Copying a DVD in Windows 10 can mean three different things: saving a data disc’s files to your PC, backing up a home video DVD, or making a second physical disc. Windows 10 handles data discs on its own, but it has no built-in tool for ripping video DVDs, and Windows Media Player can’t do it either. This guide covers every method, including what to use instead of Media Player.
Legal note: Most commercial movie DVDs use copy protection, and bypassing it may be illegal where you live even for personal backups. The steps below are meant for discs you created yourself, such as home movies, or discs without copy protection.
Quick Answer
Insert the DVD, open File Explorer, and click the DVD drive under This PC. Select everything (for video DVDs, the VIDEO_TS and AUDIO_TS folders), press Ctrl + C, open a folder on your PC, and press Ctrl + V. To burn a copy onto another disc, insert a blank DVD and use Burn to disc in File Explorer.
Method 1: Copy a Data or Home Video DVD to Your PC
- Insert the DVD. If AutoPlay opens, close it or choose Open folder to view files.
- Press Windows + E to open File Explorer and click This PC.
- Double-click the DVD drive (often D: or E:).
- Press Ctrl + A to select all files and folders, then Ctrl + C to copy them.
- Create a new folder on your PC, such as Videos > DVD Backup, open it, and press Ctrl + V.
- Wait for the copy to finish. A full single-layer DVD holds up to 4.7 GB and can take several minutes.
For a video DVD, keep the VIDEO_TS folder intact. Players such as VLC can open that folder and play it like the original disc.
Method 2: Convert a Video DVD into a Single Video File
A VIDEO_TS folder is bulky and awkward to share. To turn a DVD you own into an MP4 or MKV file, use a free, reputable ripping app:
- HandBrake (free, open source) converts unprotected DVDs to MP4 or MKV. Open the DVD drive or VIDEO_TS folder as the source, choose a preset such as Fast 1080p30 or Fast 480p30 for DVD quality, choose where to save, and click Start Encode.
- VLC Media Player can also convert discs with Media > Convert / Save > Disc, though it offers fewer options.
Download software only from the developer’s official site to avoid bundled adware.
Why Windows Media Player Can’t Copy a DVD
Windows Media Player’s Rip CD feature works with audio CDs only. It can’t copy or rip video DVDs, and Windows 10 no longer includes the DVD playback support that older versions of Media Player had. If you want to copy music from a CD, see our guide to ripping a CD on Windows 10. For video DVDs, use Method 1 or Method 2.
Method 3: Burn a Copy onto a Blank DVD
- First copy the disc’s files to your PC using Method 1.
- Remove the original and insert a blank DVD-R or DVD+R.
- When prompted, choose Burn files to a disc using File Explorer. Give the disc a name.
- Pick With a CD/DVD player (mastered) so the disc works in other devices, and click Next.
- Drag the copied files (for video DVDs, the VIDEO_TS and AUDIO_TS folders) into the disc window.
- Click Drive Tools > Finish burning (or right-click the drive and choose Burn to disc) and follow the wizard.
Many standalone DVD players will play a burned VIDEO_TS disc, but compatibility varies. If you have an ISO image instead, right-click it and choose Burn disc image to use Windows Disc Image Burner.
Troubleshooting
- DVD drive isn’t showing: check Device Manager under DVD/CD-ROM drives. Laptops without a built-in drive need an external USB DVD drive.
- Copy fails with “cyclic redundancy check” or read errors: the disc is scratched or dirty. Clean it gently from the center outward and try again.
- Copied files won’t play: the disc is likely copy-protected, or you need a player that supports DVD folders, such as VLC.
- Burn option missing: your drive may be read-only (DVD-ROM). Look for “RW” in the drive name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Windows 10 have a built-in DVD ripper?
No. Windows 10 can copy files from data discs, but converting a video DVD to a file requires third-party software.
How much space do I need?
Plan for up to 4.7 GB per single-layer DVD and 8.5 GB per dual-layer DVD. Converted MP4 files are usually much smaller.
Can I copy a DVD to a USB drive?
Yes. Follow Method 1 and paste the files onto the USB drive instead of a PC folder. For files larger than 4 GB, the USB drive must be formatted as exFAT or NTFS.
Summary
- Open the DVD in File Explorer and copy its files to a PC folder.
- Use HandBrake or VLC to turn a video DVD you own into an MP4.
- Burn the copied files to a blank disc with File Explorer.
- Remember that Windows Media Player only rips audio CDs.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.