How to Play a DVD on Windows 10: A Complete Guide

By
keven Peterr
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0
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Playing DVDs on Windows 10 can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re used to older versions of Windows where DVD playback was built-in. With the release of Windows 10, Microsoft removed the built-in DVD player feature, which means you might need some additional steps or software to watch your DVDs. If you’re wondering how to play a DVD on Windows 10, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through various methods to get your DVDs playing smoothly on your Windows 10 computer.

Understanding DVD Playback on Windows 10

Windows 10 does not come with a built-in DVD player, which is a significant shift from previous versions of the operating system. The reasons behind this decision include the decline in DVD usage and the availability of many third-party software solutions. As a result, if you want to watch DVDs on Windows 10, you’ll need to either purchase additional software or use free alternatives.

Method 1: Using the Windows DVD Player App

Microsoft offers a Windows DVD Player app that you can purchase from the Microsoft Store. This app is designed to handle DVD playback with ease. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Launch the Microsoft Store: You can either search for the Microsoft Store in the Start menu or click on the icon in your taskbar.
  2. Search for Windows DVD Player: In the Microsoft Store, use the search bar to find the “Windows DVD Player” app.
  3. Purchase and Install: The Windows DVD Player app is a paid application. Click on the purchase button and follow the instructions to buy and install the app.
  4. Insert Your DVD: Once the app is installed, insert your DVD into your computer’s DVD drive.
  5. Launch the App: The Windows DVD Player app should automatically detect the DVD. If it doesn’t, open the app manually from the Start menu or taskbar.
  6. Start Playback: The app will start playing your DVD. You can use the on-screen controls to navigate through the menu and playback options.

Method 2: Using Third-Party DVD Player Software

There are numerous third-party DVD player software options available, both free and paid. These programs can offer more features and potentially better playback performance compared to the basic Windows DVD Player app. Here’s how to use third-party software to play DVDs on Windows 10:

  1. Choose Your Software: Some popular third-party DVD player options include VLC Media Player, PowerDVD, and Media Player Classic. For this guide, we’ll focus on VLC Media Player, which is free and widely used.
  2. Download and Install VLC Media Player:
    • Go to the VLC Media Player website.
    • For Windows, click the “Download VLC” button.
    • Follow the installation instructions when you open the downloaded file.
  3. Insert Your DVD: Insert your DVD into your computer’s DVD drive.
  4. Open VLC Media Player: Launch VLC Media Player from the Start menu or taskbar.
  5. Play the DVD:
    • In VLC, click on “Media” in the top menu bar.
    • Select “Open Disc” from the drop-down menu.
    • In the dialog box that appears, select the “DVD” option.
    • Click “Play” to start watching your DVD.
  6. Navigate the DVD: Use the on-screen controls in VLC Media Player to navigate through the DVD menu and control playback.

Method 3: Using Windows Media Player with Codec Packs

Windows Media Player is a familiar choice for many users, but it doesn’t support DVD playback out of the box in Windows 10. However, you can enable DVD playback by installing additional codec packs. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Download a Codec Pack:
  2. Install the Codec Pack:
    • Download the codec pack installer.
    • After downloading the file, open it and adhere to the installation guidelines.
  3. Insert Your DVD: Insert your DVD into your DVD drive.
  4. Launch the Windows Media Player: From the Start menu, select Windows Media Player to open.
  5. Play the DVD:
    • Windows Media Player should now recognize the DVD.
    • Click on “Play” to start watching the DVD.
  6. Navigate the DVD: Use Windows Media Player’s controls to navigate and manage playback.

Troubleshooting DVD Playback Issues

If you encounter issues while trying to play a DVD on Windows 10, here are some common troubleshooting steps:

  1. Check the DVD Drive: Ensure that your DVD drive is functioning correctly and that the DVD is inserted properly.
  2. Update Drivers: Check for updates for your DVD drive’s drivers.
    • Expand the “DVD/CD-ROM drives” section.
    • Right-click on your DVD drive and select “Update driver.”
  3. Check for Software Updates: Ensure that your DVD player software is up to date.
  4. Try a Different DVD: The issue might be with the DVD itself. 
  5. Check for Region Code Issues: DVDs are often region-coded, which means they might only work with DVD drives set to specific regions. Ensure that your DVD drive is set to the correct region code.

Conclusion

Knowing how to play a DVD on Windows 10 involves understanding the available options and choosing the right method for your needs. Whether you opt for the Windows DVD Player app, third-party software like VLC Media Player, or enable DVD playback in Windows Media Player with codec packs, there are multiple ways to enjoy your DVDs on Windows 10.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to watch your DVDs without any hassle. If you encounter any issues, use the troubleshooting tips provided to resolve common problems. With the right tools and knowledge, playing DVDs on Windows 10 can be a smooth and enjoyable experience.

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