the video.
Step 3: Open a New Instance of the Media Player
Third, open a new instance of your media player. If you are using VLC, you can easily do this by right-clicking its icon and selecting "Open another instance."
This new instance will allow you to play a second video alongside the first one.
Step 4: Load Another Video
Fourth, load another video into this new media player instance by dragging and dropping the video file into the new window or using the ‘Open File’ option.
Now you have two videos playing simultaneously in two separate windows.
Step 5: Repeat as Needed
Fifth, repeat these steps as necessary to open more videos. Each new instance can play a different video.
After completing these steps, you should have multiple videos playing on your screen at once. You can resize and move these windows for optimal viewing.
Tips for Playing Multiple Videos at Once Windows 10
- Use Lightweight Players: VLC is great for this task, but other lightweight players like Media Player Classic can also be useful.
- Adjust Playback Settings: Lower the resolution if you experience lag; this will reduce the load on your system.
- Organize Your Desktop: Arrange video windows neatly to avoid clutter.
- Close Background Apps: This will help allocate more system resources to video playback.
- Shortcut Keys: Learn media player shortcuts for quick control over multiple videos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different media players for each video?
Yes, you can use different media players for different videos if you prefer.
Will this slow down my computer?
It might if your system has limited resources. Close unnecessary applications to ease the load.
Can I sync the playback of all videos?
Not directly; you’ll have to manually start them at the same time, but some software offers this feature.
Is there a limit to how many videos I can play?
Technically, no. But practically, it depends on your system’s resources.
Can I play multiple videos in full-screen mode?
You can, but it’s more practical to keep them windowed to switch between them easily.
Summary
- Open the File Explorer.
- Navigate to the video file.
- Open a new instance of the media player.
- Load another video.
- Repeat as needed.
Conclusion
Playing multiple videos at once on Windows 10 is straightforward once you know the steps. Whether you’re a multitasker who likes having background noise or someone analyzing different video feeds simultaneously, using multiple instances of media players is your go-to method. Of course, ensure your computer can handle the extra load—otherwise, you might experience lag or crashes.
You can explore different media players to find the one that suits your needs best. VLC stands out because of its flexibility and range of supported formats, but others like Media Player Classic or even Windows Media Player can do the job. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll find it’s a handy skill to have in your tech toolkit.
So, what are you waiting for? Give it a try and see how smoothly your Windows 10 handles multiple video tasks. Who knows? You might discover new ways to enjoy or utilize video content that you hadn’t thought of before.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.