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Can I use a Plug and Play external DVD drive for my HP laptop with Windows 11 S mode?

Anonymous
2024-01-04T02:56:33+00:00

Hello,

I purchased and set up my new HP Envy x360 laptop with Windows 11 S mode. I need to use an external DVD drive for a course I enrolled in. I learned I cannot use an external DVD drive with Windows 11 in S mode. A representative from HP support told me I could use their HP external DVD drive because it has Plug and Play (PnP) technology. Is this true? For that matter, can I use any brand for the external DVD drive as long as it has PnP technology?

I would greatly appreciate your feedback.

P.S. For security reasons, I do not want to switch out of Windows S mode.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers

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  1. EmilyS726 231.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2024-01-04T03:47:52+00:00

    Hello, this is Emily.

    Yes, you can use a Plug and Play external DVD drive with your HP laptop running Windows 11 S mode. The PnP technology allows the device to be recognized and installed automatically by the operating system without requiring any additional software or drivers. You should be able to use any brand of external DVD drive that has PnP technology. However, it's always a good idea to check the manufacturer's website for compatibility with Windows 11 S mode before making a purchase.

    Worst scenario you can always get out of S mode. S mode protects your system not because it is safer or better, but by limiting where you can download apps, hence not as flexible. In case you want to switch out of S mode, you can use this instruction: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/swi...

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  1. EmilyS726 231.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2024-01-05T13:19:00+00:00

    You are welcome.

    1. Backward compatibility works the opposite way. If it is compatible with Win10, it is compatible with Windows 8, and 7, and older. It is not necessarily compatible with 11. Also, if you are shopping on Amazon, I strongly suggest you stay away from all of these off brand ones.
    2. Windows' File Explorer can open a DVD data disk, just like how you enter your flash drive, etc. Now, that's for data disk. If your DVD is for media, then you ned a player to play it. And yes, you can get the third party app from the App Store. Usually most player apps cannot burn, but most burner apps can read. But each app can be different. I suggest that you read the detail description.

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-01-05T02:53:21+00:00

    Thank you for your reply. I have a couple of questions before I purchase a Plug and Play external DVD drive.

    1. I have a question about backward compatibility. I have been shopping on Amazon for a DVD drive. If the product description states that the DVD drive is compatible with Windows 10, am I correct to assume that the DVD drive will be compatible with Windows 11?
    2. Windows 11 doesn't seem to have an app for operating a DVD drive. However, there are several apps in the Microsoft Store. I noticed two different types of apps to utilize a DVD drive: DVD player apps and DVD burner apps. Is it necessary to download both types of these apps, or are there single apps that play and burn DVDs?

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