What You Can Do to Fix VLC Won't Play DVD on Windows 10/Mac Quickly

Kevin Miller

February 02, 2024 05:33Updated by to Play DVD

VLC is one of the most popular open source multimedia player software in the market. You can use VLC to play DVDs, CDs and general video/audio files on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android. However, there are still many complaints about VLC not playing or working, especially for DVDs.

Fix VLC Won't Play DVD on Windows 10/Mac Quickly

These are common symptoms of VLC Media Player won't play DVD on Windows 10 or Mac. But do not worry about that. You can still watch the DVD with VLC or its alternatives for free. Here're the most possible ways to fix VLC won't play DVD movie step by step.

Part 1. Can You Play DVD with VLC

Can you play DVD with VLC? Yes. Besides common videos and audio formats, VLC can also play DVDs. VLC has preinstalled the necessary codecs to read and play DVDs, such as libdvdcss, libdvdnav, and libdvdread. It makes VLC a great free DVD player for Windows, Mac, and Linux users. Now, try to play the DVD with VLC using the steps below.

Step 1. You need to download and install VLC from its official website. If you already installed it, open it on your computer.

Step 2. Ensure your computer has an optical or external drive, and insert the DVD into the drive.

Step 3. In the VLC, click Media > Open Disc... > Browse to choose and play the DVD.

VLC Play DVD

Part 2. Why VLC Won't Play DVD and How to Fix It

Many reasons may cause VLC not to play DVDs. This part will explain the reasons for the problems and troubleshoot them with practical methods.

The Reasons Why VLC Won't Play DVD

Method 1. Reinstall the Latest VLC

Step 1. Click "Help" on the top toolbar of VLC.

Step 2. Choose "Check for Updates…" from the list.

Step 3.Follow the on-screen wizard to update VLC to the latest version.

VLC

Method 2. Set VLC Preferences

By setting advanced preferences, you can get VLC back to the normal state. It is also a good way to make VLC play a DVD again.

Step 1.Choose "Preferences" from the "Tools" list.

Step 2.Mark before "All" on the lower left corner of VLC "Advanced Preferences" window.

Step 3.Click "Video" > "Filters" > "Deinterlace" in the left pane.

Step 4.Select "Deinterlacing video filter" to process the video stream.

Step 5.Choose the Yadif mode. Then click "Save" to save changes.

Step 6.Restart VLC DVD player to check if the DVD is playable or not.

VLC Preferences

Method 3. Install Libdvdread

In common cases, you cannot play commercial DVDs with VLC. Considering the wide range of DVD encryption, you need to install libdvdread, libdvdnav and libdvdcss to fix VLC won't play DVD with copy projection. You can visit https://www.videolan.org/developers/libdvdnav.html and https://www.videolan.org/developers/libdvdcss.html to download and install VLC decryption codecs.

Install Libdvdread

Method 4. Fix Corrupted DVD

Since VLC can't play any damaged DVD, you can check whether your DVD has scratches, especially on the reflective side. If it does, you need to fix the corrupted DVD by cleaning it or using data recovery software.

Step 1. Wipe away the dust with a cloth.

Step 2. Spread some toothpaste on the DVD and rub it gently.

Step 3. Clean it with water and wipe it with a soft cloth.

Step 4. If it doesn't work, try a DVD data recovery tool, such as CD Recovery Toolbox and Roadkil's Unstoppable Copier. But they can only fix the detectable but not accessible DVDs.

Part 3. Play DVD with the Best VLC DVD Player Alternative

If the VLC won't play DVD problem still exist, you can try another free DVD player to replace VLC Media Player. Fortunately, you can play any DVD/Blu-ray discs with copy protection via Blu-ray Master Free DVD Player on Windows and Mac for free.

The VLC alternative has the capability to play over 200 video and audio formats with high quality. Compared with VLC, the free VLC DVD player alternative offers an intuitive interface. You can watch DVD movies with easy-to-use playback features quickly and easily.

Free Download

For Windows

Secure Download

Free Download

for macOS

Secure Download

Step 1. Download and install Free VLC DVD player alternative. Insert a DVD disc into the internal or external DVD drive. Then launch the VLC alternative.

Free VLC DVD player

Step 2. Click "Open Disc" to load all DVD content. Sooner, the DVD movie will start to play automatically. You can click "Fast forward" or "Fast backward" to skip the unwanted part quickly. In addition, you can unfold the "Audio" or "Video" list to access more tools.

Open Disc

Step 3. Choose "Effects" from the "Tools" list. You can adjust hue, brightness, contrast, saturation and gamma of the DVD video instantly.

Effects

Part 4. Convert DVD to VLC Compatible Format for Free

Furthermore, you can convert DVD to MP4 and other digital formats to troubleshoot VLC won't play DVD, VLC plays DVD with no audio or other similar problems. Blu-ray Master Free DVD Ripper is a totally free program that can rip DVD to any video and audio format.

You can rip and commercial DVD to VLC compatible format with super-fast speed and high quality. The DVD ripper freeware supports the latest technology. Therefore, you can fix VLC won't play Disney DVD via this method too.

Free Download

For Windows

Secure Download

Step 1. Download and install free DVD to VLC converter. Launch the program and insert DVD disc into the DVD drive on PC.

Free DVD Ripper

Step 2. Click "Load Disc" to load the DVD disc or folder. Mark before the DVD video you want to convert to the VLC compatible format. Choose the output format from the "Profile" list.

Load Disc

Step 3. Click "Edit" to access the built-in video editor. You can edit and preview any video file in details. Choose "Apply" or "Apply to All" to save changes.

Edit

Step 4. Click "Settings" near the bottom of the DVD to VLC free converter. You can adjust the output video and audio settings if necessary. At last, click "Convert" to convert DVD to VLC format.

Settings

These are quick ways to solve VLC won't play DVD problems on Windows 10 and other platforms. It would be great if you can fix VLC back to the normal state. If you cannot figure out what's wrong with VLC, you can try above two VLC DVD player free alternatives. Thus, you can get rid of the VLC not playing issue effortlessly with no cost.

Part 5. FAQs of Fixing VLC Won't Play DVD on Windows 10/Mac

Wrapping up

The post provides several workable ways to fix VLC not playing DVDs. You can first try to update VLC, change its settings, and download the latest codecs. If it doesn't work, it's worth downloading a professional and stable DVD player like Blu-ray Master DVD Player. If you still want to use VLC, you can use the DVD ripper to convert it to a VLC-compatible format. With all these methods, you can enjoy your DVD with VLC without a hassle.

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