(Solved) Windows Media Player Not Playing DVD

There are several reasons why Windows Media Player may not play a DVD, including

• The DVD decoder is missing: A DVD decoder is a program that helps Windows Media Player decode and play the contents of DVD files. If it is missing, you may receive error messages such as “Windows Media Player cannot play the DVD because a compatible DVD decoder is not installed on your computer” or “Windows Media Player requires a DVD decoder to play DVD media”.

Note that starting with Windows 8, Microsoft removed the DVD decoder, so Windows Media Player no longer plays DVDs.

• The DVD is region-locked: DVDs use encryption technology such as region codes to prevent illegal copying or distribution. When you play a DVD from another region, it will not play because it is locked to that region. You need to remove the region restriction before it can play normally.

• The DVD is damaged: DVD discs can be damaged easily. If the damage is not too severe, it is possible to repair it using a repairing software tool. But if the damage is too severe, a professional DVD restorer will be needed.

Solution 1: Install DVD Decoder for Windows Media Player

As mentioned before, your Windows Media Player may lack the DVD decoder required to play DVD movies. Fortunately, you can get a DVD decoder from an external source to restore DVD playback capabilities.

DVD decoders you can use include CinePlayer DVD Decoder, Advanced Corel DVD Decoders, and Cyberlink PowerDVD SE. In addition, you can also try third-party free codec packs such as K-lite Codec Pack, Windows Media Codec Pack, DVD Decoder Pack, etc. After downloading and installing the DVD plug-in, it will add corresponding features to your Windows Media Player to enhance your DVD playback experience.

Solution 2: Convert DVD to Windows Media Player Supported Format

Converting DVD to video formats supported by Windows Media Player is the most popular method. Because this conversion will make the DVD content free from DVD codec and region restrictions, which means you can use any media player to play your DVD movie.

To achieve this format conversion, you need to use a professional DVD ripping software, such as WonderFox DVD Ripper Pro. Follow these steps to handle the conversion easily.

Step 1: Download and installDownload and install WonderFox DVD Ripper Pro on your PC.

Step 2: Insert the DVD into your computer’s DVD-ROM drive.

Step 3: Launch the software. Click DVD Disc and load the DVD into the program. The DVD decoder program will quickly detect and analyze the DVD and mark the main title.

Step 4: Click the format image on the right to expand the output format menu. Go to the Video tab and select the WMV (Windows Media Video) format. Alternatively, you can convert the DVD to MP4, AVI, or other formats supported by Windows Media Player.

Step 5: Click the three dots icon at the bottom to specify an output folder. Finally, press Run to start the converting process. Once done, you can watch the DVD movie in Windows Media Player without a hitch.

Solution 3: Play DVDs with Windows Media Player Alternatives

Since Windows Media Player cannot play DVDs on Windows 8 and later, Windows 8 users can purchase the Windows 8 Media Center Pack or Windows 8 Pro Pack to enable DVD playback. For Windows 10 and 11, users can buy the Windows DVD Player app from the Microsoft Store.

In addition to these apps, there are also third-party free DVD players that can help you watch DVD movies without additional plug-in downloads or file conversion.

• VLC Media Player: VLC is one of the most popular media players that can play a variety of audio, video and DVD files. As a DVD player, it supports not only data DVDs but also region-protected store-bought DVDs. → See how to play DVD in VLC
• 5KPlayer: This player app makes it easy to watch DVDs on older computers. It also supports 2K and 4K resolution video playback, offers multiple music filters, a video library, and a high-bitrate video and music downloader.
• Kodi: Kodi is a cross-platform free media player application. It can play almost all types of media, including music, movies, photos, DVDs, games, and more. It can be used with a remote control and TV, making it easy to watch movies on your home theater device. → See how to watch DVD movies in Kodi
• MPC-BE: MPC-BE, short for Media Player Classic – Black Edition, is an excellent audio and video player for Windows. It supports a wide range of media files, including DVDs, Blu-rays, and ISO images. It recognizes DVDs as soon as you insert them.

We explained why Windows Media Player won't play DVDs and how to fix this problem. To summarize, Windows 8, 8.1, 10, and 11 don't support DVD playback by default. You can install a DVD codec or use another DVD player. However, this way, you can only watch DVD movies on a single PC. If you want to play DVD movies without limitations, digitizing DVDs is the best solution. Get WonderFox DVD Ripper Pro and enjoy your DVDs now!

1. Why won’t my Windows Media Player play a DVD?

Your computer may be missing a DVD decoder, so Windows Media Player cannot play DVDs. Please note that on Windows 8, 8.1, 10, and 11, the DVD decoder has been officially removed by Microsoft. Also, if your DVD is not from the same region your computer was manufactured, the DVD will not play in your Windows Media Player.

2. How do I get a DVD to play on Windows Media Player?

If your Windows Media Player comes with DVD support, you can just insert the DVD into your computer and it will automatically play on Windows Media Player. Otherwise, you will need to download a DVD decoder or convert the DVD to a digital file so that it can play on Windows Media Player.

3. Is there a DVD player for Windows 10?

Windows 10 provides the Windows DVD Player app that allows you to play DVDs on your Windows 10 computer. You can buy it at the Microsoft Store for $14.99. In addition, there are third-party DVD players such as VLC Media Player, 5KPlayer, Kodi, MPC-BE, etc.