Playing a DVD on Windows 11 isn’t as straightforward as it used to be with the older Windows stuff. Out of the box, it’s pretty much useless for DVDs because Microsoft dropped built-in support for DVD playback starting from Windows 10. So, you’re kinda left to find a workaround. Most folks go for third-party players like VLC Media Player, which is free as a bushwalking day and works pretty reliably. But you’ll need to tweak some settings and get everything set up right, or you might be stuck without a movie night.
How to Play DVD on Windows 11
This method works pretty well, especially if VLC spots your DVD drive and the disc without any dramas. The trick is installing VLC, which supports DVD playback pretty much straight out of the box, but sometimes you’ve got to fiddle with a few settings for it to run smoothly.
Step 1: Download VLC Media Player
Head straight to the official VideoLAN website (https://www.videolan.org/vlc/) and grab the latest version of VLC. No dodgy downloads or shady sites needed. It’s a top choice since it handles DVD menus and chapters, which some other players can’t do.
Step 2: Install VLC Media Player
Open up the setup file you downloaded. The installation steps are pretty straightforward — click “Next”, maybe tick a few optional bits (like file associations or extra plugins), then let it do its thing. On some setups, you might need to run it as an admin, especially if Windows is giving you grief over permissions.
Step 3: Insert Your DVD
Make sure your DVD drive is working and the disc is clean and seated properly. Sometimes Windows doesn’t notice the disc right away, so open File Explorer and check if the drive shows the DVD.
Note: If your DVD drive isn’t showing up, check Device Manager — drives can fail or need updates, mate.
Step 4: Open VLC Media Player
Launch VLC from the desktop shortcut or Start menu. When it opens, go to Media > Open Disc. If VLC doesn’t find your DVD automatically, you’ll need to pick the drive manually. Sometimes VLC gets a bit confused if you’ve got multiple drives, so select the right one from the dropdown menu.
Step 5: Play the DVD
In the Open Disc window, choose DVD and select your drive again. Hit Play. VLC should start the movie — if not, double-check the disc’s OK, that the drive isn’t jammed, and that everything’s enabled. You might need to turn off hardware acceleration or tweak some settings in VLC’s preferences if the video lags or the sound drops out.
And yeah, VLC’s controls are pretty easy to use — pause, rewind, switch audio tracks or subtitles, all with a couple of clicks. If the movie won’t load, check you’re not region-locked or that your DVD is a compatible format like DVD-R or DVD+R, as that can cause issues too.
One odd thing: sometimes VLC needs a bit of a kick to start loading the disc the first time. After a reboot, it might work perfectly, or you might need to restart VLC. The quirks of Windows drive detection can be a pain, but with a bit of patience, you’ll get there.
Tips for Playing DVDs on Windows 11
- Test your DVD drive with a different disc — helps figure out if it’s hardware or just the DVD.
- Keep VLC up to date — updates fix bugs and security holes.
- In VLC, head to Tools > Preferences. Adjust Video and Audio settings if things are lagging or sound’s a bit off. Not too tricky, just a bit of tinkering.
- If you’re not getting any audio, double-check your system volume, VLC’s audio output settings, and make sure nothing’s muted.
- If you’re watching on a small laptop screen but want a better view, connect to a bigger TV or monitor — makes a real difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play DVDs on Windows 11 without any third-party software?
Nah, Microsoft chopped that support out of Windows 10 and 11. You’ll need VLC or similar — unless you’re prepared to muck around with hacks and extra codecs, which is a hassle.
Is VLC Media Player safe to use?
For sure. As long as you grab it from the official website. It’s open-source, trusted by millions, and free of shady software. Ditch dodgy copies from shady sites or P2P, and you should be sweet as a bro.
Why isn’t my DVD playing automatically?
Because Windows doesn’t do auto-play for DVDs anymore, even if the drive detects the disc. You’ve gotta open VLC manually and select Open Disc. Also, region-locking or your drive being disabled in BIOS or Device Manager can cause issues—check there if it’s still not working.
Do I need internet to play DVDs in VLC?
Nup, once VLC’s installed, it’s all local. No need for internet or streaming.
Can VLC play Blu-ray discs?
It can play some Blu-ray discs, but it’s not foolproof. Licensing restrictions and encryption can block playback, so don’t hold your breath. You might need extra plugins or specific versions for it to work.
Summary
- Grab VLC Media Player from the official site.
- Install it, using admin rights if needed.
- Insert your DVD and make sure it’s detected.
- Open VLC, go to Media > Open Disc.
- Select DVD, click Play, and enjoy the flick.
Hope this makes life easier and saves you some time stressing over Windows’ weird way of doing things. Just remember — for DVDs, it’s all about the right player and a bit of patience.