How to Play a DVD on Windows 10/11 & Fix Playback Issues [2026 Update]

I still recall the confusion after formatting my workstation with Windows 10. I inserted a DVD, Windows detected the drive, but the movie simply wouldn't play. At first, I assumed my optical drive laser had failed. However, browsing through Microsoft Community threads showed me that thousands of users were facing the same silence. The hardware was fine; the operating system just didn't have the tools to run it.

If you are searching for how to play DVD on Windows 10 or Windows 11, the issue is rarely your hardware. It is a deliberate software omission by Microsoft. In this article, I will walk you through the specific software configurations, ranging from open-source players to dedicated decryption engines like PlayerFab, that I use to restore full playback functionality.

Why Windows 10 Cannot Play DVDs Natively

Standard DVD-Video discs are encoded using the MPEG-2 compression standard. In the Windows 7 era, Microsoft paid the necessary licensing fees to include a native MPEG-2 decoder in Windows Media Center, allowing users to play ISO file immediately. With the release of Windows 8 and subsequently Windows 10, Microsoft deprecated Windows Media Center and ceased paying these licensing fees for the base operating system. Their data showed a significant shift toward streaming, making the cost of including the decoder in every copy of Windows unjustifiable.

Consequently, while Windows 10 can read the data on a DVD (such as ISO files or documents), it lacks the software logic to decode and display the video stream inside the VIDEO_TS folder. To bridge this gap, you must install software that brings its own licensed or open-source MPEG-2 decoder.

How to Play DVDs on Windows 10 with PlayerFab [Editor's Pick]

PlayerFab DVD Player a dedicated multimedia playback engine designed to bypass the codec and region limitations of modern operating systems. For users looking to watch DVD on Windows 10, it serves as a robust alternative to the default Windows apps, offering native support for navigation menus and encrypted disc structures. In my own testing, what sets PlayerFab apart isn't just that it plays the file, it is how it handles the Disc Experience.

Step 1: Initialize PlayerFab and Disc Mode

Download and launch PlayerFab. Upon startup, the software acts as a unified media center. Insert your DVD into the optical drive. The software will automatically detect the disc and display it in the left-hand navigation column under the "Disc" icon.

Step 2: Configure Playback Mode

Before playing, I recommend adjusting how the player handles the disc structure. Click the Settings and navigate to the Playback tab. Here you will see the DVD Playback Mode:

• Menu Mode: This starts the playback at the DVD navigation menu. This is essential for accessing scene selections or bonus features.
• Simple Mode: This bypasses the menu and jumps directly to the longest title (usually the main movie).

Step 3: Optimize Video Performance

To ensure the playback is smooth, go to the Video tab in Settings.

• Check Enable Hardware Acceleration Decoding. This offloads the MPEG-2 decoding task to your graphics card, preventing the micro-stuttering that can occur when the CPU is overwhelmed.

Step 4: Start Playback

Return to the main interface and click the DVD icon. If you selected Menu Mode, you will be greeted by the disc's interactive menu. Use your mouse to navigate and select Play.

How to Play a DVD on Windows 10 Using VLC [Free Solution]

When I need a quick diagnostic tool or a lightweight player, I turn to VLC Media Player. It carries its own internal codec libraries. This means it can bypass the Windows MPEG-2 limitation entirely without requiring you to purchase official extensions from Microsoft. It handles common encryptions using the libdvdcss library, although it lacks the "Disc Mode" polish of dedicated players like PlayerFab and frequently feels a bit utilitarian.

Pros:

• Free and user-friendly software without ads
• Works with various video formats without additional codecs
• Directly plays online videos and music
• Lightweight software that uses minimal system resources

Cons:

• The interface feels dated (reminiscent of Windows 95)
• Lacks advanced library management for organizing disc collection

Step 1: Install VLC Media Player

Download the latest 64-bit version from the official VideoLAN website. As a security precaution, I always advise against downloading from third-party software aggregators to avoid bundled bloatware. Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts.

Step 2: Open Media Settings

Launch VLC after installation. You don't need to hunt through menus; simply press Ctrl + D on your keyboard to instantly open the "Open Disc" panel. Alternatively, click the Media tab in the top-left toolbar and select Open Disc.

Step 3: Configure Disc Selection

In the pop-up window, ensure the Disc Selection is set to DVD. 

Tip: If you are trying to bypass a broken menu loop on a damaged disc, checking the "No disc menus" box can sometimes force the main video stream to play immediately, though you will lose access to chapter selection.

Step 4: Select Drive and Play

Verify that the Disc Device dropdown matches your actual optical drive letter (e.g., D:\ or E:\). Windows sometimes defaults to a virtual drive, so ensure your physical burner is selected. Click Play to launch the DVD menu.

How to Get the Windows DVD Player App from Microsoft Store

If you prefer to stay strictly within the Microsoft ecosystem, there is an official app available. However, unlike the old Windows Media Center, this app is not free for most users. It costs $14.99, and frankly, it offers fewer features than the free open-source alternatives.

If you previously upgraded from a Windows 7 Ultimate edition with Media Center, you might be eligible for a free download. For everyone else on a clean install of Windows 10 or 11, it is a paid purchase.

Step 1: Locate in Microsoft Store

Press the Windows Key and type "Store" to launch the Microsoft Store. In the search bar, type "Windows DVD Player". Ensure you select the app published by Microsoft Corporation, as there are many look-alike fakes with similar names.

Step 2: Purchase and Install

Click the blue price button to purchase the license. Once the transaction clears, the download will begin automatically. It is a small file since it essentially just installs the MPEG-2 decoder license and a basic playback interface.

Why I Rarely Recommend This App

While it is official, my testing reveals significant technical gaps compared to PlayerFab or VLC:

• It strictly adheres to the firmware region code of your drive. You cannot switch regions freely.
• A quick glance at the Store reviews shows a 3/5 star rating, with many users reporting that the app fails to recognize discs after Windows updates.

Other Popular Tools to Watch DVD on Windows 10

Potplayer

For power users who find VLC's interface too basic, Daum PotPlayer is the best alternative. It is a lightweight but extremely customizable multimedia player that supports OpenCodec, allowing users to add specific external codecs manually if needed. In my testing, it handles damaged DVD file structures (IFO) better than most competitors due to its robust error-correction algorithms.

Pros:

• Extremely Lightweight, using minimal RAM even during HD playback
• Offers extensive skinning options and granular control over video settings
• Daum updates frequently to support new formats and fix bugs

Cons:

• The large number of settings in the context menu can be overwhelming for beginners
• The installation wizard often prompts to install unrelated software

How to Play a DVD on Windows 10 with Potplayer

Step 1:  Go to the official site and download the 64-bit version to match modern Windows 10/11.

During the installation wizard, pay attention to the checkboxes. PotPlayer frequently bundles third-party antivirus or toolbars.

Step 2: Access the Hidden "Open" Menu Insert your DVD into the drive and launch PotPlayer.

Step 3: Select the Specific Optical Drive. In the context menu, hover your mouse over Open. In the sub-menu, select Open DVD.

Step 4: Once the disc loads, PotPlayer supports the DVD menu, but mouse clicks on menu buttons can sometimes be unresponsive. I recommend using the Arrow Keys and Enter on your keyboard to navigate the DVD title selections reliably.

5KPlayer

5KPlayer is a hybrid tool that mixes a media player with an AirPlay server/downloader. It positions itself as a hassle-free way to watch DVD on Windows 10, specifically marketing its ability to handle Region Codes without changing the drive's firmware. While the interface is significantly more modern and "app-like" compared to the utilitarian look of VLC, users should be aware of its aggressive marketing within the app.

Pros:

• Professional controls like AirPlay and GPU acceleration
• Support 4K playback, subtitles, and various video formats
• Play copy-protected DVD discs regardless of the region codes
• Handle home-recorded, scratched, or damaged DVDs, or ISO files

Cons:

• It uses significantly more CPU and Memory than PotPlayer or VLC
• The free version contains ads and frequently prompts users to upgrade

How to Play DVD Movies on Windows 10 and 11 with 5KPlayer

Step 1: Browse the 5KPlayer site. Navigate to the part of 5KPlayer and click Free Download. Install this free DVD player for Windows 10.

Step 2: After you launch the 5KPlayer software, tap DVD on the main interface. Choose your DVD device and tap Play.

Step 3: Hover your cursor over the Start menu and pick a chapter or section. Similarly, select an audio track, language, and closed caption to play.

Your DVD content will play automatically as soon as you are done selecting.

Comparison: Choosing the Best Way to Watch DVD on Windows 10

I often get asked if investing in premium software is necessary when free open-source tools exist. The answer depends on the technical demands of your library. Below is the technical breakdown of how these top solutions handle decoding, copy protection, and hardware utilization.

Conclusion

The requirement to play a DVD on Windows 10 necessitates third-party software, as modern Windows systems no longer include native MPEG-2 decoders. While open-source utilities like VLC offer a free method using generic decryption libraries, they lack the specific menu support required for complex discs. For users managing libraries with region-locked content or strict encryption, dedicated solutions such as PlayerFab provide a more robust environment through integrated hardware acceleration and native menu retention.