Skip to main content

What to Do When DVDs Won’t Play on Windows 10

Paul L.
Updated

By default, Windows 10 does not include DVD playback support. If your DVDs won’t play, it’s usually due to missing software, drivers, or settings. This guide walks you through how to fix the issue and get DVDs working.

Step 1: Check if Your PC Has a DVD Drive

  • Open File Explorer and check if a DVD drive appears under This PC.

  • If not, ensure the drive is properly connected or try a different USB port if it's external.

Step 2: Install a DVD Player App

Option 1: Use a Free Player Like VLC Media Player

  1. Go to the official VLC site: https://www.videolan.org/vlc

  2. Download and install VLC for Windows.

  3. Insert your DVD and open VLC.

  4. Click Media > Open Disc > Select DVD > Click Play.

VLC is free, supports most DVD formats, and is highly recommended.

Option 2: Use the Microsoft DVD Player (Paid)

  1. Go to the Microsoft Store.

  2. Search for Windows DVD Player (by Microsoft Corporation).

  3. Install and open the app to play DVDs.

Reviews are mixed; VLC is generally the better value.

Step 3: Update or Reinstall DVD Drive Drivers

  1. Press Windows + X > select Device Manager.

  2. Expand DVD/CD-ROM drives.

  3. Right-click your DVD drive > Update driver > Search automatically.

  4. If issues persist, right-click again > Uninstall device, then restart your PC.

Step 4: Set VLC as Default DVD Player

  1. Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps.

  2. Scroll down and click Choose default apps by file type.

  3. For .VOB and .IFO files, set VLC Media Player.

  4. Optionally, insert a DVD, and when prompted, choose VLC and check “Always use this app.”

Step 5: Check DVD Region Settings (If Disc Won’t Load)

  1. Open Device Manager.

  2. Expand DVD/CD-ROM drives.

  3. Right-click your drive > Properties.

  4. Go to the DVD Region tab.

  5. Set the correct region for your DVD (e.g., Region 1 for U.S.).

You can only change the region 5 times total, so choose carefully.

Still Not Working?

  • Try a different DVD disc (some may be scratched or incompatible).

  • Use an external USB DVD drive if your built-in one is failing.

  • Consider ripping DVDs to digital format using legal software if frequent playback is needed.

Related articles