QT Lite: Remove QuickTime Bloat - Lightweight Apple Player
Avoiding QuickTime Bloat with QT Lite
Occasionally, websites necessitate the use of QuickTime to display video content. Instead of installing the comprehensive QuickTime package from Apple, consider QT Lite, which installs only the essential components required for playback.
It can prove frustrating when a website mandates QuickTime installation simply to view a video. If you wish to avoid installing the full QuickTime installer from Apple just to view a few videos, QT Lite offers a solution.
The Issue with Full QuickTime
When a webpage requires QuickTime, users are typically directed to the Apple website to download the complete version and all its associated software.
While this allows video playback, it also installs the entire QuickTime Player, which may be unnecessary and unwanted.
The installation also includes Apple Software Update, which may be redundant if you don't utilize other Apple products. Furthermore, the update tool defaults to selecting "iTunes+QuickTime," potentially leading to unwanted iTunes installation during updates.
Beyond that, a Picture Viewer is also installed… all for the purpose of watching a single video on a website.
The software may also automatically launch upon computer startup… (courtesy of Apple). If you've installed it and are tired of its constant appearance, disable it within System Configuration under the Startup section.
Introducing QT Lite
To circumvent these inconveniences, explore QT Lite as a viable alternative. QT Lite installs only the necessary QuickTime components to enable video playback embedded on webpages.
During installation, ensure you select options for compatibility with all major browsers, including Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera, and Google Chrome.
A comparison of QuickTime and QT Lite in the Start Menu reveals that QT Lite has a significantly smaller component footprint.
QT Lite provides the same settings and preferences for audio and streaming control as the standard QuickTime version.
Once installed, you can seamlessly watch QuickTime videos embedded on webpages.
We are not suggesting that QuickTime is poor software; it functions adequately. However, installing the entire Apple QuickTime package solely to watch videos is often unnecessary. QuickTime Alternative is another excellent option, offering the same benefits as QT Lite, plus the inclusion of Windows Media Player Classic.
Note: Some antivirus programs, such as Comodo, may incorrectly flag QT Lite as a false positive. However, VirusTotal indicates that this is an isolated occurrence.
Download QuickTime Lite
Download QuickTime Alternative