From Disc to Digital: Unleashed DVD Playback on Windows 10/11

Playing DVDs on Windows 10/11 may appear straightforward – insert a DVD and press play, right? Unfortunately, not all versions of Windows come with pre-installed DVD players. This absence results from Microsoft not paying licensing fees for DVD playback support in their operating systems and media players, including Windows 10 and 11.

No need to worry because you can still play DVDs on Windows for free without a DVD drive. We will provide helpful methods on how to play DVDs on Windows 10 and 11. We'll introduce you to commonly used media players and recommend the best DVD ripper for your convenience.

Part 1. How to play DVDs on Windows 10/11 using DVD Player Software

For enhanced editing effects, support for various media formats, and versatile playback controls when playing DVDs on your Windows 10/11, consider utilizing the advanced AVAide Blu-ray Player. This professional media player lets you play Blu-ray discs, DVD discs, folders, or ISO files on Windows 10/11, providing a comprehensive and flexible playback experience.

How to Play DVD disc with AVAide Blu-ray Player:

Step 1Initiate AVAide Blu-ray Player, start the player, connect the Blu-ray or DVD drive to your computer, and insert the disc into the drive.

Step 2Select a Blu-ray or DVD Disc. To play a Blu-ray or DVD, use the Open Disc button to load your movie. Then, choose the specific Blu-ray or DVD disc you want to play.

Step 3Upon completing the loading process, your movie will start playing automatically.

Part 2. How to Play DVDs on Windows 10/11 using VLC

If you're familiar with using VLC for standard video playback, you might be curious about its suitability as a DVD player. Indeed, VLC has robust functionality for seamless DVD playback on Windows 10/11. The subsequent steps will guide you through playing DVDs on Windows 11/10 using VLC.If you're familiar with using VLC for standard video playback, you might be curious about its suitability as a DVD player. Indeed, VLC has robust functionality for seamless DVD playback on Windows 10/11. The subsequent steps will guide you through playing DVDs on Windows 11/10 using VLC.

How to Play DVD disc with VLC Player:

Step 1Download and open VLC, and insert your DVD into the disc drive.

Step 2Navigate to Media > Open Disc, and opt for the DVD option. Alternatively, you can click Browse to choose the Disc device or VIDEO_TS folder, which VLC will automatically detect.

Step 3Once you've configured the settings, click Play. Now, you can indulge in DVD playback on Windows 10/11 using VLC.

Part 3. How to Convert DVD to Digital to Play on Windows 10/11

Another solution is to convert the DVD file into different formats using a DVD Ripper. This allows you to play the movie conveniently on your devices without requiring the physical DVD in the drive. AVAide DVD Ripper is a professional tool for ripping DVDs to alternative formats without compromising quality. Opting for this tool is excellent as it converts DVDs to video formats such as VOB, MP4, MOV, AVI, WMV, WebM, and more. Moreover, it seamlessly extracts audio tracks, sound, or background music from DVDs.

How to rip DVDs to other video formats:

Step 1Simply Insert the DVD into your computer and click Load DVD to initiate the import.

Step 2Choose the desired format for your output files, such as MP4, VOB, MOV, etc.

Step 3To launch the process, hit the Rip All button, and files will be ready in a matter of minutes.

Part 4. How to Fix DVD Won't Play on Windows 10/11

DVDs won't play on Windows Media Player after upgrading to Windows 10/11 because Microsoft removed the built-in DVD codec in WMP to save on licensing fees. In response, Microsoft introduced the Windows DVD Player on the Windows Store. However, the software is accessible only to those who upgrade from Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional, or Ultimate, as well as Windows 8 or 8.1 with Windows Media Center. For users not meeting these criteria, charges will apply for obtaining the DVD player software.

Below are several potential solutions that could help:

Solution 1. Convert Disc to Digital

While Windows Media Player in Windows 10/11 cannot play DVDs, it does support various video formats like WMV, AVI, MP4, and MOV. If your DVD isn't working on Windows 10/11, consider converting DVDs to file formats compatible with Windows Media Player. Consider using AVAide Blu-ray Player, a trustworthy software that supports all media formats and disc-based content, including DVDs and Blu-rays. This player eliminates the need to install codec packs, utilizing hardware decoding and advanced AMD, Intel, and NVIDIA technologies to provide smooth and clear image quality.

Solution 2. Update the Driver for the DVD Drive

If you've installed a DVD player application but still encounter difficulties playing DVDs, it's conceivable that the DVD drive's driver might be outdated. To address this issue, we will update the driver for the DVD drive. Keeping your drivers current is essential for ensuring optimal functionality and compatibility with various software applications, including DVD players. Updating the DVD drive's driver enhances its compatibility with DVD player applications, potentially resolving issues related to DVD playback.

Solution 3. Install DVD Codecs

Install additional codecs that might be required for DVD playback. Some third-party players include the necessary codecs, but if you're using a basic player, you might need to install a codec pack.

Solution 4. Use Compatibility Mode

Right-click on the DVD player software's shortcut, go to Properties, and navigate to the Compatibility tab. Try running the software in compatibility mode for an earlier version of Windows.

Solution 5. Try Another DVD

Check if the issue is specific to a particular DVD. Try playing a different DVD to see if the problem persists.

Tip: If none of these solutions work, it's possible there's a hardware issue with your DVD drive, or the DVD itself may be damaged. In such cases, you may need to consider professional assistance or replacement of the hardware.

Part 5. FAQs About How to Play DVDs on Windows 10/11

Why can't I play DVDs on Windows Media Player in Windows 10/11?

Microsoft removed the built-in DVD codec in Windows Media Player (WMP) to save on licensing fees, making DVD playback unsupported. However, alternative solutions are available.

How can I play DVDs on Windows 10/11 without a DVD drive?

You can still play DVDs on Windows 10/11 without a DVD drive by using professional media players like AVAide Blu-ray Player or converting DVDs to digital formats using tools like AVAide DVD Ripper.

Is an internet connection required to play DVDs on Windows 10/11?

No, an internet connection is unnecessary to play DVDs on Windows 10/11. All that is required is a DVD drive and the included Windows Media Player software. Simply Insert the DVD, and Windows Media Player will detect it and initiate playback automatically without requiring an internet connection.

By Bryan Simmonds on Mar 14, 2024