How to Play DVD Movies on Windows 10 and 11

Play DVD on Mac (Big Sur → Ventura) — Quick Steps

What you need

• External USB/USB-C optical drive (Apple SuperDrive or third‑party).
• USB-A to USB-C adapter or powered hub if your Mac has only USB‑C/Thunderbolt ports.
• macOS Big Sur through Ventura include the built‑in DVD Player app.

Step-by-step

1. Connect the external optical drive to your Mac (use a powered adapter/hub if required).
2. Insert the DVD with the label side up; wait for the drive to pull it in.
3. If DVD Player doesn’t open automatically: open Spotlight (Cmd + Space), type “DVD Player” and press Return.
4. If DVD is a VIDEO_TS folder or image: in DVD Player choose File > Open DVD Media and select the VIDEO_TS folder.
5. Use on‑screen controls to play, pause, skip chapters, adjust audio/subtitles, or click Menu to access disc menus.
6. To eject: choose Finder > File > Eject or press the eject key (or use the drive’s eject button).

Troubleshooting (quick)

• Disc not recognized: check System Information > USB to see if the drive appears; try a powered hub or different cable.
• Wrong app opens (e.g., Music): in System Settings > CDs & DVDs set “When you insert a video DVD” to “Open DVD Player.”
• If a disc is copy‑protected or a Blu‑ray, DVD Player may not play it; use a compatible third‑party player (e.g., VLC for some DVDs).

Notes

• DVD Player won’t play Blu‑ray discs or some copy‑protected DVD folders.
• Recent MacBooks lack built‑in drives, so an external drive + appropriate adapter is required.