To use this option, you must first download and install the software from the VideoLAN VLC Media Player website. VLC Media Player is free, though you can always donate some funds to its development. VLC Media Playerĭeveloped by the folks at VideoLAN, VLC Media Player is a versatile multimedia player it can play music and videos stored on your PC or home network, as well as DVDs, CDs, and Blu-ray discs. You'll have access to the usual array of commands, including Play, Pause, Stop, Fast Forward, Rewind, Control Volume, and Resize Screen. Insert a DVD (the program doesn’t support Blu-ray discs) into your drive and click Play. If you decide to open your wallet, download and launch the app. Others gripe about spending $15 for an app they feel should be free. Many people complain that the app doesn't work right, and may not work at all in some cases. You'll notice from the reviews at the Microsoft Store that the Windows DVD Player doesn't get stellar grades it has an average rating of 3.2 out of 5. However, this trial version won't actually play DVDs, rather it simply tells you if it's compatible with your PC's built-in DVD player. To do this, click the ellipsis next to the Buy button and select Free Trial. You may first want to check out the seven-day trial version. The Windows DVD Player app sold in the Microsoft Store is a barebones affair, but it works (at least most of the time). Others will need a separate piece of software to decrypt the disc so that it’s playable. Some programs, such as Leawo Blu-ray Player, can play Blu-rays out of the box.

However, most programs lack the necessary functionality to decode commercial and encrypted Blu-ray discs. You should be able to play DVDs in most player applications with little or no trouble. Many of these drives are also read/write capable, so you can burn DVDs and Blu-ray discs. If your PC doesn’t have one, you can always purchase an internal or external drive. For desktops, DVD (and Blu-ray) drives are often optional.

Most laptops no longer come with DVD drives because many manufacturers try to make their machines as thin and light as possible. Before you can play any disc-based media, you naturally need a DVD drive.

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