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Windows 11 Default DVD Player - How To Set It Up Easily
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Published onJuly 8, 2024
published onJuly 8, 2024
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Are you looking for the Windows 11 default DVD player?
Unfortunately, this OS doesn’t come with a default tool, but I’ll show you a workaround. It allows you toplay the DVDthrough AutoPlay or manually from the Windows File Explorer.
Below, I’ll explain how to set it up step-by-step, so let’s get into it!
Does Windows 11 Have a Default DVD Player?
No, the Windows 11 operating systemdoesn’t come with a default DVD player.Microsoft has stopped including the service for free with the latest iteration of Windows.
The latestMicrosoft Support portalfor DVD playback options also confirms that from Windows 8.1 onwards, there’s no built-in DVD playback support. You’ll have to get an app from the Microsoft Store or third-party developers.
For example, you canset up the Windows Media Player Legacy appas the default DVD player.
However, you should know thatWindows Media Playersuffers fromcompatibility issues. Mostly, the tool has been designed to access data DVDs so you can create your own music or movie show libraries.
When you insert a multimedia DVD, it might not recognize the AutoPlay instructions (AutoRunon Windows 10) and open the disc’s contents in Windows File Explorer.
How To Get Windows Media Player in Windows 11
The Windows Media Player Legacy app should be present on your Windows 11 PCif it’s the Pro variant.Look up the app in theStart Menuby typingWindowsMedia.
If it’s not on your PC, follow these steps to activate it:
Look up the app again in the Start Menu. If it’s there, you’ve successfully added it.
How To Set Up Windows Media Player as the Default DVD Player
You’ll have to make a few manual configurations before Windows Media Player can function as a built-in DVD player. These are as outlined below:
Enable Windows AutoPlay System
Map Key DVD Files
TheIFO and VOB filesare the DVD’s key data in theVIDEO_TSfolder. So, you must set Windows Media Player Legacy as the default app for these files. Here’s how:
Now, insert the DVD. Once the PC reads the DVD metadata, the AutoPlay system should take it from there. It should automatically open the Windows Media Player Legacy app for content playback.
Playback Disc Contents From Explorer
Windows 11 Default DVD Player – Alternatives
If you’re not finding Windows Media Player convenient enough for DVD playback, check out these alternative choices:
Windows DVD Player
This is theofficialDVD playerfor Windows 8.1 and lateroperating systems. The app is available forfree for 7 days. Downloading and buying are only available through the Microsoft Store platform. During this free trial period, you won’t be able to run long-form movies and TV shows.
You can only play short videos on a DVD. Also, the tool will show the Buy Now ribbon on the screen, which is pretty annoying. So, you’ll either have to buy the full version for distraction-less playback or move on to the free alternatives.
Price:$14.99one-time fee for lifetime usage.
Get it on the Microsoft Store.
VLC Media Player
This is the best option for convenient playback of DVDs and VCDs on any Windows PC. It’sopen source, so you can utilize it personally or in a commercial setup without giving credit to VideoLAN or buying a license.
It integrates seamlessly with the Windows 11 AutoPlay system. Also, it shows up as the default DVD player on the right-click context menu. The app is available on theMicrosoft Storeand VideoLAN’s official website.
Price:Free.
Get it on VideoLAN.
Kodi
Kodi is popular as amultimedia aggregator. It collects content automatically from all sources, likeHDD, SSD, USB-stick, DVD, network storage, and the internet. So, if you’re looking to consolidate all entertainment content in one app, go for Kodi. Like VLC Media Player, it’sopen-source. Therefore, it’s suitable for both commercial and individual usage.
Price:Free.
Get it on Kodi.
So, you should now be able to set Windows Media Player as the Windows 11 default DVD player. Alternatively, you can give the above third-party tools a try if the built-in app seems inefficient.
Which one did you choose in the end? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
More about the topics:DVD,media player,Windows 11,windows media player
Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Passionate about technology,Windows, and everything that has a power button, he spent most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world.
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, with a complete expertise in touch-based devices, he is constantly keeping an eye out for the latest and greatest!
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Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, he’s a Windows 11 Privacy & Security expert.
