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Windows 8 doesn't include built-in support for playing DVDs. But it's easy to add DVD playback to Windows 8 if your really need it. Check this article to find your way.
Windows 8 is the biggest change to the Windows OS since the launch of Windows 95 and gives a much better performance than its predecessors. However, if you've upgraded your PC to Windows 8, you'll be bothered by the DVD playback issue since the game-changing operating system doesn't include built-in support for playing DVDs. Truth be told, DVD playback is a legacy feature in an age of pervasive connectivity and new Windows device types like Ultrabooks, tablets, and hybrid PCs that lack optical drives in the first place. But it's easy to add DVD playback to Windows 8 if you really need it. Here are three simple ways to get this work done.
1. Use a Licensed DVD Player
If you purchased a new Windows 8 computer that comes with a DVD drive, your computer's manufacturer has likely included DVD-playing software with your computer. To examine all the software on your computer, use the 'All Apps' screen. Press the 'Windows' key to access the Start screen, right-click anywhere on the Start screen, and select All Apps. Scroll through the list of installed applications and look for a DVD-playing program.
2. Purchase the Windows 8 Media Center Pack
If, however, there's not a configured DVD-playing app on your Windows 8 computer, you need to purchase from Windows app store a media player that support DVD playback. Windows Media Center is one powerhouse of a management and playback tool, and while it carries the ability to play video from DVDs, it's no longer an integrated component of the operating system. Instead, it’s now available as a separate feature pack for Windows 8. The good part is, this feature pack is available for free until January 31, 2013, if you're running a legitimate copy of Windows 8 Pro. So, while the offer lasts, you may get your Media Center key for free and use that for your video DVD playback needs. The Windows Media Center, however, does not work with Windows RT (Read more: Basic tips for viewing movies on Windows RT Surface).
3. Rip DVD to Windows 8 supported format
Despite that there're several DVD Player apps available for Windows 8, many new Windows 8 Ultrabooks, tablets, and hybrid PCs lack of optical drives. If you have a Microsoft Surface RT, Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga, or ASUS Vivo Book, it's better to rip DVD to Windows 8 and access the digital version of the movies. Just get your favourite DVD Ripping Program, compatible with Windows 8, to rip your DVD's to AVI, WMV, MP4, MKV, etc. file formats. Check a guide here to learn details, this can be done on a Windows 7, Vista, 2000, or XP PC. After the process, you can play your DVD movies on Windows 8 without any hassles.
PS. Before you head to the comments to champion freeware fave Handbrake, keep in mind that that program only rip personal DVDs that you have purchased. Encrypted commercial DVDs cannot be ripped without a third party software. If you want to rip some commercial DVD movies, you'd better turn to other Windows 8 compatible DVD ripping software like Pavtube DVD Ripping program.
So there you have it. Pretty simple. The last method is the most recommended way for you cause it can help keep your DVD discs from scratching, or manage your movies in a more convenient way.
Windows 8 is the biggest change to the Windows OS since the launch of Windows 95 and gives a much better performance than its predecessors. However, if you've upgraded your PC to Windows 8, you'll be bothered by the DVD playback issue since the game-changing operating system doesn't include built-in support for playing DVDs. Truth be told, DVD playback is a legacy feature in an age of pervasive connectivity and new Windows device types like Ultrabooks, tablets, and hybrid PCs that lack optical drives in the first place. But it's easy to add DVD playback to Windows 8 if you really need it. Here are three simple ways to get this work done.
1. Use a Licensed DVD Player
If you purchased a new Windows 8 computer that comes with a DVD drive, your computer's manufacturer has likely included DVD-playing software with your computer. To examine all the software on your computer, use the 'All Apps' screen. Press the 'Windows' key to access the Start screen, right-click anywhere on the Start screen, and select All Apps. Scroll through the list of installed applications and look for a DVD-playing program.
2. Purchase the Windows 8 Media Center Pack
If, however, there's not a configured DVD-playing app on your Windows 8 computer, you need to purchase from Windows app store a media player that support DVD playback. Windows Media Center is one powerhouse of a management and playback tool, and while it carries the ability to play video from DVDs, it's no longer an integrated component of the operating system. Instead, it’s now available as a separate feature pack for Windows 8. The good part is, this feature pack is available for free until January 31, 2013, if you're running a legitimate copy of Windows 8 Pro. So, while the offer lasts, you may get your Media Center key for free and use that for your video DVD playback needs. The Windows Media Center, however, does not work with Windows RT (Read more: Basic tips for viewing movies on Windows RT Surface).
3. Rip DVD to Windows 8 supported format
Despite that there're several DVD Player apps available for Windows 8, many new Windows 8 Ultrabooks, tablets, and hybrid PCs lack of optical drives. If you have a Microsoft Surface RT, Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga, or ASUS Vivo Book, it's better to rip DVD to Windows 8 and access the digital version of the movies. Just get your favourite DVD Ripping Program, compatible with Windows 8, to rip your DVD's to AVI, WMV, MP4, MKV, etc. file formats. Check a guide here to learn details, this can be done on a Windows 7, Vista, 2000, or XP PC. After the process, you can play your DVD movies on Windows 8 without any hassles.
PS. Before you head to the comments to champion freeware fave Handbrake, keep in mind that that program only rip personal DVDs that you have purchased. Encrypted commercial DVDs cannot be ripped without a third party software. If you want to rip some commercial DVD movies, you'd better turn to other Windows 8 compatible DVD ripping software like Pavtube DVD Ripping program.
So there you have it. Pretty simple. The last method is the most recommended way for you cause it can help keep your DVD discs from scratching, or manage your movies in a more convenient way.
