macOS - Software - Update VLC With Notifications

What the VLC updater does

This Automox Worklet™ checks the currently installed version of VLC Media Player against the latest available release from VideoLAN's servers. If an update is available, the Worklet downloads the latest VLC disk image (DMG) from Automox's cache and stages the new version on your endpoint.

When VLC is actively running, the Worklet displays a user-facing notification dialog explaining that an update is needed. Users can choose to patch immediately or cancel the operation. If no users are logged in or VLC is not running, the Worklet proceeds with the update automatically.

The Worklet handles all backup and recovery operations automatically. Before replacing the existing VLC installation, it creates a backup copy. If any step of the installation fails, the Worklet restores the previous version to keep your endpoint remains functional.

Why keep VLC current on macOS endpoints

VLC Media Player is a popular, open-source multimedia player used across many organizations. Like any software, VLC receives security patches and bug fixes that address potential vulnerabilities. Running outdated versions exposes your endpoints to known security issues and compatibility problems.

Using Automox to manage VLC updates removes the manual burden from IT operations teams while keeping endpoints patched consistently. The Worklet's user notification system respects endpoint users by giving them visibility into required maintenance, rather than forcing disruptive updates without warning.

Automating software updates reduces security debt and keeps your macOS fleet maintains compliance with software lifecycle policies. The Worklet integrates smoothly with Automox's FixNow capability, allowing you to run updates on-demand through the Automox console.

How VLC update detection and deployment works

1. Evaluation phase: The Worklet queries VideoLAN's releases page to determine the latest available VLC version. It then reads the installed VLC application metadata to identify the current version on the endpoint. If these versions match, the evaluation passes and remediation is skipped. If versions do not match, the Worklet enters remediation mode.

2. Remediation phase: The Worklet downloads the latest VLC DMG file from Automox's cache to the endpoint's temporary directory. It then mounts the disk image and copies the new VLC.app bundle to a temporary staging location. The Worklet checks if VLC is currently running. If it is, it displays a user notification offering the option to patch or cancel. If the user chooses to patch or if VLC is not running, the Worklet backs up the existing VLC installation, moves the new version into place, unmounts the disk image, and cleans up temporary files. Finally, if the application was running, the Worklet relaunches VLC for the logged-in user.

VLC updater requirements

• macOS endpoints (workstations or servers) with VLC Media Player already installed in the /Applications directory

• Internet connectivity to reach VideoLAN's release page (https://www.videolan.org/vlc/releases/) and Automox cache servers

• Root or administrative privileges to modify system applications in the /Applications directory and mount disk images

• Automox agent version compatible with Automox Notifier for displaying user-facing dialogs

• At least 500 MB of free disk space in /Applications and /var/tmp for staging files and disk image mounting

Expected VLC Media Player behavior after patching

After the Worklet completes successfully, VLC Media Player on the endpoint runs the latest available version. You can verify successful installation by checking the Applications folder or by searching for the application in Spotlight. The application icon, menu items, and behavior remain functionally identical to the previous version, but with the latest security patches and bug fixes included.

If VLC was running when the update was applied, the Worklet automatically relaunches it for the logged-in user. All temporary files created during the update process (the disk image, staging directories, and backup copies) are automatically removed. The Worklet does not alter any user preferences, plugins, or media library data stored within the VLC application.

How to validate update vlc with notifications changes

1. Run this Worklet on a pilot macOS endpoint and review evaluation output for update vlc with notifications.

2. Confirm Automox activity logs show successful completion and exit code 0.

3. Verify endpoint state using checks aligned to evaluation script logic, such as exit, else.

4. Validate remediation effects from script operations such as function, launchctl, -title, then rerun evaluation for compliance.