DVD playback options for Windows

If you have an edition of Windows that doesn't play DVDs, you can upgrade to an edition that does play them or install a DVD playback app.

Operating system Steps

Windows 8 or Windows RT

Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro don't come with DVD movie playback capability. If you're running Windows 8 or Windows 8 Pro you can search for a DVD player app in the Windows Store (learn more about the Windows Store). If you have Windows 8 Pro, you can buy the Windows 8 Media Center Pack that includes DVD playback.

Windows RT doesn't support DVD movie playback.

If you already have a player and are having problems with a codec, see Codecs: Frequently asked questions.

Windows 7

If you're running Windows 7 Home Basic or Windows 7 Starter, you can upgrade to Windows 7 Home Premium, Ultimate, or Enterprise to add full DVD capability or buy and install a compatible DVD movie player app.

If you already have a player and are having problems with a codec, see Codecs: Frequently asked questions.

Windows Vista and Windows XP

If you're running Windows Vista Home Basic, Enterprise, or Business, or any edition of Windows XP, see Plug-ins and add-ons for Windows Media Player to buy a compatible DVD decoder or you can buy and install a compatible DVD movie player app.

If you already have a player and are having problems with a codec, see Codecs: Frequently asked questions.