So, what to do about the missing DVD codecs? The preferred solution, in my opinion, is to install missing codecs needed to playback DVDs or other various file formats.

In that case, you’re better off using the Windows Media Player that you get with Windows 10 or Media Player that comes with Windows 11. That being said, some of these media players can be heavy and end up lagging if you’re running a low-spec system. One of the most straightforward ways to deal with missing DVD codecs is by installing a third-party DVD player that already comes with the necessary codecs built-in.Ī few notable DVD players apps that you should try include: Luckily, the problem can be easily fixed by downloading and installing a codec package or a different DVD player. Therefore, if you’re trying to run DVDs using the default player and it’s not working, then it’s most likely a result of missing codecs. The same issue exists with Windows 11, where the necessary codecs for playing DVDs are missing. For this reason, if you’re trying to play your DVD using WMP, it won’t run. Lastly, if you’re a Windows 11 user, you’ll also find a solution that works for your device here.Īfter moving to Windows 10, Microsoft dropped the built-in DVD codec accompanying WMP (Windows Media Player). In this article, I’ll take you through how you can manually diagnose and resolve this frustrating issue.Īdditionally, I’ve gone over how you can go through this process using the Windows Troubleshooter for a more automated approach.

You can run the Windows Troubleshooter to diagnose and fix the problem automatically, or you can manually find what’s causing the issue and fix it accordingly. Windows 10 or 11 can’t play DVDs because there’s no built-in DVD codec, outdated DVD drivers, or corrupted specific registry entries. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of fixes that you can easily execute yourself and get your DVDs to run on your Windows 10 PC or laptop in no time.

How to troubleshoot DVD playback issues on Windows 11.

How to troubleshoot a Windows 10 that can’t play DVDs.

Issues with the IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers

Download dvd player windows