This article shows you how to watch DVD directly from a computer running Windows using VLC Media Player. There is currently no built-in program in Windows 10 that allows you to view the contents of a DVD. In any case, VLC Media Player is a completely free program that can be downloaded and installed directly from the web and is capable of playing any DVD. Remember that if your computer does not have an optical DVD drive, you will need to purchase an internal or external one and install it.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Install the VLC Media Player
Step 1. Go to the VideoLAN website to download the installation file
Use the URL https://www.videolan.org/vlc/ by pasting it into the address bar of the internet browser of your choice.
Step 2. Hit the Download VLC button
It is orange in color and is positioned on the right of the web page that has appeared. This will prompt you to download the latest updated version directly to your computer.
Depending on the browser used, you will have to select the destination folder and press the button Save or Download before the program installation file is actually stored on your computer.
Step 3. Double click on the downloaded VLC installation file
It features a white and orange traffic cone. Normally the files downloaded from the internet are automatically saved in the default folder for downloads, which can be for example the desktop or the "Downloads" folder.
Step 4. Press the Yes button when prompted
This will bring up the VLC installation window.
Step 5. Choose the language that the program will use, then press the OK button
Use the appropriate drop-down menu that appeared.
Step 6. Press the Next button located on each screen of the installation wizard
In this way VLC Media Player will be installed by adopting the optimal configuration created directly by the developers.
Step 7. Press the Install button
It is located at the bottom of the installation window. This way VLC will be installed directly on your computer.
You can check the installation status by observing the green progress bar in the pop-up window that appears
Step 8. Press the Finish button when the installation is complete
This will complete the installation procedure and close the relevant window. VLC Media Player is now ready to use.
Part 2 of 3: Set VLC as the System Default Media Player
Step 1. Access the "Start" menu
Press the Windows logo button in the lower left corner of the desktop.
Step 2. Select the "Settings" icon
It is characterized by a gear and located in the lower left part of the "Start" menu.
Step 3. Click the Apps icon
It is characterized by a stylized bulleted list.
Step 4. Go to the Default Apps tab
It is located in the "App" menu on the left of the "Settings" window.
Step 5. Scroll through the list of predefined applications until you find "Video Player"
Normally the default Windows app for playing video content is "Movies & TV"; select it to access the drop-down menu containing all programs capable of playing video content.
Step 6. Select the VLC media player option
The program icon is characterized by a white and orange traffic cone. This way VLC Media Player will be used as the default player to play any type of video file.
Part 3 of 3: Playing a DVD Using VLC Media Player
Step 1. Insert the DVD into the DVD drive on your computer
Do this so that the printed side of the optical media is facing up.
If VLC Media Player opens automatically, DVD playback should also start automatically
Step 2. Launch VLC Media Player
You should have a quick link to the program directly on your desktop and computer. Otherwise, type the keyword "vlc" in the "Start" menu, then select the "VLC media player" icon from the results list.
Step 3. Access the program's Media menu
It is located in the upper left corner of the VLC media player window. This will bring up the "Media" drop-down menu.
Step 4. Select the Open Disc… option
It is located at the top of the menu Average. A new dialog box about playing an optical disc will appear.
Step 5. Press the Play button
It is located in the lower right corner of the "Open Media" window. After a few seconds it should start playing the contents on the DVD inserted in the computer player.
If your DVD has a menu (as is the case in most cases), you will need to select the relevant menu item to play the content of the disc (for example Play or Select scene).
Advice
- Windows Media Player no longer supports DVD playback.
- If you are not going to use VLC Media Player, there is a wide range of free media players available on the web that can play a DVD without any problem; for example RealPlayer and DivX.
