How to Make Windows Your Default DVD Player

Watching DVDs on your computer can be a relaxing and convenient way to enjoy your favorite movies and TV shows. While many computers come with built-in DVD drives, setting Windows to automatically use your preferred DVD player can streamline the viewing process. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to make Windows consistently use your chosen DVD player application.

Table of Contents

Understanding Default Applications In Windows

Windows uses the concept of “default applications” to determine which program should be used when you open a specific type of file or perform a particular action, like playing a DVD. The default application is the one that Windows will automatically launch when you insert a DVD into your computer’s drive. If you haven’t specifically set a default DVD player, Windows might prompt you to choose one each time you insert a disc, or it might use a player you don’t prefer.

It’s important to note that the ability to play DVDs natively without third-party software depends on the version of Windows you’re using. Windows 10, for example, doesn’t include built-in DVD playback support out of the box. This means you’ll need a separate DVD player program to watch DVDs. We’ll cover several options later in this guide.

Choosing Your Preferred DVD Player

The first step is to decide which DVD player application you want to use as your default. There are many excellent options available, both free and paid. Here are a few popular choices:

VLC Media Player: This is a free, open-source, and versatile media player that supports a wide range of video and audio formats, including DVDs. VLC is known for its reliability and ease of use.
CyberLink PowerDVD: A commercially available option with a comprehensive set of features, including high-quality playback, Blu-ray support, and various enhancements.
Leawo Blu-ray Player: A free Blu-ray player that also supports DVD playback. It offers a clean interface and a good selection of features.
PotPlayer: Another free and feature-rich media player that handles DVDs, Blu-rays, and various video formats with ease.

Make sure you have your chosen DVD player installed and running correctly before proceeding to the next steps. Test it by playing a DVD to ensure it works as expected.

Setting The Default DVD Player In Windows Settings

The most straightforward way to set your default DVD player is through the Windows Settings app. This method works on Windows 10 and Windows 11, and it provides a clear and intuitive way to manage your default applications.

Accessing The Default Apps Settings

Open the Settings app. You can do this by pressing the Windows key + I, or by searching for “Settings” in the Start menu.
Click on Apps. This will take you to the Apps settings section.
Select Default apps from the left-hand menu. This page lists various file types and protocols and allows you to choose which application handles each one.

Setting The Default App By File Type Or Protocol

Unfortunately, Windows doesn’t have a direct “DVD” option in the Default apps list. However, you can achieve the desired result by associating the DVD drive with your preferred player using other methods.

Setting Default Apps by App

This method allows you to set a default for all file types that an application can handle.

In the “Default apps” settings, scroll down to the bottom and click on “Choose defaults by app”.
Find your preferred DVD player in the list of apps.
Click on your DVD player. This will bring you to a page with information about the app and a button labeled “Manage”.
Click on the “Manage” button. This will show a list of all the file types and protocols that your chosen DVD player can handle.
Review the list and make sure that common video file extensions like “.avi”, “.mp4”, “.mkv”, and “.vob” are associated with your chosen player. VOB files are particularly important for DVD playback, as they are the files that contain the DVD’s video and audio data.

Using the “Choose default apps by file type” Option

This method involves finding the file extensions associated with DVDs and manually assigning them to your preferred player. This is a more granular approach.

In the “Default apps” settings, scroll down and click on “Choose default apps by file type”.
Scroll through the list to find video file types such as “.avi”, “.mp4”, “.mkv”, and especially “.vob”. VOB files are essential for DVD playback.
Click on the application currently associated with each of these file types.
Select your preferred DVD player from the list of available applications. If your player isn’t listed, click on “More apps” to see a more comprehensive list, or “Look for an app in the Microsoft Store”.

Using The “AutoPlay” Settings

The AutoPlay settings in Windows determine what happens when you insert removable media, such as DVDs, into your computer. Configuring these settings can ensure that your preferred DVD player is launched automatically.

Accessing The AutoPlay Settings

Open the Settings app (Windows key + I).
Click on Devices.
Select AutoPlay from the left-hand menu.

Configuring AutoPlay For DVDs

Find the “DVD movie” option in the AutoPlay settings.
Click on the dropdown menu next to “DVD movie”.
Choose your preferred DVD player from the list of options. If your player isn’t listed, select “Choose a default”.
If you want Windows to ask you each time you insert a DVD, select “Ask me every time”.
For “Blu-ray movie”, set the option to your preferred player or “Ask me every time” if you also play Blu-rays.

It’s important to note that AutoPlay might be disabled by default for security reasons. If you don’t see the “DVD movie” option, make sure AutoPlay is enabled at the top of the AutoPlay settings page.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, even after following the above steps, you might encounter issues with your DVD player not being set as the default. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

Conflicting Applications: If you have multiple DVD player applications installed, they might be conflicting with each other. Try uninstalling the ones you don’t use to simplify the process.
File Association Errors: Sometimes, the file associations for DVD-related file types can become corrupted. You can try resetting the file associations to their default values in the Settings app (Apps > Default apps > Reset to the Microsoft recommended defaults).
Administrator Privileges: Some applications require administrator privileges to set themselves as the default. Try running your preferred DVD player as an administrator (right-click on the application icon and select “Run as administrator”).
Codec Issues: If you’re having trouble playing DVDs even after setting your default player, it might be due to missing or outdated codecs. Codecs are software components that allow your computer to decode video and audio data. Try installing a codec pack like K-Lite Codec Pack to ensure you have the necessary codecs for DVD playback.
DVD Region Codes: DVDs are often encoded with region codes to restrict playback to specific geographic areas. If your DVD player is set to the wrong region, it might not play DVDs from other regions. You can usually change the DVD region code in your DVD player’s settings, but be aware that you might only be able to change it a limited number of times.
Hardware Issues: In rare cases, the problem might be with your DVD drive itself. Try testing the drive with other DVDs to see if the issue persists. If it does, the drive might be faulty and need to be replaced.

Alternative Methods For Setting Default DVD Player

While the Windows Settings app and AutoPlay settings are the most common ways to set your default DVD player, there are a few alternative methods you can try if you’re still having trouble:

Using the “Open With” Menu: Right-click on a DVD drive icon in File Explorer. Select “Open with” and choose your preferred DVD player. Make sure to check the box that says “Always use this app to open .vob files” (or similar) before clicking OK. This method sets the default application for that specific file type.
Using Third-Party Software: Some third-party utilities can help you manage your default applications more effectively. These tools often provide more granular control over file associations and can resolve conflicts between different applications.
Registry Editing (Advanced): This method involves directly editing the Windows Registry to set the default DVD player. However, it’s not recommended for beginners, as incorrect changes to the Registry can cause serious system issues. If you choose to use this method, be sure to back up your Registry first and proceed with caution.

Conclusion

Setting your preferred DVD player as the default in Windows can greatly enhance your DVD viewing experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your chosen application is always used when you insert a DVD into your computer. Remember to choose a reliable DVD player, configure the settings in Windows Settings and AutoPlay, and troubleshoot any common issues that might arise. With a little effort, you can enjoy your favorite DVDs on your computer with ease.

Why Is Windows Not Automatically Playing My DVDs?

Windows 10 and 11 removed native DVD playback support to reduce the operating system’s footprint and licensing costs. While previous versions of Windows included Windows Media Player with DVD playback functionality, the newer versions require users to download a separate DVD player application or purchase the Windows DVD Player app from the Microsoft Store. This change was made to accommodate the increasing popularity of streaming services and digital media formats, making DVD playback less essential for the core operating system experience.

Furthermore, if you’ve previously installed a third-party DVD player application, it might have inadvertently taken over the default association for DVD playback. This could prevent Windows from using your preferred player, even if you have the Windows DVD Player app installed or another compatible option. Checking and modifying file associations within Windows settings is essential to ensure your desired application handles DVD playback automatically.

How Do I Set My Preferred DVD Player As The Default?

To set your preferred DVD player as the default, navigate to the Windows Settings app. Go to Apps, then Default Apps. Scroll down to the “Choose default apps by file type” option. Look for file extensions like “.vob,” “.ifo,” and disc playback options like “DVD Video” or similar. Click on the current default application listed next to each extension and select your desired DVD player from the list.

Alternatively, you can right-click on a DVD video file (.vob or similar), select “Open with,” and then choose your preferred DVD player. Ensure you check the box that says “Always use this app to open .vob files” (or the relevant file type) before clicking OK. This method directly associates the selected player with that file type, ensuring it’s used for future DVD playback.

What If My Preferred DVD Player Isn’t Listed As An Option?

If your preferred DVD player doesn’t appear in the list of available applications, it may not be properly registered with Windows as a program that can handle DVD playback. This often happens with newly installed software or applications that haven’t been correctly configured. In such cases, ensure the DVD player software is fully installed and that its associated file extensions are properly registered during the installation process.

You can manually add an application to the list by choosing “Choose another app” when selecting an application to open a DVD file. If your preferred player still isn’t listed, click “Look for another app on this PC.” Navigate to the installation directory of your DVD player (usually in Program Files) and select the executable file (.exe) of the DVD player application. This should add it to the list of available applications and allow you to set it as the default.

Is The Windows DVD Player App Worth Purchasing?

The Windows DVD Player app offers a basic and straightforward solution for playing DVDs on Windows 10 and 11. Its primary advantage is its seamless integration with the operating system and its simple interface. If you only need a basic DVD playback functionality and prefer a Microsoft-supported solution, the Windows DVD Player app might be a reasonable choice, particularly if it’s available at a discounted price.

However, it’s essential to consider that many free and feature-rich third-party DVD player applications are available. These alternatives often offer advanced features like Blu-ray support, customizable playback controls, and better codec compatibility. Before purchasing the Windows DVD Player app, explore free options like VLC Media Player or PotPlayer to determine if they meet your needs without requiring a purchase.

What Are Some Good Free Alternatives To The Windows DVD Player App?

Several excellent free alternatives to the Windows DVD Player app offer comparable or even superior features. VLC Media Player is a widely popular and versatile choice, known for its support for a vast range of media formats, including DVDs, Blu-rays, and various audio and video codecs. It’s also cross-platform, available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Another strong contender is PotPlayer, a powerful and customizable media player that supports DVD playback and offers advanced features like 3D playback, screen recording, and customizable skins. Both VLC Media Player and PotPlayer are completely free and open-source, providing reliable and comprehensive DVD playback capabilities without any cost.

What If My DVD Player Says “Region Code Error?”

A “Region Code Error” occurs when your DVD player’s region code doesn’t match the region code of the DVD. DVDs are often encoded with region codes to control distribution and pricing based on geographic location. If your DVD player is set to Region 1 (North America) and you try to play a DVD encoded for Region 2 (Europe), you’ll encounter this error. Some DVD drives allow you to change the region code a limited number of times.

Changing the region code is usually done through the device manager in Windows. Navigate to the DVD drive properties and look for a region code setting. Be cautious, as there’s typically a limited number of changes allowed before the drive becomes locked to the last selected region. Alternatively, certain third-party DVD player software or firmware updates may offer ways to bypass region coding, but these methods may be illegal in some jurisdictions and could potentially damage your DVD drive.

How Can I Troubleshoot Issues With DVD Playback In Windows?

If you’re experiencing issues with DVD playback in Windows, begin by ensuring that your DVD drive is functioning correctly. Check that the drive is recognized in the Device Manager and that there are no driver errors. Try playing different DVDs to rule out the possibility of a damaged or faulty disc. Verify that your DVD player software is properly installed and configured, and that it supports the DVD format you’re trying to play.

Also, make sure that your computer has the necessary codecs installed to decode the DVD’s audio and video content. Codec packs like K-Lite Codec Pack can provide comprehensive codec support. If you are still experiencing issues, try updating your graphics card drivers, as outdated drivers can sometimes cause playback problems. Finally, consider testing a different DVD player application to rule out software-specific issues.