3 Best Ways to Watch DVDs on Windows 10/11 (Step-by-Step Guide)

When you want to play a DVD that you have collected for a long time one day, you turn on your Windows 10/11 computer but find that it cannot be played. It is very frustrating and confusing for you. Why does not your Windows 10 computer play DVDs?

In fact, not all versions of Windows have a built-in DVD player, such as Windows 10/11. If you plan to watch DVDs on your Windows computer, you need a DVD, an optical drive, and DVD playback software.

Fortunately, this guide will give you some easy ways to play DVDs on Windows 10/11. These players can let you enjoy all your favorite DVD collections. Keep reading and follow the steps to watch DVDs in this guide.

Part 1. Does Windows 10/11 Have a Built-in DVD Player

If you ask does Windows 10/11 has a built-in DVD player, the answer is no. You may have heard that the Windows Media Player can play DVDs on Windows 7. However, you cannot play DVDs on it on Windows 10/11, because Windows 10 computers lack built-in DVD codecs.

To play DVDs on Windows 10/11, you need to find professional DVD players to watch them. Keep reading to see the detailed guide on how to play DVDs on Windows 10.

Part 2. Watch DVD With Windows 10/11 in AnyMP4 Blu-ray Player (Best for High Quality & Region-free)

Since Windows 10/11 doesn't support DVD playback natively, AnyMP4 Blu-ray Player offers the most robust alternative for a premium viewing experience. While many users turn to VLC, they often encounter "Region Code" errors or playback failures with high-capacity discs.

With a beginner-friendly interface and advanced control over chapters, titles, and effects, it is the ultimate tool to watch DVDs on Windows 10 without limitations.

Follow us to see how to watch DVDs with Windows 10/11.

1. Free download the DVD player on Windows 10/11. Install and open the program first.

Note: This software is safe and has no ads and packages.

2. Insert a DVD disc into your computer's drive. Click Open Disc and load the DVD into the program.

Note: You can also load one DVD disc by clicking File > Open Disc at the top menu bar.

3. After loading, you will go to the playback interface. Click the Play icon to watch your DVD movie.

Note: There are many provided playback settings: you can create a playback list, adjust volume, take screenshots, add subtitles, etc.

The DVD playback on Windows 10/11 with this program is so easy.

Part 3. Play DVDs with Windows 10/11 Using Windows DVD Player App (Official Microsoft App)

Playing a DVD on Windows 10/11 can be done through official channels, but it comes with a cost. Since Windows 10/11 does not include a pre-installed player, Microsoft offers the Windows DVD Player app as a solution. You can purchase it from the Microsoft Store for $14.99.

However, many users find this official app lacks value for money. Despite the price tag, its features are quite basic—it doesn't support Blu-ray playback, lacks advanced audio-visual settings, and has been reported to have compatibility issues with certain DVD drives. Compared to more versatile third-party players (both free and professional), paying $14.99 for such limited functionality is often considered a low-value investment. If you decide to go this route, here is how to use it:

1. Install and open the Windows DVD Player.

Note: This DVD player software for Windows 10/11 can play DVDs and multiple digital videos, like WMV, MP4, MOV, AVI, etc. However, it cannot play Blu-rays.

2. Insert a DVD into your computer's DVD drive. The program will automatically detect the DVD in your drive. If it doesn't, you can manually select DVD from the main menu.

Note: If some DVDs can not be played on this software, it may be because these DVDs have copy protections.

3. Click Play from the main menu once the DVD is selected. You can use the controls to pause, fast forward, rewind, or stop the DVD.

Note: It provides a 7-day free trial version and you can test its visual effects.

Part 4. Play DVDs with Windows 10/11 in VLC (Best Free Option)

VLC Media Player is arguably the most popular free and open-source multimedia player worldwide. Since Windows 10/11 doesn't have a built-in DVD codec, VLC is the go-to alternative for millions because it’s completely free and supports almost all video formats.

Editor’s Note: While VLC is excellent for basic playback, it can sometimes struggle with encrypted commercial discs, region code errors, or high-bitrate 4K content. If you require seamless 4K support and lossless audio (Dolby/DTS), a professional tool like AnyMP4 Blu-ray Player is a more robust choice.

Steps to pay DVD on Windows 10 with VLC:

1. Download and Install VLC

Visit the official VideoLAN website to download and install VLC Media Player on your Windows 10/11 PC.

2. Insert Your DVD

Place your DVD disc into your computer's internal or external DVD drive.

If using an external USB drive on a desktop, plug it into the rear USB ports to ensure it receives enough power for consistent playback.

3. Launch VLC

Open the VLC application. Click on the Media tab in the top-left menu and select Open Disc...

Common Error: Do not use 'Open File' to play a DVD; it will skip the DVD menu and may fail to load the movie.

4. Configure Playback

Ensure the DVD option is selected under "Disc Selection." Check your drive's location in the "Disc device" field (usually the D: or E: drive).

5. Start Watching

Click the Play button at the bottom. Your DVD menu or movie should start loading immediately.

For getting the DVD menu, you can right-click anywhere on the playing video, hover over Playback to navigate the DVD chapter or titles to find what you want to watch.

When VLC Fails: If you see a 'Read Error' or the screen is pixelated, the disc likely has Region Code encryption that VLC cannot bypass. In this case, switching to a professional player like AnyMP4 is necessary.

Part 5. Why Can't I Play DVDs on Windows 10/11

If you have inserted a disc but still can't play DVDs on Windows 10 or 11, you aren't alone. This issue usually stems from a few specific software or hardware hurdles. Here are the primary reasons and how to fix them:

Common Reasons for Playback Failure

• Missing DVD Codecs: Windows 10 and 11 do not include the native MPEG-2 decoder required to recognize and play DVD data.
• Hardware Connection Issues: If you are using an external DVD drive, it may not be receiving enough power or has a loose connection.
• Region Code Restrictions: Most commercial DVDs are locked to a specific geographic region (e.g., Region 1 for North America). If your player and disc don't match, it won't play.
• Outdated Drivers: Your computer's DVD drive driver might be outdated or corrupted after a Windows update.
• Damaged Discs: Scratches, dust, or "disc rot" can make a DVD unreadable by any software.

Feasible Solutions to Watch DVDs Properly

1. Check Your External Drive Connection

If you are using an external USB DVD drive, ensure the cable is securely plugged in.

For desktop users, always plug the drive into the rear USB ports on the motherboard. Front ports often provide less power, which can cause the drive to spin but fail to read the data.

2. Update Your DVD Drive Drivers

Sometimes Windows fails to recognize the drive hardware.

• • How to fix: Right-click the Start button > Device Manager. Expand DVD/CD-ROM drives, right-click your drive, and select Update driver. Restart your PC and try again.

3. Bypass Region Code Limits

Standard players like Windows Media Player or the official Windows DVD Player app often block discs from different regions.

Solution: Use a region-free DVD player like AnyMP4 Blu-ray Player. It is designed to bypass these CSS and region restrictions automatically, allowing you to play international discs without changing your drive's hardware settings (which is usually limited to 5 changes).

4. Change the Default DVD App

Even if you have a player installed, Windows might try to open the disc with a program that doesn't support it.

How to fix: Go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps. Scroll down to Video Player and ensure your preferred software (like AnyMP4) is selected as the default.

5. Inspect and Clean the Disc

If the disc is recognized but skips or freezes, gently wipe it with a soft, lint-free cloth from the center out to the edge. If the disc is heavily scratched, you may need a professional DVD repair service or a DVD Ripper to attempt to recover the digital data.

Conclusion

To summarize, here is how you can watch DVDs on Windows 10/11 depending on your priorities:

• • The Best Free Choice: VLC Media Player is perfect for basic, unprotected DVDs. Just remember to download it from the official site.
• • The Premium & Easiest Choice: AnyMP4 Blu-ray Player is the most robust solution. It is ideal for users with international (region-locked) discs, 4K Blu-rays, or those who want superior Dolby audio.
• • The Official Choice: The Windows DVD Player app is available for $14.99 but offers very limited features compared to professional third-party software.

Ready to upgrade your movie experience? Download the AnyMP4 Blu-ray Player trial today and see the difference in 4K clarity and hassle-free playback!