(Solved) Windows Media Player Not Playing DVD

Windows Media Player may not play a DVD largely because of one of the three factors below:

• The DVD decoder is missing: A DVD decoder is a program that helps Windows Media Player decode and play the contents of DVD files. Windows 7 and earlier versions natively include the DVD decoder, but Microsoft officially removed this component starting with Windows 8, so Windows Media Player no longer plays DVDs in Windows 8, 8.1, 10, and 11. In this case, 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”.

• The DVD is region-locked: Most DVD discs are embedded with region codes (Regions 1 through 6). When you play a DVD from a region that does not match the code set on your computer, Windows Media Player will refuse to play the disc.

• The DVD is damaged: DVD discs can be easily damaged by scratches or dirt. Such physical damage can prevent Windows Media Player from properly reading the DVD’s content, hence leading to playback failure.

Solution 1: Convert DVD to Windows Media Player Supported Format

To ensure your DVDs are no longer restricted by codecs or region locks, the most reliable solution is to convert them into video formats supported by Windows Media Player, such as MP4 or WMV.

To perform this conversion, you will need to use a professional DVD ripping software, such as WonderFox DVD Ripper Pro. Simply follow the steps below to try converting a DVD to digital with ease.

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

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

Step 3: Launch the software. Click DVD Disc and load the DVD into the program. It will automatically mark the main title after loading.

Step 4: Click the format image on the right to expand the output format menu. Go to the Video tab and select MP4 or WMV. Both formats are supported natively 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 2: Install DVD Decoder for Windows Media Player

As a reminder, starting with Windows 8, the DVD decoder was removed. So, another solution to this issue is to install the missing decoder.

Since the official DVD decoder is no longer available, you must obtain one from a third-party source. Fortunately, there are many such resources available online, including CinePlayer DVD Decoder, Advanced Corel DVD Decoders, and Cyberlink PowerDVD SE. Additionally, you can try installing a codec pack, such as K-Lite Codec Pack, Windows Media Codec Pack, or DVD Decoder Pack. After downloading and installing these DVD plug-ins, your Windows Media Player will be enabled with DVD playback capabilities.

🔔 Please ensure that you obtain third-party decoders from reputable sources.

Solution 3: Play DVDs with Windows Media Player Alternatives

If your Windows Media Player cannot play DVDs, the most direct solution is to switch to a different player. There are plenty of third-party DVD players that come with built-in DVD decoders that can play DVDs easily.

The most popular choice is VLC media player. It’s free and open source, and can play DVD from another region. You can also try other options, like MPC-BE, 5KPlayer, and GOM Player.

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, MPC-BE, and more.