How to Open VOB Files on Windows 10

To open a VOB file on Windows 10, install the free VLC media player from videolan.org, then right-click the VOB file and select Open with > VLC media player. To play a whole DVD folder with its parts in order, open VLC, select Media > Open Folder, and choose the VIDEO_TS folder.

Applies to: Windows 10. Checked on October 9, 2026. Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025; the same steps work on Windows 11.

What is a VOB file?

VOB (Video Object) is the file format used on DVD-Video discs. VOB files sit in a VIDEO_TS folder along with IFO and BUP files, which hold the menus and chapter information. A VOB file contains MPEG-2 video plus audio and subtitle tracks. A long movie is split into several files of about 1 GB each, named VTS_01_1.VOB, VTS_01_2.VOB and so on.

Method 1: Open VOB files with VLC

1. Download VLC from the official site, videolan.org, and install it.
2. Right-click the VOB file in File Explorer and select Open with > VLC media player.
3. To always open VOB files with VLC, select Open with > Choose another app, pick VLC, and tick Always use this app to open .vob files.

VLC includes its own MPEG-2 decoder, so it plays VOB files without extra codecs. Use the Audio and Subtitle menus to switch languages or turn subtitles on.

Method 2: Play the whole DVD folder with menus

Opening a single VOB file plays only that part, without the DVD menu. To watch the full movie in order:

1. Open VLC.
2. Select Media > Open Disc.
3. Choose DVD, select Browse, and pick the folder that contains VIDEO_TS.
4. Select Play.

If you only want the movie without menus, Media > Open Folder on the VIDEO_TS folder also works. To play a disc in your drive instead of files, see how to play DVDs on Windows 10.

Method 3: Use Windows’ built-in apps

Windows 10 doesn’t include DVD playback, and its built-in players need Microsoft’s MPEG-2 decoder to play VOB video. Many PCs already have the MPEG-2 Video Extension from the Microsoft Store. If yours does, right-click the VOB file and choose Open with > Windows Media Player or Films & TV. If you get sound with no picture, or an error, use VLC instead.

Method 4: Other free players

• MPC-HC (Media Player Classic – Home Cinema): a lightweight open-source player that handles VOB files and DVD folders.
• PotPlayer: a free player with built-in codecs. Download it only from the developer’s site, and decline any extra offers during setup.

Convert VOB to MP4

MP4 files are smaller and play on phones, TVs and in Windows’ own apps. To convert with the free HandBrake app:

1. Install HandBrake from handbrake.fr.
2. Select Folder (Batch Scan) and pick the VIDEO_TS folder, or select File and pick one VOB file.
3. Choose the longest title, which is usually the main movie.
4. Pick a preset such as Fast 1080p30, choose where to save, and select Start Encode.

VLC can also convert, using Media > Convert / Save, but HandBrake gives you more control over quality and file size.

Join several VOB files into one

If you want a single file to play or share, HandBrake is the easiest option because it reads the whole title and outputs one MP4. To join the VOB files without converting, open Command Prompt in the VIDEO_TS folder and run:

copy /b VTS_01_1.VOB+VTS_01_2.VOB+VTS_01_3.VOB movie.vob

List the parts in order. Because VOB files are MPEG-2 program streams, the joined file usually plays straight through in VLC.

Extract just the audio

1. In VLC, select Media > Convert / Save.
2. Select Add, choose the VOB file, then select Convert / Save.
3. Under Profile, choose Audio – MP3.
4. Select Browse to name the file, then Start.

This is handy for concert DVDs or recorded talks where you only need the sound.

If a VOB file won’t play

• Video is choppy or stops between parts: you opened one VOB file. Open the whole VIDEO_TS folder instead.
• There’s sound but no picture: the player lacks an MPEG-2 decoder. Use VLC.
• The file won’t open at all: it may be damaged or incomplete. Copy it from the disc again. You can also try renaming a copy from .vob to .mpg, since VOB video is MPEG-2.
• Files copied from a commercial DVD won’t play: many store-bought DVDs use copy protection. Play the disc itself in a DVD player app instead.
• Subtitles are missing: turn them on from the Subtitle menu in VLC. Some subtitles are stored in the IFO files, so open the full folder.

To back up a DVD you made yourself, see how to copy a DVD in Windows 10.

Frequently asked questions

Can Windows Media Player open VOB files?

Sometimes. It needs Microsoft’s MPEG-2 decoder, and it can’t show DVD menus. VLC is the more reliable choice.

Is VLC safe?

Yes, when you download it from videolan.org. VLC is free, open-source and has no ads. Avoid copies from third-party download sites.

Can I delete the IFO and BUP files?

Only if you’ve converted the video. The VOB files play without them, but you’ll lose menus, chapters and sometimes subtitles.

Why are there so many VOB files?

DVDs split video into files of about 1 GB. VTS_01_0.VOB usually holds the menu, and VTS_01_1.VOB onward hold the movie.

Related: How to Play Blu-ray on Windows 10.