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How to Fix Windows 10 DVD Player App Not Working: Step-by-Step Solutions

Many Windows 10 users rely on the built-in DVD Player app to watch DVDs easily. Sometimes, however, the app may stop working or fail to open DVDs correctly. This can be frustrating, especially if you want to watch a movie or access important content quickly.

Fortunately, fixing the Windows 10 DVD Player app is usually straightforward. You do not need advanced technical skills to try most solutions. This guide will walk you through simple and effective steps to get your DVD Player app working again.

Each step is explained clearly, so you can follow along without confusion. Whether you are a beginner or have some computer experience, this guide will help you understand what to do and why.

Let’s explore some easy ways to troubleshoot and fix the DVD Player app on your Windows 10 device.

Quick Note Before You Begin

Before diving into the solutions, make sure of the following:

  • Your DVD drive is properly connected and recognized by Windows. You can check this in Device Manager.
  • The DVD disc you are using is clean, free of scratches, and compatible (standard DVD format).
  • Your Windows 10 system has the latest updates installed. Updates often fix bugs and improve app performance.
  • You have administrative access to your computer to perform the troubleshooting steps.

Having these prerequisites ready will make troubleshooting smoother and faster.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, the simplest fix is to restart your PC. Restarting clears temporary glitches that might be preventing the DVD Player app from opening or playing discs.

To restart:

  1. Click the Start button.
  2. Select the Power icon.
  3. Click Restart.

After your computer restarts, try opening the DVD Player app again.

Step 2: Check the DVD Drive in Device Manager

Windows needs to detect your DVD drive for the app to work properly. If the drive is disabled or has driver issues, the app won’t function.

Here’s how to check:

  1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the section called DVD/CD-ROM drives.
  3. Look for your DVD drive. If you see a yellow exclamation mark or it’s missing, there may be a driver issue.
  4. If the drive is disabled (greyed out), right-click it and select Enable device.

If there’s a driver problem, you can try updating the driver:

  1. Right-click your DVD drive in Device Manager.
  2. Select Update driver.
  3. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
  4. Follow the prompts to install any available updates.

Once done, restart your computer and test the DVD Player app again.

Step 3: Reset the DVD Player App

Resetting the app clears cached data that might be causing it to malfunction. This will not delete your DVDs or files.

To reset the app:

  1. Click the Start button and select Settings (gear icon).
  2. Go to Apps and then Apps & Features.
  3. Scroll down to find Windows DVD Player.
  4. Click it, then select Advanced options.
  5. Scroll down and click Reset.
  6. Confirm the action if prompted.

After resetting, open the DVD Player app and check if it works properly.

Step 4: Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Since the DVD Player app comes from the Microsoft Store, running the built-in troubleshooter can help identify and fix app-related problems.

To do this:

  1. Open Settings and go to Update & Security.
  2. Click Troubleshoot on the left panel.
  3. Click Additional troubleshooters.
  4. Find and select Windows Store Apps.
  5. Click Run the troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions.

This tool will scan for issues and attempt repairs automatically. After it completes, try the DVD Player app again.

Step 5: Reinstall the Windows DVD Player App

If resetting and troubleshooting don’t work, reinstalling the app might help. Note that the Windows DVD Player app may be a paid app on the Microsoft Store, so reinstalling might require you to confirm your purchase or use the same Microsoft account.

To uninstall:

  1. Open Settings > Apps > Apps & Features.
  2. Locate Windows DVD Player, click it, and choose Uninstall.

To reinstall:

  1. Open the Microsoft Store app.
  2. Search for Windows DVD Player.
  3. Download and install the app again.

After reinstalling, open the app and test it with your DVD disc.

Alternative Method: Use a Third-Party DVD Player

If the Windows DVD Player app still doesn’t work or if you prefer a free option, consider using third-party media players. Popular choices include VLC Media Player and KMPlayer. These players support DVDs and often handle playback more reliably than the built-in app.

You can download these players from their official websites, install them, and open your DVD discs directly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does the Windows DVD Player app say “No Disc” even when a DVD is inserted?

This usually means Windows cannot read the disc. Check if the disc is clean and undamaged. Also, verify that the DVD drive is working properly in Device Manager.

Is the Windows DVD Player app free?

On most Windows 10 installations, the DVD Player app is a paid app. Some systems come with it pre-installed. If you need it, you may have to purchase it from the Microsoft Store.

Can I fix DVD playback issues by updating Windows?

Yes. Windows updates often include fixes for hardware and software compatibility issues. Always keep your system up to date.

My DVD drive works but the app still crashes. What should I do?

Try resetting or reinstalling the app. If problems continue, using a third-party DVD player app like VLC is a good alternative.

How do I know if my DVD drive is dead or malfunctioning?

If the drive does not appear in Device Manager or shows errors, or if it cannot read any discs, it may be faulty. Testing the drive on another computer can confirm this.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above steps fix your DVD Player app, consider these final options:

  • Run System File Checker: Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run sfc /scannow to repair corrupted system files.
  • Check for system updates: Sometimes, reinstalling or updating Windows 10 can resolve deeper issues.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit Microsoft’s official support page for personalized help.
  • Use third-party DVD players: As mentioned, VLC and other media players are reliable alternatives.

Conclusion

The Windows 10 DVD Player app is a convenient tool, but it can sometimes stop working due to driver issues, corrupted app data, or other glitches. Starting with simple fixes like restarting your computer and checking the DVD drive, then moving to resetting or reinstalling the app, usually solves most problems.

If these solutions don’t work, running the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter or opting for third-party DVD players can be effective alternatives. Always ensure your system and drivers are up to date for the best playback experience.

By following this step-by-step guide, you should be able to fix most issues with the Windows 10 DVD Player app and enjoy watching your DVDs without hassle.

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