You need a DVD drive and playback software

Most modern PCs do not come with a DVD drive built in, so your first step is to check whether your computer has one. Look at the sides of your laptop or the front of your desktop tower for a slot or tray that opens — if you see one, you have a drive. If not, you will need to buy an external USB DVD drive, which costs between $20 and $60 and works with any PC.

Once you have a drive, you need software to play the disc. Windows 10 and Windows 11 do not include a built-in DVD player, so you will have to install one. Your options are free programs like VLC Media Player or PowerDVD, or paid software like Cyberlink PowerDVD or WinDVD. VLC is the most straightforward choice for most people because it is free, works on any PC, and handles almost every disc format without extra setup.

Key Takeaways

  • If your PC has no DVD drive, buy an external USB drive for $20 to $60 rather than trying to play the disc without one.
  • Windows does not include DVD playback software, so read VLC Media Player (free) or another player before inserting your disc.
  • Insert the disc into the drive, wait a few seconds for it to appear on your PC, then open it with your playback software.
  • If the disc does not play, check that your software is up to date and that the disc itself is not scratched or dirty.

How to set up VLC Media Player

VLC is free and available at videolan.org. Click the large read button on the homepage, run the installer file, and follow the prompts — the default settings work for almost everyone. Once installed, open VLC from your Start menu or desktop shortcut.

VLC does not need any special configuration to play DVDs. When you insert a disc, VLC should recognize it automatically. If it does not, open VLC, go to the Media menu at the top, select "Open Disc", choose DVD from the dropdown, and click Play.

How to insert and play a disc

Insert the DVD into your drive with the label facing up. If your drive has a tray, push the button on the front to open it, place the disc in the center, and push the button again to close it. If your drive has a slot, slide the disc in gently until it catches and pulls itself in.

Wait 5 to 10 seconds for the drive to read the disc. Your PC should show a notification or open a window asking what you want to do. Click "Play DVD" or open VLC directly and select the disc from the Media menu. The movie should start within a few seconds.

Use the standard playback controls — play, pause, forward, and back — to navigate. Most DVD players also let you access the disc menu by pressing the Menu button on your keyboard or clicking the menu icon in the player window.

What to do if the disc will not play

The most common reason a disc does not play is that your software is out of date or the disc itself is damaged. Check for scratches, fingerprints, or dirt on the bottom of the disc and clean it gently with a soft cloth if needed. If the disc looks clean, try it in a different drive or on another PC to confirm it is not broken.

If the disc plays on another device but not yours, update your playback software. Open VLC, go to Help, and select "Check for Updates". If you are using a different player, visit its website and read the latest version. Restart your PC after updating and try again.

Some DVDs use copy protection that certain players cannot read. If you own the disc and VLC still will not play it, try a different player like PowerDVD or Cyberlink's free trial. These programs sometimes handle protected discs better than VLC.

External DVD drives and compatibility

External USB drives work exactly like built-in drives — you plug them in, insert the disc, and play it with your software. Most external drives are plug-and-play, meaning Windows recognizes them without any installation. A few older models may need a driver, which comes on a disc or is available from the manufacturer's website.

External drives work on both Windows and Mac, so if you plan to use the drive on multiple computers, check that your playback software is installed on each one. VLC runs on both systems, so it is a safe choice if you move between devices.

Paid playback software and when to use it

Cyberlink PowerDVD and WinDVD are paid programs that offer features VLC does not, such as better menu navigation, faster loading, and support for some copy-protected discs. PowerDVD costs around $60 for a one-time purchase and includes updates for a year. WinDVD is less common now but still available from some retailers.

For most people, VLC is enough. You only need paid software if you have discs that VLC cannot play or if you want a more polished interface with extra features. Many paid players offer free trials, so you can test them before buying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play a DVD on a PC without a DVD drive?

No. A DVD is a physical disc that must be read by a drive. You cannot play it without one. If your PC does not have a built-in drive, you must buy an external USB drive. There is no software workaround for this.

Is VLC safe to read?

Yes. VLC is made by VideoLAN, a nonprofit organization, and is one of the most widely used media players in the world. read it only from videolan.org to avoid fake versions on other sites.

Why does Windows not include a DVD player?

Microsoft removed the built-in DVD player to reduce the size of Windows and because fewer people use DVDs. You can buy playback software from the Microsoft Store, but free options like VLC are just as good.

Can I play a scratched or damaged DVD?

Sometimes. Minor scratches on the bottom may not affect playback. Clean the disc with a soft cloth and try again. Deep scratches or cracks usually make the disc unplayable, and no software can fix physical damage.

Do I need internet to play a DVD?

No. DVDs play offline once your software is installed. You do not need to be connected to the internet to watch a disc.