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Windows Media Player cannot play DVD video. You might need to adjust your Windows display settings. Open display settings in Control Panel, and then try lowering your screen resolution and color quality settings.

Anonymous
2010-08-22T02:40:36+00:00

I have recently encountered a problem viewing DVDs on my PC.  The above is what it is saying and I have tried to change the settings of my screen resolution and it still won't play DVD's.  Why all of the sudden am I having this problem?

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Music, photos, and video

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Anonymous
    2010-08-22T14:48:13+00:00

    Hi LoriMc,

    1. Were you able to play the same DVD earlier?
    2. Does it happen with a particular DVD or all of them?
    3. Do you have third party DVD decoder software installed on your computer?

    Step 1:

    Try running Windows Media Player DVD troubleshooter and check if it helps:

    a. Open the Windows Media Player DVD troubleshooter by clicking the Start button, and then clicking Control Panel.

    b. In the search box, type troubleshooter, and then click

    Troubleshooting. Click View all, and then click Windows Media Player DVD:

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Open-the-Windows-Media-Player-DVD-troubleshooter

    Play a CD or DVD in Windows Media Player:

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Play-a-CD-or-DVD-in-Windows-Media-Player

    Step 2:

    Try updating the codecs to check if the issue persists. Also uninstall if you have any third party CD\DVD burning software installed.

    Refer the below mentioned Windows help article.

    Codecs: frequently asked questions:

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Codecs-frequently-asked-questions

    Step 3:

    I would also suggest you to update the latest drivers for your display adapter from the manufacturer’s website and then check for the issue.

    a. Open Device Manager by clicking on Start, then type Device Manager.‌

    b. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

    c. Look for the Display adapter drivers, right click on it and select ‘Update Driver’.

    d. Once the drivers are installed, boot the computer and check for the issue.

    Update drivers: recommended links:

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Update-drivers-recommended-links

    Step 4: Try reducing the Hardware Acceleration.

    a. Open Screen Resolution by clicking the Start button, clicking Control Panel, and then, under  Appearance and Personalization, clicking Adjust screen resolution.

    b. Click Advanced settings,Troubleshoot tab, and then click  Change settings.

    c. Move the Hardware acceleration slider toward None to reduce or turn off video hardware acceleration.

    d. Click OK, and then click Restart Now

    Regards, Manasa P – Microsoft Support.

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-03-15T15:05:38+00:00

    Sorry, I have the same problem. It is ridiculous that DVD which can be played by each free video player cannot be played by the big Microsoft product. Better say - it is a shame. And regading the answer with four complex steps... such stupid problems mean that 99.9% of all actions in the IT world are pointless. And, btw, yes dear Microsoft, you are overprotective. Actually you are overeverything.

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2017-06-22T15:18:24+00:00

    Hi Mike - It is important to understand that this post and reply from 2010 is nothing to do with Windows 10. It's about Windows Vista. (See top of page)

    You are correct in saying that WMP no longer plays DVD - it hasn't since Windows 8.1 - and MS did this because of licensing costs which would have then been passed on to consumers even if (like me) they never play DVD on their PC. 

    I am suggesting this thread should now be locked because it serves no useful purpose. - Ric.

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  3. Anonymous
    2017-06-22T14:40:16+00:00

    Manasa:  Windows 10 Media Player will not play DVD's.  It is not a settings issue.  It just won't play DVD's.   You have to buy a program from Microsoft or download a free app.

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