Using an external DVD drive on Windows 11 is still very useful, especially if you want to install software from a disc, play a movie DVD, open an old data disc, or access backups stored on CD/DVD. Since most modern laptops and even many desktop PCs no longer come with built-in DVD drives, an external USB DVD drive is the easiest solution. The best part is that Windows 11 usually detects it automatically, so you can start using it within minutes without installing anything extra.
In this guide, I will explain how to connect an external DVD drive to a Windows 11 computer, how to play DVDs, how to open files from discs, how to burn a disc, and what to do if your DVD drive is not detected.
What You Need Before You Start
Before using an external DVD drive, it helps to confirm a few things so the process is smooth. You will need an external DVD drive (sometimes called an external CD/DVD writer), a USB cable attached to the drive, and a computer running Windows 11. Most drives work through USB-A, but some newer drives may use USB-C.
Some external DVD drives require extra power. These usually come with a dual USB cable or need an additional USB port for power. If your drive has two USB plugs, it means one is used for data and one is mainly for extra power.
If you are using a laptop, make sure the battery is not too low, because DVD drives can consume a little more power while spinning discs.
Step 1: Connect the External DVD Drive to Windows 11
In most cases, connecting an external DVD drive is as simple as plugging it into a USB port. Windows 11 is designed to install generic drivers automatically, so you typically do not need to download anything.
Steps to connect the DVD drive:
- Plug the DVD drive’s USB cable into your computer
- If the drive has a second USB plug for power, connect that too
- Wait a few seconds for Windows 11 to detect the device
- You may see a notification that a new device is being set up
Once it is detected, the drive should appear in File Explorer automatically.
Step 2: Insert a DVD or CD Properly
After the drive is connected, you can insert your disc. Most external DVD drives have an eject button on the side or top. Press it once and the tray will open.
Steps to insert a disc:
- Press the eject button on the DVD drive
- Place the DVD or CD on the tray (label side up)
- Push the tray gently or press the eject button again to close it
- Wait a few seconds while Windows reads the disc
You may hear the disc spinning, which is normal.
Step 3: Open the External DVD Drive in Windows 11
To access your DVD drive, you will use File Explorer. Windows 11 will treat it like any other storage device.
Steps:
- Press Windows + E to open File Explorer
- Click “This PC” from the left panel
- Look for your DVD drive under “Devices and drives”
- Double-click the DVD drive to open it
If it is a data DVD, you will see folders and files. If it is a movie DVD, you may see VIDEO_TS folders or the system may ask what app you want to use to play it.
Step 4: Choose What Happens When You Insert a Disc (AutoPlay Settings)
Windows 11 includes an AutoPlay feature that lets you decide what should happen when you insert a DVD or CD. This helps you open discs faster without manual steps.
Steps to change AutoPlay settings:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings
- Click Bluetooth & devices
- Click AutoPlay
- Turn AutoPlay On
- Choose actions for CD, DVD, and Blu-ray (if supported)
For example, you can set movie DVDs to open in your preferred media player, and data discs to open in File Explorer.
Step 5: Play a DVD Movie on Windows 11
One important thing to know is that Windows 11 does not always come with built-in DVD playback support for movie DVDs. It depends on what apps you have installed. If you insert a movie DVD and nothing happens, you may need a media player that supports DVD playback.
If you already have a DVD-compatible app installed, Windows will usually ask you to choose a player when you insert the disc. If it does not, you can open the player and select the DVD manually.
A common reason DVDs do not play automatically is that many modern apps focus on streaming, and DVD playback requires special codec support.
Step 6: Copy Files from a DVD to Your Windows 11 PC
If you have a data DVD or CD (photos, documents, installers), you can copy the files to your computer for faster access and backup.
Steps to copy files:
- Open File Explorer using Windows + E
- Open This PC and double-click the DVD drive
- Select the files or folders you want to copy
- Right-click and click Copy
- Go to a folder like Desktop, Documents, or Downloads
- Right-click and click Paste
Copying can take some time depending on the disc and the drive speed, so wait until it finishes fully.
Step 7: Burn a CD or DVD on Windows 11 (Write Data to a Disc)
Many external DVD drives are not only for reading discs but also for writing discs. If your drive supports writing, you can create a data DVD or burn music to a CD.
Before burning, make sure you have a blank disc:
- Blank CD-R or CD-RW for smaller files
- Blank DVD-R or DVD+R for bigger files
Steps to burn a disc:
- Insert a blank CD or DVD into the external drive
- Wait for Windows to detect it
- When prompted, select “Burn files to disc”
- Choose either “Like a USB flash drive” or “With a CD/DVD player”
- Name the disc and click Next
- Drag and drop your files into the disc window
- Click “Finish burning” when ready
If you pick “Like a USB flash drive,” you can add files slowly over time. If you pick “With a CD/DVD player,” Windows will finalize the disc when burning is complete.
Step 8: Eject the DVD Drive Safely
After you are done using the disc, you should eject it properly. This prevents file errors and keeps the disc safe.
Steps to eject:
- Open File Explorer
- Go to This PC
- Right-click your DVD drive
- Click Eject
Or press the physical eject button on the DVD drive.
Wait until the tray opens before removing the disc.
Common Problems and Fixes (External DVD Drive Not Working)
Sometimes an external DVD drive may not show up, may not read discs, or may keep disconnecting. These issues are common and usually easy to fix.
Fix 1: Try Another USB Port
Sometimes a USB port does not provide enough power or has connection issues. Plug the drive into another port, preferably a USB port directly on the laptop or desktop and not through a USB hub.
Steps:
- Unplug the drive
- Plug it into a different USB port
- Wait a few seconds
- Check File Explorer again
Fix 2: Restart Your Computer
If Windows 11 fails to detect the drive correctly, a restart can refresh the connection and drivers.
Steps:
- Save your work
- Restart your PC
- Connect the DVD drive again after restart
Fix 3: Check Device Manager
Device Manager shows whether Windows can see your external DVD drive. If the drive appears with an error mark, you may need to update or reinstall it.
Steps:
- Press Windows + X
- Click Device Manager
- Expand “DVD/CD-ROM drives”
- Look for your external drive
- Right-click it and choose Update driver
- If needed, choose Uninstall device and restart the PC
After restarting, Windows 11 will reinstall the driver automatically.
Fix 4: Check the Disc Condition
If your drive powers on but does not read the disc, the issue could be the disc itself. Scratched or dirty discs often fail to load.
Try these checks:
- Clean the disc gently using a soft cloth
- Try another DVD or CD
- Check if the disc works on another player
If other discs work but one disc doesn’t, the problem is likely the disc.
Fix 5: Use a USB Y-Cable for More Power (If Needed)
Some external DVD drives need extra power, especially when used with thin laptops. If your drive has a second USB plug, use it. If it didn’t come with one and the drive frequently disconnects, you may need a powered USB hub.
Signs of low power include:
- The drive stops spinning
- The drive disconnects randomly
- The disc fails to load repeatedly
Tips for Better DVD Drive Performance in Windows 11
External DVD drives are convenient but slower than SSD storage. If you want smoother performance, a few small tips can make a big difference. Use a USB 3.0 port when possible, because it provides better speed and power. Keep the drive on a stable surface because movement can interrupt disc reading. Avoid running heavy tasks while copying files from the disc because it may slow down the transfer.
If you plan to use DVDs regularly, it is also a good idea to copy important files from discs to your PC or an external hard drive as a backup. Discs can get damaged over time, but copied files stay safe.
Final Thoughts
Using an external DVD drive on Windows 11 is simple, even for beginners. In most cases, you only need to plug it into a USB port, insert a disc, and open it through File Explorer. You can use the drive to open old files, install programs, watch DVDs, and even burn discs if your model supports writing. If Windows 11 does not detect the drive, small fixes like changing the USB port, restarting the PC, or checking Device Manager usually solve the issue quickly.
External DVD drives are still helpful today, especially for older software and personal backups. Once you set it up correctly, you can use it anytime without any complicated steps.
