The Best Free DVD Player for Windows 11: A Complete 2025 Guide
Introduction
In the world of entertainment, despite the widespread adoption of streaming technologies, millions of users worldwide still own DVDs, Blu-rays, VCDs, and audio CDs, and they want to play their media on Windows 11 computers. However, Windows 11 removed the native DVD playback capability, forcing users to look for alternatives. The truth is that most users end up disappointed—many free options are outdated, limited, slow, or filled with ads.
This guide covers the best and most reliable way to play DVDs and Blu-rays on Windows 11 in 2025, including why DVD Player+ has become a popular choice for users who want a free, modern, and fully capable solution for playing their optical discs.
Why Windows 11 No Longer Plays DVDs
Historically, Microsoft removed DVD playback support after Windows 7, mainly due to:
• licensing costs
• declining disc usage
• shift toward streaming services
• low demand from OEM laptop manufacturers
This left Windows users searching for a full replacement that supports menus, subtitles, Blu-ray, and more.
Why You Need a Dedicated Player
In practice, dragging a VIDEO_TS folder into a random media player does NOT provide:
• menus
• chapters
• extra features
• audio track switching
• subtitle selection
A proper DVD player should offer all of the above.
Introducing DVD Player+
Among the available options, DVD Player+ stands out as a free, modern, and reliable DVD and Blu-ray player for Windows 11.
Download from the Official Microsoft Store (tested from the MS engineers):
DVD Player+ [MS Store]
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Key Features
• Plays all types of DVDs (all regions), fully supports all VCDs, all audio CDs, and now also supports Blu-ray movie playback (20,000 titles).
• Full DVD menu support.
• iPhone/Android remote control—even if the phone is NOT on the same WiFi network as your PC.
• External subtitles + subtitle delay control.
• Screenshot tool.
• IMDB movie information integration.
• Free forever.
• Lightweight and works on older PCs.
DVD Menus on Windows 11
Many devices and players skip this feature.
DVD Player+ supports:
• animated menus
• multiple angles
• scene/chapter navigation
• extra content
• special features
Blu-ray Playback
Some players require codec packs or paid add-ons. DVD Player+ supports Blu-ray playback immediately after installation.
External Subtitles
If the disc does not include your language:
• Add SRT or SUB files
• Adjust subtitle delay
• Optional font size changes
Remote Control Feature
The mobile remote control is one of the unique features you won’t find in any other DVD player app.
Use any iPhone or Android device to control:
• Play/Pause
• Stop
• Menu navigation
• Volume
• Fast-forward/rewind
This works even across different networks.
Screenshot Tool
Ideal for reviewers or anyone who wants to capture frames.
Performance
DVD Player+ is optimized for low-end hardware and older laptops.
Conclusion
In conclusion, for anyone looking for a modern, fully featured DVD & Blu-ray player for Windows 11, DVD Player+ is the best all-purpose choice.
