As a tech enthusiast and someone who loves watching movies on my computer, I understand the frustration that can arise when trying to play a DVD on Windows 10. With the increasing popularity of online streaming services, DVD drives have become less common on laptops and desktop computers. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your DVD collection on Windows 10. In this article, I will guide you through the process of playing DVDs on Windows 10, sharing personal tips and insights along the way.
Step 1: Check your DVD Drive
The first thing you need to do is make sure your computer has a DVD drive. If you are using a laptop, there might be a built-in DVD drive. However, many modern laptops have moved away from DVD drives for a sleeker design. In that case, you will need an external DVD drive that connects to your computer via USB.
In my case, I have a MacBook Air, which doesn’t have a built-in DVD drive. I purchased an external DVD drive from a reputable brand and connected it to my laptop using the USB cable. It’s a small investment that allows me to watch DVDs whenever I want.
Step 2: Install DVD Player Software
Windows 10 does not come with a built-in DVD player software, unlike its predecessors. However, there are several options available for third-party DVD player software. One popular choice is VLC Media Player, which is free and supports a wide range of video formats, including DVDs.
To install VLC Media Player, you can visit their official website here and download the latest version. Once downloaded, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. After the installation is complete, you can launch VLC Media Player and move on to the next step.
Step 3: Insert the DVD
Now that you have installed DVD player software, it’s time to insert the DVD into your computer. Simply open the DVD drive tray and carefully place the DVD into the tray. Gently push the tray back into the drive until it clicks into place.
When I insert a DVD into my external DVD drive, I sometimes encounter issues where the DVD is not recognized by the computer. In such cases, I try ejecting and reinserting the DVD. If that doesn’t work, I disconnect and reconnect the USB cable from the external DVD drive to my laptop. This usually resolves the issue.
Step 4: Play the DVD with VLC Media Player
With the DVD inserted, open VLC Media Player on your Windows 10 computer. In the top menu, click on “Media” and then select “Open Disc” from the dropdown menu. A new window will appear, allowing you to choose the DVD drive that contains your DVD.
Once you have selected the DVD drive, click on the “Play” button at the bottom of the window. VLC Media Player will start playing the DVD, and you can sit back and enjoy your movie.
Conclusion
Playing a DVD on Windows 10 may require a bit of extra effort compared to previous versions of Windows. However, with the right DVD drive and software, such as VLC Media Player, you can easily enjoy your favorite movies on your computer. Remember to check for any firmware or software updates for your DVD drive and player to ensure compatibility with Windows 10. Now, grab some popcorn and have a great movie night!