Windows – VLC player hotkeys will only work while it is selected

musicvlc-media-playerwindows 7

I got my media keys to work in the hotkeys under the settings, and they do work… when I have VLC selected. If I deselect it (not close the window, just click on another one) then the keys will not work. So, while playing Skyrim, I cannot press the next key and change the song, unless I select it first, which then the button is pointless. Please help. How do I get the Media keys to work while in another window other than VLC player?

Best Answer

From the VLC Wiki:

VLC Global Hotkeys are shortcuts you can use even if VLC does not have the focus. Here is how to configure Global Hotkeys:

  • Tools » Preferences » HotKeys
  • Under the Global column, double-click the value corresponding to the function you want a global key assigned to.
  • Press the key or key combination you want
  • Click Apply
  • Click Save

You will have to quit and restart VLC for the new assignments to be effective.

To unset/clear a global hotkey: Proceed as if you wanted to set a new key, but press the pause/break key.

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