As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases
In today’s digital age, where streaming and online content have become the norm, the trusty old external DVD drive still holds its relevance, especially for Windows 10 users. Whether it’s for installing software, watching your favorite movies, or creating backups, an external DVD drive can be a valuable addition to your Windows setup. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to effectively use an external DVD drive on your Windows 10 system.
Gather Your Equipment
Before you start, ensure you have the following:
- wp_under_first_paragraph - under_first_paragraph -->An external DVD drive that’s compatible with Windows 10.
A USB cable for connecting the drive to your computer.
A DVD disc that you want to use.
Step 1: Connect the External DVD Drive
Plug one end of the USB cable into the external DVD drive and the other end into an available USB port on your Windows 10 computer.
Step 2: Power Up the DVD Drive
Power on the external DVD drive using its power button. The drive should start up, and you might hear the disc spinning.
Step 3: Open File Explorer
Click on the “File Explorer” icon in your taskbar or press “Windows + E” on your keyboard to open File Explorer.
Step 5: Insert the DVD Disc

Gently open the disc tray on the external DVD drive.
Place the DVD disc onto the tray, with the label facing up.
Carefully close the tray.
Step 5: Accessing the DVD Drive
In File Explorer, you should see the external DVD drive listed under “This PC” or “Devices and drives.” It’s often labeled with the drive’s name or the DVD disc’s title.
Double-click on the drive’s icon to access the contents of the DVD.
Step 6: Playing a DVD Video
If you’re looking to watch a DVD movie, you might need a compatible media player like VLC Media Player. If not already installed, you can download and install it for free.
Open the media player and use its “Open Disc” or similar option to select the DVD drive as the source.
Step 7: Ejecting the DVD Disc
Once you’re done using the DVD, make sure to properly eject it. You can usually right-click on the DVD drive icon in File Explorer and select “Eject.”
Step 8: Disconnecting the External DVD Drive
When you’re finished using the external DVD drive, properly eject the disc and power off the drive.
Unplug the USB cable from both your computer and the DVD drive.
By following these straightforward steps, you can make the most out of your external DVD drive on your Windows system. Whether it’s for entertainment, data backup, or software installation, this reliable accessory can continue to serve you well in the modern computing landscape. Enjoy seamless access to your DVD content without compromising the convenience of your Windows 10 experience.
Remember, despite the digital advancements, the trusty DVD drive remains a versatile tool in your tech arsenal, and Windows 10 ensures its smooth integration into your computing routine.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering how to use an external DVD drive on Windows opens up a world of possibilities in the digital era. Despite the rapid evolution of technology, the external DVD drive remains a valuable tool for various tasks, from installing software and watching classic movies to creating backups of important data. By connecting, powering up, and accessing the contents of your DVD through File Explorer, you can seamlessly integrate this versatile accessory into your Windows 10 experience.
Windows 10 ensures that using an external DVD drive is an intuitive and straightforward process, underscoring the compatibility and convenience of this classic device in a contemporary computing landscape. So, as you embark on your journey of utilizing external DVD drives, you’re not just embracing a piece of technology, but you’re also preserving a reliable method of accessing content and data that continues to hold its relevance.
Incorporating an external DVD drive into your Windows setup showcases your adaptability to varying technological tools and highlights your commitment to embracing the best of both worlds – the digital advancements of today and the functional reliability of the past. Remember, the steps to using an external DVD drive on Windows may be simple, but the impact it can have on your computing experience is certainly remarkable.