DVDs: Microsoft has released Windows Media Player on Windows, but you can also turn to third-party applications instead. Here is where you can get DVD software and Blu-ray player Windows 10 and Windows 11.
you probably host most of your TV shows and movies with video streaming services, but most of us still have large DVD and Blu-ray collections. Unfortunately, if you insert a disk into your Windows PC, you may get into trouble because Microsoft Windows Media Player does not support DVDs or Blu-rays.
If you are wondering how to play your favorite discs on Windows, do not panic. Several PC brands are packed into multimedia software to play DVDs, though sometimes these products are naturally limited. Microsoft offers the Windows DVD Player app, but it costs $ 15 and generates a number of negative reviews. Instead, you can turn to third-party applications such as VLC Media Player, Leawo Blu-ray Player, and 5Kplayer.

Before you can play any disk-based media, you naturally need a DVD drive. Many laptops do not even come with DVD drives because many manufacturers are trying to make their devices as compact and compact as possible. On desktops, DVD (and Blu-ray) drives are usually preferred. If your PC doesn’t have one, you can always buy an internal or external drive. Many of these drivers can read / write, so you can burn DVDs and Blu-ray discs.
You should be able to play DVDs on most player programs with little or no problem. However, many programs do not have the function required to record commercial Blu-ray discs and encryption. Some programs, such as Leawo Blu-ray Player, can play Blu-ray outside the box. Some will need a separate piece of software to remove the disk encryption to play.
Microsoft Windows DVD Player
The Windows DVD Player application for sale in the Microsoft Store is a non-issue, but it works (at least most of the time). You may first want to check out the seven-day trial version. To do this, click on the ellipsis next to the purchase button and select Free Trial. However, this trial version will not play DVDs, instead it only tells you if it is compatible with the built-in DVD player for your PC.
You will notice in the Microsoft Store update that Windows DVD Player does not get top marks; has an average rating of 3.2 out of 5. Many people complain that the app does not work properly, and may not work at all in some cases. Some complain about spending $ 15 on an app that they feel should be free.
If you decide to open your wallet, download and launch the app. Insert a DVD (the program does not support Blu-ray discs) into your drive and click Play. You will have access to a wide range of commands, including Play, Pause, Pause, Transfer, Undo, Volume Control, and Resize Screen. But better player apps are available.
VLC media player
Developed by VideoLAN, VLC Media Player is a multimedia multiplayer multimedia player; can play music and videos stored on your PC or home network, as well as DVDs, CDs, and Blu-ray discs. VLC Media Player is free, or you can donate some money to its development.
To use this option, you must first download and install the software on the VideoLAN VLC Media Player website. Launch VLC Media Player, insert disk, and it should be updated automatically. If not, click Media> Open Disc> DVD, and then click Play. You will find the full range of play control buttons.
VLC Media Player easily plays DVDs but not Blu-ray as the software can split such discs on its own. If you get the error of trying to play Blu-ray, there is an operating system available. Browse to the vlc-bluray GitHub page and follow the steps to download and install a third-party tool called MakeMKV.
After copying the required file as described on the GitHub page, open MakeMKV and allow it to decrypt your current Blu-ray disc. You also need to install the 64-bit Java Runtime Environment (JRE) to access the disc menus. You can then play Blu-ray in VLC Media Player.
MakeMKV is free to use for 30 days after which you will need to purchase it for $ 60. However, there are ways around that when you contact MakeMKV forums.
This is Blu-ray Player
Leawo Blu-ray Player is a free and flexible media player that can handle content from DVDs, Blu-ray discs, folders, and ISO files. And yes, it plays Blu-rays without collision and without the need for additional software. The program is easy to use. Just log in to disk, and Leawo should see it automatically. Click the disk icon to play it. You can play, pause, pause, go forward, rewind, and extract the video to your disk.
The disk menu shows all the main topics and categories so you can jump to something. You can also jump forward between window mode and full screen mode. If you encounter any problem by going through the first chapter or the Blu-ray commercial menu, you will need to adjust one specific setting. Click the Leawo Blu-ray Player menu, go to player settings, and select DVD / Blu-ray. Open the Skip Blu-ray disc menu switch.
The basic version of Leawo Blu-ray Player is free and provides all the features needed to play disc, although the ad appears whenever you pause the video. To complete the ads, the premium version will cost $ 44.95 per year or $ 99.95 for life.
5KPlayer
5KPlayer can play less efficient videos, DVDs, and online radio stations. Apple AirPlay’s built-in feature lets you stream audio and video from your iPhone. You can also record videos on YouTube and other live streaming services. However, 5K Player cannot play Blu-ray disc and encrypted discs, even with third-party encryption tools.
