Screenbox is an open-source, LibVLC-based media player built specifically for Windows (UWP/WinUI) that aims to combine VLC-level codec support with a modern, Fluent-style Windows UI, picture-in-picture, media-library browsing, network playback and Xbox compatibility. It’s actively developed on GitHub, distributed through the Microsoft Store (and winget), licensed under GPL-3.0, and has become a popular “VLC alternative” for users who prefer a sleeker Windows-native experience.
Modern Fluent UI tuned for Windows 10/11 and Xbox — a contemporary look & feel with a left navigation, media tiles and dark/light themes.
Built on LibVLC / LibVLCSharp — inherits wide codec/container support from VLC while exposing a lightweight native Windows frontend.
Open source, GPL-3.0 — source code, issue tracking and community contributions are on GitHub.
Multiple distribution channels — Microsoft Store app, winget package, and Community builds on download sites
Core features (practical, user-facing)
These are the features that users most commonly mention in reviews and docs:
- Play almost any media format (audio/video) without extra codecs, thanks to VLC’s backend.
- Media library and UI categories — auto-browse folders for Movies, TV, Music, Playlists, and a clean thumbnail/tile presentation.
- Picture-in-picture (PIP) and always-on-top playback windows for multitasking.
- Gesture / hotkey support for seeking, volume, and a keyboard layout inspired by YouTube / modern players (plus window resize hotkeys).
- Save frame as image / screenshot of video content.
- Chromecast / network playback & SMB support — play media from local network shares or cast to devices (as supported by underlying libraries).
- Lightweight and performance-oriented — targeted at modern Windows hardware including ARM/x64 and Xbox consoles. Community reviewers praise its speed and polished UI compared with older, clunkier players.
Architecture & technical details (developer view)
- UWP / WinUI frontend: Screenbox uses Windows app frameworks to deliver native controls, accessibility, and styles (gesture support, Fluent design). This makes it tightly integrated with Windows features (snap layouts, touch, Xbox UI paradigms).
- LibVLCSharp backend: Media playback and decoding are provided by LibVLC (a .NET binding to VLC’s libvlc), meaning out-of-the-box support for practically all common codecs/containers that VLC handles. This also explains the app’s relatively small engineering surface for codec maintenance.
- C# / .NET codebase: The GitHub repo is overwhelmingly C#; the solution is designed for Visual Studio 2022 with UWP workloads for contributors. Build instructions and contribution docs live in the repo.
- Cross-device packaging: While focused on Windows desktop, Screenbox’s packaging targets Win10/11 and is also published for Xbox consoles where UWP apps run.
Add your media root folders to the app’s library so Screenbox builds thumbnails and browseable sections (Movies, TV, Music). This gives a quick “media center” experience.
Use the keyboard hotkeys and number-row resize keys (if you like window snap presets) — these are documented in the README and speed up multiwindow workflows.
When playback is choppy, check the app’s settings to toggle hardware acceleration (which depends on platform GPU/drivers) and consider switching renderer backends in advanced preferences (if present). Because playback is powered by LibVLC, many advanced VLC tuning options are available through the app or config.
For network playback from SMB or NAS, ensure the app has appropriate filesystem/network permissions (Store apps may require explicit access prompts).
How Screenbox compares to other players
- Vs VLC: same broad codec support (LibVLC) but Screenbox aims for a modern Fluent Windows UI and a media-library experience; VLC remains more configurable and cross-platform.
- Vs Media Player (Windows): Screenbox offers richer media browsing, advanced playback features like PIP, and broader codec out-of-the-box support.
- Vs MPC-HC / mpv / Kodi: each has different strengths — mpv for lightweight scripting and advanced playback options, Kodi for TV-center features and addons, Screenbox for a user-friendly Windows native experience with strong basic features and VLC compatibility. Choose by workflow: Screenbox for modern UI + simplicity; mpv/Kodi for power-user customization
- Official GitHub (source, builds, contribute, license): Screenbox repository. GitHub
- Microsoft Store listing (install & screenshots): Screenbox on Microsoft Store. Microsoft Store
- Independent review / hands-on: PixellyTech review (quick take). pixellytech.com
- Alternative downloads & older builds (use cautiously): Uptodown. Uptodown
GitHub – huynhsontung/Screenbox: LibVLC-based media player for the Universal Windows Platform