How To Open and Play VID Video Files in Windows Operating Systems (2024)

What is a VID File?

A VID file is a generic video file format that can store video data from different sources. The .vid extension is commonly used to rename video files to make them more compatible with certain media players.

There are two main types of VID files:

Generic Video Files

• Commonly used to rename video files like .mov and .mp4 to .vid to allow playback in more media players
• Contents stored in various video codecs like H.264, MPEG-4, etc.
• File size ranges from 170 MB to 1 GB
• Supported by media players like Windows Media Player, VLC, etc.

Bethesda Game Video Files

• Used in older Bethesda games like Terminator: Skynet and The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall (1990s)
• Store game video and audio data
• Contain video in the custom Bethesda VID format
• File format no longer supported in modern Bethesda games

Playing VID Files in Windows

VID files can be played in Windows using the following methods:

Use Windows Media Player

• Windows Media Player supports VID video files by default
• Provides basic playback controls like pausing, skipping, changing volume, etc.
• Limited ability to improve video quality or customize playback

Install VLC Media Player

• VLC is a free, open-source media player available for Windows
• Supports virtually all video and audio formats without additional codecs
• Provides extensive customization of playback, subtitles, effects, and more
• Can also convert VID files to other formats like MP4, AVI, etc.

Convert to a More Common Format

• VID files can be converted to MP4, MOV, etc. using Handbrake, FFmpeg, or other tools
• The converted file can then be played in additional media players
• Allows playback in devices and applications that don’t support the VID format

Play Old Bethesda VID Files

• For older Bethesda VID files, playback options are limited
• Consider converting them to MP4 with FFmpeg or Handbrake first
• Then the files can be played in most modern media players

How to Open VID Files on Windows

Follow these instructions to open and play VID video files on your Windows computer:

1. Double-click the VID file

Your default video player application should open and begin playing the video file. If this does not work, proceed to the next options.

2. Right-click the VID file > Open with

A menu will appear showing recommended applications to open the VID file. Select your preferred media player application like Windows Media Player or VLC.

3. Associate VID files with your media player

If VID files do not open automatically, you can associate the file type with your preferred application:

1. Right-click VID file > Properties
2. Under the General tab, click Change… next to Opens with
3. Select your media player app and check “Always use this app to open .vid files”
4. Click OK

Now double-clicking VID files should open your selected player app.

4. Install codec packs

Some media players rely on external codec packs to play certain video types. Codec packs like K-Lite can help expand file format support.

5. Convert VID files to a more compatible format

If you are unable to get a VID file to play properly, use Handbrake or other video converter software to convert it to a more widely supported format like MP4. Then open the converted file.

Tips for Playing VID Files

Here are some additional tips for working with VID video files:

• Try multiple media player apps like Windows Media Player, VLC, GOM Player, etc.
• Update your media player software to the latest version for better format support
• Check for codec conflicts if a file refuses to play properly after installing new codecs
• Use the Codec Tweak Tool to manage codecs and prioritize those needed for VID playback
• Convert VID files to more compatible formats as a last resort using Handbrake or FFmpeg

Conclusion

VID is a generic video file format that can store different types of video data. VID files can typically be opened and played using common media player applications available for the Windows operating system. Converting VID files to more widely supported formats can also expand compatibility with devices and apps that do not recognize the format natively. With the right software and codecs installed, opening and playing VID video files on Windows is straightforward.