How to Play DVDs on Windows 10

Windows 10 no longer includes a built-in DVD player app, so playing a DVD out of the box often fails with an error or simply does nothing. This guide shows you the built-in options, free software alternatives, and settings changes that get DVDs playing again on most Windows 10 PCs.

What You’ll Need

• A Windows 10 PC or laptop with an optical disc drive (if you have a USB DVD drive, plug it in first).
• The DVD you want to play.
• Internet access to download a DVD player app (unless you already have one).
• Optional: a region-free DVD player software if your disc is from another region.

Step-by-Step

1. Check if your PC has a DVD drive. Look for a slot or tray on the side or front of your laptop or desktop. If you don’t see one, you’ll need an external USB DVD drive.
2. Insert the DVD. Push the disc gently into the slot or tray (label side up). If it’s a tray, press the eject button, place the disc, and push the tray back in.
3. Wait for Windows to recognize the disc. A notification may pop up asking what you want to do. If you see it, click it and choose a player app. If nothing appears, proceed to step 4.
4. Try Windows Media Player (if available). Search for “Windows Media Player” in the Start menu. If it’s installed, open it and look for the DVD in the left sidebar. Double-click it to play. If you see an error about a codec or missing feature, skip to step 5.
5. Install a free DVD player app. The most reliable free option is VLC Media Player. Go to the official VLC website (videolan.org) and download the Windows version. Install it by running the downloaded file and following the prompts.
6. Open VLC and play the DVD. Launch VLC, click Media in the top menu, then Open Disc. Make sure the “Disc” radio button is selected, choose the correct drive letter (usually D:), and click Play.
7. If the DVD doesn’t play automatically, set VLC as the default. Go to Windows Settings > Apps > Default apps, scroll down to “Video player,” click the current app, and choose VLC. Now double-clicking a DVD in File Explorer will open it in VLC.
8. Adjust playback settings if needed. In VLC, you can go to Tools > Preferences to change audio, subtitles, or playback speed. For most users, the default settings work fine.

Common Mistakes

• Assuming Windows Media Player still plays DVDs. On Windows 10, Windows Media Player only plays DVDs if you have the proper codecs installed, which many systems lack. It’s not a reliable default.
• Inserting the disc upside down. The label should face up. If you’re unsure, check the drive’s manual or look for a small icon showing the correct orientation.
• Using a DVD from a different region. DVD drives and discs have region codes (1-6). If the disc is from another region, your drive may refuse to play it. This is a hardware limitation, not a software issue.
• Forgetting to install the player software. Many people try to play a DVD by double-clicking the drive in File Explorer and get an error. You need a dedicated player app.
• Not checking if the drive is working. If the drive doesn’t spin or read any disc, it might be broken or not connected properly.

Tips

• Use a USB external DVD drive if your PC doesn’t have one. They are inexpensive and plug-and-play.
• Keep VLC updated to ensure compatibility with newer discs and copy protections.
• If you have a Blu-ray disc, VLC can play those too, but you may need to install additional libraries (like libaacs) for encrypted discs.
• For DVDs with subtitles, you can toggle them in VLC by pressing the “Subtitle” button in the toolbar or using the “Subtitle” menu.
• If the DVD is scratched or dirty, gently clean it with a soft cloth from the center outward. This can fix many playback issues.

Troubleshooting

DVD not recognized at all

• Check Device Manager (right-click Start > Device Manager) and look under “DVD/CD-ROM drives.” If there’s a yellow exclamation mark, the driver may be faulty. Right-click and select “Uninstall device,” then restart your PC to reinstall the driver.
• Try a different disc to see if the drive works at all.
• If using an external drive, try a different USB port or cable.

VLC opens but shows a black screen

• Go to Tools > Preferences > Video and try changing the output from “Automatic” to “Windows GDI video output.” Restart VLC and try again.
• Make sure your graphics drivers are up to date.

Error about region code

• Your DVD drive has a limited number of region changes (usually 5). If you’ve used them all, you cannot change it further. Some software like VLC can bypass region codes by using a different library, but this may be illegal in some countries.

DVD plays but no sound

• Check VLC’s audio settings: Tools > Preferences > Audio. Ensure the output device is correct and the volume is up.
• Make sure your PC’s volume is not muted.

DVD plays too fast or skips

• This could be a disc issue. Clean the disc and try again.
• In VLC, go to Tools > Preferences > Input/Codecs and try changing the “Default cache” to a higher value (e.g., 1000ms).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn’t Windows 10 have a DVD player?

Microsoft removed Windows DVD Player from Windows 10 to reduce licensing costs. They offer a paid app in the Microsoft Store, but free alternatives like VLC work just as well.

Can I play a DVD with Windows Media Player?

Yes, but only if your system has the necessary MPEG-2 codec. Many Windows 10 installations do not include it, so you’ll get an error. Installing a codec pack or using VLC is easier.

Is VLC safe to download?

Yes, as long as you download it from the official Videolan website. Avoid third-party download sites that may bundle unwanted software.

Do I need an internet connection to play a DVD?

No, once the player software is installed, you can play DVDs offline. Some commercial DVDs may have online features, but the main movie plays without internet.

Can I play a DVD on a PC without a disc drive?

Yes, you can use an external USB DVD drive. They are plug-and-play and work with Windows 10 without extra drivers.

Why does my DVD play but with no subtitles?

In VLC, go to the “Subtitle” menu and select the subtitle track you want. Some DVDs have subtitles that must be enabled from the disc’s menu first.

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