How to Play DVDs in Windows 10

Microsoft neutered Windows Media Player in Windows 10 so it won’t play DVDs unless you pay up. But you have a few options.
 
Video-streaming services are all the rage, but many of us still have pretty hefty DVD collections. Unfortunately, if you pop a DVD into your Windows 10 computer, you’ll run into some trouble because Windows 10 Media Player doesn’t support DVDs. So how can you play your favorite discs in Windows 10?
Don’t fret. You have a few options. Several PC brands bundle in multimedia software through which you can play a DVD, though sometimes these products are limited in nature. Microsoft offers a Windows DVD Player app, but it costs $15. A better option lies with free, third-party programs. Products like VLC Media Player, 5KPlayer, and Daum’s Pot Player can play your DVDs with little muss or fuss. Let’s look at Microsoft’s DVD Player app as well as these free products.
 
Microsoft’s Windows DVD Player
The Windows DVD Player app sold by Microsoft is a barebones affair, but it works (most of the time). To buy the program, click on the Windows Store icon on the taskbar and search for “Windows DVD player.” You’ll notice from the many reviews that this software doesn’t get high marks, often from folks unhappy about spending $15 for an app they believe should be free.
If you decide to open your wallet, download the app and launch it from its Start menu shortcut. To play a disc, click on the Start menu shortcut for Windows DVD Player. Insert a DVD into your drive. Click on the Play option for the movie or TV show. You’ll have access to the full array of usual commands, including Play, Pause, Stop, Fast Forward, Rewind, Control Volume, and Resize Screen.
 
VLC Media Player
A solid DVD player is VLC Media Player developed by VideoLAN. This skillful program 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, though you can always donate some funds to its development.
First, download and install the software from the VideoLAN VLC Media Player website. Launch VLC Media Player from its Start menu shortcut. Insert a DVD, and it should rev up automatically. If not, click on the Media menu, select the Open Disc command, choose the option for DVD, and then click on the Play button. You’ll notice a full range of controls to play, pause, stop, fast forward, go backwards, skip ahead, skip behind, and toggle to full-screen mode.
 
5KPlayer
Served up by an outfit named DearMob, 5KPlayer can play high-def videos, DVDs, and even online radio stations. A built-in Apple AirPlay feature lets you stream audio and video from your iPhone. And you can snag videos from YouTube and other streaming services.
Download and install 5KPlayer from its website. Launch the software from the Start menu shortcut, and you’re prompted to register by entering your name and email address in order to freely download videos and tap into Apple’s AirPlay. You then enter the registration code you receive by email, and you’re good to go.
Pop a DVD in your drive and press the button for DVD. Click OK, and your DVD starts playing. Onscreen controls let you play, stop, jump ahead, skip behind, and change the volume. Yes, watching a DVD is as simple as that. But 5KPlayer is packed with so many other cool features that it’s truly a robust and versatile multimedia player. This one’s a winner.
 
Daum’s Pot Player
A multimedia program from the folks at Daum, Pot Player can handle video, audio, DVDs, and Blu-rays, among other formats. The software even supports certain types of 3D glasses so you can immerse yourself in 3D videos.
Download and install Pot Player from its website. Launch the program from its Start menu shortcut and insert your DVD. Click on the Hamburger icon () and select the option to Open and then Open DVD to fire up your disc. You’ll find the usual onscreen buttons to play, stop, seek forward, seek backward, jump to a specific spot, control the volume, and eject your disc.