Total Commander

I dont need it, dont use it, I have different tools. Problem is there is no way to disable it and the moment I record some short video TC later scans it (?) and constantly nags me on lockscreen with notifications and controls to play/stop file. I searched options high and wide but found no way to disable it.

The player never starts by itself. Total Commander also doesn't scan for any media files. Maybe you have set it as the default for opening video files sometimes in the past?

To fix this, open the list of apps, e.g. in Total Commander - Home folder - Installed apps.
Then click on "Total Commander" in the list, and then on "Launch by default".
Finally, click on "Clear defaults".

Now you will be asked again which app to use when playing a video.
Also close the player notification with the small "x" on the right side, and it shouldn't come up again.

No, I never set it to open media files by default, that is the problem, I have VLC and AIMP set to that.

So when exactly does the player start? What do you do in Total Commander when it happens? Do you choose a specific command like "Play in background"?