Share via

HOW TO USE EXTERNAL DVD

Joan Conn 0 Reputation points
2026-03-23T15:12:51.9733333+00:00

New computer, now Microsoft 11, needed external DVD. I don't know how to use it. (Senior here).Please help. Thank you. Joan

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | For home | Windows
0 comments

2 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. DYARI BARHAM 34,436 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-03-23T16:36:58.2933333+00:00

    Hi ,

    I'm Dyari. Thanks for reaching out. I will be happy to assist you in this regard.

    If the DVD drive is plugged in but nothing happens, right-click Start > Device Manager > Look for Disk drives and also DVD/CD-ROM drives > If you see your external DVD drive there, right-click it and choose Uninstall device > Then restart the computer and plug the drive in again. Windows should try to detect it fresh.

    Also, if your external DVD drive has two USB plugs, make sure both are connected, as some drives need extra power to work properly.

    Please let me know if you need further assistance.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments

  2. AI answer

    2026-03-23T15:13:08.4666667+00:00

    Here are the basic steps to use an external DVD drive on a Windows 11 computer and play or install from a disc.

    1. Connect the external DVD drive
      • Plug the drive’s USB cable into a USB port on the computer.
      • Wait a few seconds for Windows to recognize it.
    2. Insert the DVD or CD
      • Press the button on the external drive to open the tray.
      • Place the disc on the tray (label side up) and close the tray.
    3. If the disc is a program (software) you want to install
      Windows may show a message asking what to do with the disc. If it offers to Run setup or Install, choose that and follow the on‑screen steps. You may be asked for an admin password. If nothing appears:
      1. Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > AutoPlay.
      2. Make sure AutoPlay is turned On.
      3. Try removing and reinserting the disc.
      If it still does not start automatically:
      1. Open File Explorer (folder icon on the taskbar).
      2. In the left side, select This PC.
      3. Look for the DVD drive icon (it may say DVD Drive (D:) or similar). Double‑click it.
      4. In the disc contents, look for a file named Setup.exe or Install.exe.
      5. Double‑click that file to start installation, then follow the instructions on the screen.
    4. If the disc has files (photos, documents, videos, music)
      • Open File Explorer > This PC.
      • Double‑click the DVD drive.
      • You can now open files directly from the disc, or copy them to the computer:
        1. Select the files or folders.
        2. On the top menu, select Home > Copy to, then choose Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music, or Choose location… to pick another folder.
    5. If the DVD drive does not show up at all
      • Open File Explorer > This PC and check if there is a DVD drive listed.
      • If it is missing, there may be a driver or hardware issue. In that case, follow the troubleshooting steps in the “Your CD or DVD drive is not recognized by Windows or other programs” article, or contact the computer or drive manufacturer for help.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.