How to finalize a DVD-R on Windows 10 so it will play on a standard DVD player?

Hello Jeffery Thole

Welcome to the Microsoft Community.

You're right, Windows Media Player 12 does not have an option to finalize a DVD-R, which is necessary for the disc to be playable on a standard DVD player. Finalizing a disc is essential because it closes the session on the disc, making it readable by most standalone DVD players.

To finalize your DVD-R, you'll need to use different software that can handle this task. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Use Windows File Explorer to Finalize (If the Disc Was Burned as a Data Disc)

If you recorded your DVD as a data disc (like files, rather than video files), and you haven’t finished writing to the disc yet, you can complete the process using Windows itself.

1. Open File Explorer and go to the drive with your DVD-R.
2. If the disc isn’t finalized yet, you should see an option to "Finish" or "Finalize" the disc.
3. Right-click on the DVD drive and look for an option to “Close session” or “Finalize disc.”
4. If this option is not available, then it means the software you used did not allow this, and you’ll need third-party software. Here're some suggestions:

BurnAware Free (Free Software)

ImgBurn (Free Software)

Nero Burning ROM (Paid Software)

Video DVD Creation Software (For Video Discs)

Summary:

• Windows Media Player doesn't finalize DVDs; you'll need other software like BurnAware, ImgBurn, or Nero for finalizing the disc.
• If you burned a data disc, you may be able to finalize it through Windows File Explorer or third-party software.
• If you burned a video DVD, use tools like DVD Flick or DVD Styler to finalize it.

By using one of these methods, you should be able to finalize your DVD-R and make it playable on any standard DVD player!

Best Regards,

William.Y | Microsoft Community Support Specialist