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[FIXED] An error occurred while checking for updates in VLC

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Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

VLC won’t update on Windows 10

VideoLAN’sVLC Media Playeris the definition of agood media player. It covers so many audio and video formats, which makes it a go-to player whenever others fail. And it’s completely free, without overpriced features competition offers.

Playback issues are also quite rare, as it isn’t dependent onthird-party codec packs.

However, there are some minor problems here and there. One of the reoccurring errors is theAn error occurred while checking for updateserror.

As you know,VLCwill prompt you whenever a new version is available. On the other hand, you can check forupdatesmanually under the Help section.

And that’s when the aforementioned error appears. We enlisted some viable solutions for the problem, so check them out below.

How to fix update errors on VLC

1: Check the connection

Let’s start bychecking the connection. We need to be sure that your PC can connect to a dedicated server and check for availableupdates.

If the problem is general in nature and you can’t connect to the internet at all, we enlisted some steps which should help.

On the other hand, if the problem is isolated andVLCwon’t update, continue with the steps below.

Here are some basic troubleshooting steps to resolve the problem:

Limited internet connection? Fix the issue in no time with our detailed guide!

2: Allow VLC to communicate through Firewall

Another possible reason for update issues lies inWindows Firewall. Namely, if you haven’t allowed VLC to freely communicate through Windows Firewall, it won’t be able to connect to a dedicated server.

Thus, the client won’t be able to update. Therefore, make sure to allow VLC through the Firewall before moving to additional steps.

Follow these steps to allow VLC through Windows Firewall:

Check out this guide and learn how to open Firewall ports like a real technician!

3: Run VLC as admin

If some third-party application can’t execute certain features, it might be due to system limitations.Windows 10as a platform isn’t exactly keen to allow third-party applications to download anything.

These permissions should be granted after the program is installed from a trusted source. However, seemingly, that’s not always the case.

So, what you’ll need to do to avoid possible system-imposed boundaries is to run VLC as an administrator. If you’re not sure how to set this permanently, follow these steps:

4: Disable a third-party antivirus

Besides the Windows Firewall exclusion, there are also the security measures athird-party antivirusbrings. If you’re using some of the advanced security suits, chances are that it comes with the dedicated Firewall.

These can, regardless of Windows Firewall settings, block some third-party apps from accessing the online content.

Now, you might as well whitelist theVLC Media Player, but disabling the Firewall temporarily (until theupdatesare administered) is a much better choice.

It won’t do you any harm if you disable antivirus completely for a limited time. Just don’t forget to re-enable it later on.

Choose the best antivirus tools from this fresh list to avoid any unpleasant surprise!

5: Update VLC manually

Finally, if none of the previous steps worked, we suggest trying the manual approach.

Namely, if you’re sure that there’s a new version ofVLC Media Playerand you can’t get it via the over-the-airupdate, there’s another way.

Just navigate to the official website and download the version which suits you best. VideoLAN even offers the UWP version of the player you can find in the Store. If that’s your cup of tea.

You can download the latest iteration ofVLC Media Player,here. And if you’re keen to try out the UWP version fromMicrosoft Store, navigatehere.

[FIXED] An error occurred while checking for updates in VLC#

VLC won’t update on Windows 10#

How to fix update errors on VLC#

1: Check the connection#

2: Allow VLC to communicate through Firewall#

3: Run VLC as admin#

4: Disable a third-party antivirus#

5: Update VLC manually#