Tried playing a DVD on your Windows 10 or 11 computer and nothing happened? You’re not the only one.
Microsoft removed built-in DVD support starting with Windows 8 to cut licensing costs and because most users had moved on to streaming. That change continued into Windows 10 and 11.
But if you still rely on physical discs, don’t worry, there are simple ways to get DVD playback working again.
What You Can Use Instead to Play DVDs
Windows might not play DVDs out of the box anymore, but there are still a few simple ways to get things working again.
1. Use VLC Media Player
One of the easiest and most popular options is VLC Media Player . It's a free, open-source program that supports DVDs without needing extra downloads.
To get started:
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Install VLC from the official website.
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Insert your DVD into your drive.
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Open VLC, go to Media , then choose Open Disc , and click Play .
VLC handles most DVDs without any issues and works well on nearly all Windows systems.
2. Try the Windows DVD Player App
Microsoft also offers its own DVD player app through the Microsoft Store. It's designed to be a simple solution for users who prefer a native Windows experience. If you’re looking for something straightforward, this might be a good fit.
3. Explore Other Media Player Software
There are several other programs available that offer DVD playback and sometimes additional features like Blu-ray support or enhanced video quality. These can be helpful if you watch a lot of physical media and want a more polished experience.
Fixes for Common DVD Playback Problems
Even with the right software installed, you might still run into issues. Here are some of the most common problems, and what you can do to fix them.
DVD Drive Not Showing Up
If your computer doesn’t recognize the DVD drive at all, it could be a driver issue. Try checking Device Manager to see if the drive is listed. You can right-click and update the driver, or uninstall it and restart your computer to reinstall it automatically.
Also, some systems may have the DVD drive disabled in the BIOS or UEFI settings, so it’s worth checking there if the drive isn’t showing up at all.
Region Code Errors
DVDs are often region-locked, which means they’re only meant to be played in certain parts of the world. If you see an error related to region codes, you may need to change your DVD drive’s region settings. Be careful, though, most drives only let you change the region a limited number of times.
Codec-Related Issues
If the DVD won't play even though the drive is working, it could be a codec problem. Some media players rely on external codec packs to play DVDs. VLC Media Player usually avoids this issue since it includes its own built-in codecs, which is one reason it’s often the easiest choice.
In this case, you can download and install a free codec pack like K-Lite . It also has the option to install and use the classic Windows Media Player.
DVD Playback on Windows Is Still Possible
Windows 10 and 11 no longer support DVD playback by default, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Whether you choose a reliable tool like VLC or another media player, getting DVDs to work on your computer is still very possible.
For most people, installing the right software is all it takes. And if something doesn’t work right away, a quick check of your drive settings or codecs usually clears things up.
If you still use DVDs, these workarounds let you keep enjoying your collection, without needing to replace your hardware or switch systems.