Windows can't play DVDs because Microsoft removed the MPEG-2 video codec starting with Windows 8. This codec is required to decode DVD video, and Microsoft chose not to include it to avoid paying licensing fees to the MPEG Licensing Authority (MPEG LA) for every copy of Windows sold. According to Microsoft's official blog, fewer people were using DVDs as streaming became more popular, making the codec cost hard to justify for all users.
The fix is simple: install VLC Media Player from videolan.org. It's free, includes all the codecs you need, and will play your DVD in about two minutes from start to finish.
Quick steps: Download VLC from videolan.org, install it, insert your DVD, open VLC, click Media, then Open Disc, then Play. That's it.
Which Windows Versions Are Affected?
Every Windows version starting with Windows 8 lacks built-in DVD playback. This includes Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows 11. If you upgraded from Windows 7 with Windows Media Center installed, you may have kept DVD support briefly, but fresh installs and later updates removed it.
Windows 7 and earlier included the MPEG-2 codec because Microsoft bundled it with Windows Media Player and Windows Media Center. When Media Center was discontinued, the codec went with it.
How to Play DVDs on Windows for Free
Several free media players include DVD playback support without needing extra downloads or codec packs.
VLC Media Player
VLC is an open source media player developed by the VideoLAN nonprofit organization. It has been downloaded over 3.5 billion times according to VideoLAN's download statistics, making it one of the most trusted media players in the world.
- Download: Go to videolan.org and choose the Windows installer.
- Install: Run the installer and accept the default settings.
- Play your DVD: Insert the disc, open VLC, click Media at the top left, select Open Disc, and click Play.
- Compatibility: Works on Windows 7 through Windows 11, plus Mac and Linux.
Why VLC works well: It bundles the libdvdcss library and MPEG-2 decoder internally, so you don't need to install anything else. It also handles scratched or slightly damaged discs better than many other players.
Windows DVD Player App
Microsoft offers a paid app called Windows DVD Player in the Microsoft Store. It costs around $15 and provides a basic playback experience without extra features. This app makes sense if you prefer using Microsoft products and want a simple interface.
- Where to find it: Open the Microsoft Store and search for "Windows DVD Player."
- Price: One time purchase, around $14.99.
- Best for: People who want official Microsoft software and don't mind the cost.
The exact per-copy licensing fee Microsoft paid for the MPEG-2 codec was never publicly disclosed, but industry estimates suggest it was between $2 and $4 per Windows license. With over 1.4 billion Windows devices in use globally according to Microsoft's own reports, even a $2 per license saving adds up to billions of dollars over time. Since streaming services like Netflix and Hulu had already replaced physical media for most users, Microsoft decided the codec wasn't worth the cost for the entire user base.
Other Free Players
If VLC doesn't suit your preferences, a few other free options exist.
- Media Player Classic Home Cinema (MPC-HC): Lightweight player with a classic Windows Media Player look. Development has slowed, but it still works.
- PotPlayer: Feature rich player from South Korea's Kakao Corp, popular among users who want more playback controls.
- Kodi: Full media center software that organizes movie libraries and plays DVDs. Best if you have a large collection.
Does Your Computer Even Have a DVD Drive?
Many laptops and desktop computers made after 2015 don't include optical drives. Manufacturers removed them to make devices thinner and lighter, since most software and media moved to downloads and streaming.
To check if your Windows computer has a DVD drive, look at the right side of a laptop or the front of a desktop tower for a disc tray with an eject button. If you don't see one, your device doesn't have a built-in drive.
Using an External USB DVD Drive
External USB DVD drives plug into any USB port and work just like internal drives. They typically cost between $20 and $40 and don't require special drivers on Windows 10 or 11, as the operating system recognizes them automatically.
- Connection: Plug the USB cable into your computer. Most external drives get power through USB, so no extra cables are needed.
- Recognition: Windows should detect the drive within a few seconds. You'll see it appear in File Explorer.
- Playback: Use VLC or another media player as described above.
DVD Still Won't Play? Troubleshooting Steps
If you've installed VLC or another player but your DVD still won't work, the issue might be with your hardware, drivers, or the disc itself.
Windows Doesn't Detect the DVD Drive
When Windows can't see your DVD drive at all, the problem is usually a driver issue or loose connection.
- Check Device Manager: Right click the Start button, choose Device Manager, and look under "DVD/CD-ROM drives." If it's missing or has a yellow warning icon, there's a driver problem.
- Update the driver: Right click the drive in Device Manager, select Update driver, then choose "Search automatically for drivers."
- Uninstall and restart: Right click the drive, select Uninstall device, then restart your computer. Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.
- Check physical connections: On a desktop, open the case and make sure the SATA data cable and power cable are firmly connected to the drive and motherboard.
Region Code Mismatch
Commercial DVDs are encoded with region codes that restrict playback to specific parts of the world. The United States and Canada use Region 1. If your drive is set to a different region than your disc, the DVD won't play.
- Check your drive's region: Open Device Manager, right click your DVD drive, select Properties, and click the DVD Region tab.
- Changing regions: You can change the region setting, but most drives only allow 4 to 5 changes before the setting becomes permanent.
- Region free discs: Some DVDs are sold as Region 0 or "All Regions" and work in any drive regardless of its setting.
Important: Once you've changed your drive's region the maximum number of times (usually 5), the last setting becomes permanent and cannot be changed. Choose carefully.
Scratched or Damaged Disc
Physical damage to a DVD can prevent it from playing even when everything else works correctly. Light scratches on the shiny data side of the disc can usually be read, but deep scratches or cracks will cause playback to fail or skip.
- Inspect the disc: Look at the bottom (shiny side) for visible scratches, fingerprints, or smudges.
- Clean the disc: Wipe gently from the center outward (not in circles) using a soft, lint free cloth. For stubborn marks, dampen the cloth with water or isopropyl alcohol.
- Try another disc: Test a different DVD to confirm whether the problem is the disc or the drive.
What About Blu-ray Discs?
Blu-ray discs require different hardware and software than DVDs. A standard DVD drive cannot read Blu-ray discs because Blu-rays use a blue-violet laser with a shorter wavelength (405 nanometers versus 650 nanometers for DVDs), allowing them to store more data in smaller pits on the disc surface.
To play Blu-rays on a Windows computer, you need a Blu-ray drive (internal or external) and software that supports Blu-ray playback. VLC can play some Blu-rays but struggles with newer copy protection schemes. Paid options like CyberLink PowerDVD or Leawo Blu-ray Player offer more reliable Blu-ray support.
Summary
Windows can't play DVDs because Microsoft stopped including the MPEG-2 codec to save on licensing costs. The quickest free fix is to download VLC Media Player from videolan.org. If your computer lacks a DVD drive, a USB external drive costs around $20 to $40 and works immediately with Windows.
For DVDs that won't play after installing VLC, check that Windows detects your drive, verify the region code matches your disc, and inspect the disc for physical damage. With these steps, you'll have your movie playing in minutes.