Playing DVDs on Windows 11 isn’t as simple as it used to be — ’cause, of course, Microsoft had to make it a bit more complicated. The main pain? Windows 11 doesn’t come with a built-in DVD player anymore, so you’ll need to install one yourself. No worries, but it’s a tad annoying if you were expecting a quick plug-and-play. Anyway, here’s how to get it sorted.
How to Play DVDs on Windows 11
Basically, you need some compatible software to read the discs and a DVD drive, obviously. Here’s the rundown:
Method 1: Install a DVD Player Software
This helps because Windows no longer includes a default DVD player. VLC Media Player is your go-to — free, open-source, and pretty reliable. You can grab it straight from the official VLC site. Once you download the vlc-setup.exe file, run it and follow the install steps. Make sure your DVD drive is connected — whether it’s built-in or an external one.
Note: Sometimes, VLC might not automatically detect the DVD. If that’s the case, you’ll need to manually select the “Open Disc” option inside VLC. Usually, it’s under Media > Open Disc. It’s a bit odd, but that’s how VLC lets you pick your DVD if it’s not recognised automatically. Restarting VLC or even your computer can help if it doesn’t see the disc right away.
Method 2: Insert Your DVD & Play
Pop the DVD into your drive. If Windows picks it up, it might open the autoplay menu, giving you options to play with your installed software. If not, open VLC, go to Media > Open Disc, and select your DVD. Sometimes, Windows just doesn’t recognise the disc straight away, so you might need to browse manually to your DVD drive, which will be something like C:\D\[YourDVD].
Expect the DVD menu to load shortly after you hit play. From there, you can navigate chapters or bring up the menu, just like a real DVD player. Also, if your DVD isn’t ripping or showing anything, check if the disc’s clean or scratched — that can cause all sorts of trouble.
Tip: Troubleshooting Common Issues
If VLC doesn’t detect the DVD or throws errors, double-check your drive’s connection. External drives sometimes need extra power or a different port. Updating your DVD drivers via Device Manager (Device Manager > DVD/CD-ROM drives) can also help — outdated drivers often cause detection problems. Sometimes, a quick restart after installing VLC or plugging in the drive makes all the difference. It’s a bit quirky — works on some setups first go, others need a few reboots.
Tips for Playing DVDs on Windows 11
- Make sure your DVD drive is plugged in and recognised in Device Manager.
- Keep VLC or your chosen player up to date — newer versions are just better.
- Give your DVD a quick clean — dust or scratches can upset playback.
- Check out the software settings — turn on subtitles, adjust audio, or set your display preferences.
- Using external speakers or headphones? Good idea — built-in laptop speakers usually don’t do the trick for movies.
FAQs
What if my computer doesn’t have a DVD drive?
No worries. You can grab a cheap external USB DVD drive — they’re handy and easy to set up. Just make sure your laptop has a USB port and enough power, then install VLC or your media player of choice, and you’re all set.
Can I use any media player to watch DVDs?
Most media players don’t support DVD playback out of the box anymore, especially Windows Media Player. VLC is a solid choice — it supports DVDs without any fuss. Some paid players support Blu-ray and other fancy features, but for plain old DVDs, VLC does the job nicely.
Do I need to fork out for DVD software?
Nah, not at all. There are paid options if you want, but VLC’s free and does the trick without asking for a cent. Just be wary of dodgy software online — stick to the official sites.
My DVD won’t play — what’s the go?
First up, check if the disc’s clean and not scratched. Also, make sure your drive’s showing up properly in Device Manager. Sometimes, you just need to restart your PC after installing new software or plugging in an external drive. If the disc’s region-locked or a Blu-ray, that’s a different story altogether.
Can I play Blu-ray discs on the same method?
Playing Blu-ray isn’t as straightforward — you usually need special software and sometimes extra hardware. Free players typically don’t support Blu-ray due to licensing stuff; paid options like PowerDVD or Leawo tend to be more reliable for that.
Summary
- Install a decent DVD player app like VLC.
- Chuck that DVD into your drive (external or built-in).
- Open the app, select your disc, and hit play.
- If it’s a pain, check connections, drivers, and the condition of your disc.
Hopefully, this helps you avoid the head-scratching moments. It’s not perfect, but at least you won’t have to give up on your DVD stash just yet.