In the age of streaming and cloud storage, burning a DVD or CD on Windows 10 might seem outdated. However, there are compelling reasons why you still need to burn a DVD. For example, it serves as a physical backup for valuable files or memories. Here we will reviews the best DVD burning software for Windows 10 and details how to burn a DVD on Windows 10 or 11 for movie playback, data backup, and more. 

How to Burn a DVD on Windows 10 & 11

What Do You Need to Burn DVD on Windows 10/11?

Before we delve into the step-by-step guide to burn a DVD on Windows 10, it is crucial to identify the necessary tools required for the process. 

1. Hardware Requirements

  • DVD Drive: Ensure your Windows PC has a built-in drive or DVD-RW drive, which is capable of burning DVDs.
  • Blank DVD: Use a blank DVD-R or DVD+R disc for burning.
Writable DVDs Rewritable DVDs
DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-R DL, DVD+R DL DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD-RAM
Single Layer - 4.7 GB
Dual Layer-8.5 GB (DVD-R DL, DVD+R DL)
Single Layer - 4.7 GB
Not typically available in dual-layer
Ideal for permanent data storage and distribution Best suited for tasks requiring frequent updates or temporary storage

2. Software Requirments

  • Windows 10 has built-in options for burning DVDs: Windows File Explorer, Windows Media Player
  • If you want advanced features like designing custom menus, you need specialized software such as DVDFab DVD Creator. 

Once you've collected all necessary tools and materials, you're ready to proceed to the next steps of burning a DVD on your Windows 10/11 PC.

How to Burn a DVD on Windows 10/11 with Professional Menu?

While Windows 10 and Windows 11 do come with inbuilt DVD burning functions, if you want to create a playable DVD with a stylish menu, DVDFab DVD Creator is a better choice. With its extensive feature set including menu customization, wide format support, and fast burning speed, it simplifies the process of burning playable DVDs on Windows 10.

DVDFab DVD Creator: Best Windows 10 DVD Burner

DVDFab DVD Creator: burn dvd on Windows 10

DVDFab DVD Creator

This DVD burner can burn DVD disc / ISO / folder from downloaded videos, videos from camcorders, etc. It also boasts many stylish templates & customized options.
Features:
  • Burn DVD on Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 and macOS 10.10 - 14
  • Create standard DVD disc/ISO/folder from 200+ video formats
  • Burn videos to DVD in batch with fast speed and high quality
  • Select audio tracks, subtitles, or add external subtitle
  • Customize output DVDs via professional DVD menu, built-in templates, and gadgets
  • Auto-synchronize the meta information of the original video
  • Support all DVD disc formats (DVD-9, DVD-5, DVD+R/RW, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R DL, DVD-R DL)

How to Burn a Playable DVD on Windows 10/11 with DVDFab DVD Creator

If you wonder how to burn video to DVD on Windows 10, such as iPhone videos to DVD, with this DVD Creator software, just follow the simple guides below.

Step 1: Launch DVDFab DVD Creator and load the source videos.

Run DVDFab 13 and select the Creator > DVD Creator module. Add your video by clicking the Add button on the main page or by simply dragging and dropping the file onto the interface. 

How to Burn a Playable DVD on Windows 10 with DVDFab DVD Ripper

Step 2: Customize your DVD and create a DVD menu.

Once your source video is loaded, you can first select audio tracks and subtitles you want to burn. You can also add external subtitles to your video.

How to Burn a Playable DVD on Windows 10 with DVDFab DVD Ripper

Then use the Advanced Settings to adjust the output size and quality to your preference.

How to Burn a Playable DVD on Windows 10 with DVDFab DVD Ripper

You can also click the Menu Settings to select a free menu templates and customize it, such as adding texts/widget, adjusting the size of the shape, etc.

How to Burn a Playable DVD on Windows 10 with DVDFab DVD Ripper

Step 3: Start burning a playable DVD on Windows 10/11

Select the output directory in Save to Part, and click the Start button to begin burn your DVD on Windows 10/11. This DVD Creator will provide detailed progress information throughout the process. 

How to Burn a Playable DVD on Windows 10 with DVDFab DVD Ripper

How to Burn DVD/CD on Windows 10 with Windows Media Player?

The second solution shall be the inbuilt feature of Windows 10 that can burn audio CD, data CD or DVD. Windows Media Player is a digital media playing program developed by Microsoft. This versatile media player is typically used for playing audio, video, and showing images on computers running the Windows operating system. Additionally, it also includes features to burn CDs and DVDs, rip audio CDs to MP3, synchronize content with a digital audio player, and access to online music stores.

Supported File Formats

  1. Audio CD: WMA, MP3, and WAV. These files are converted to CDA format during the burning process, allowing them to be played in most CD players.
  2. Data CD or Data DVD: Any file format can be added as data files. (Image files like JPEG/PNG/GIF, Audio files like WAV/WMA/MP3)
  3. Windows Media Player does not support burning video DVDs that can be played in a standard DVD player.

How to Burn DVD/CD on Windows 10 via Windows Media Player

Step 1. Launch Windows Media Player. If it isn't installed on your computer, you can download it from the Microsoft Store.

Step 2. Populate your Burn List. Choose the videos, songs and other files you wish to burn, then drag and drop them into the Burn List on the right pane of the Windows Media Player window.

How to Burn DVD on Windows 10 via Windows Media Player

Step 3. Insert a blank DVD into your DVD burner. Make sure it has enough space to accommodate all the files you want to burn. 

Step 4. Organize your Burn List. If you want the files to play in a certain order, arrange the files accordingly. The top file in the Burn List will play first.

Step 5. Choose the Burn Options. Click the Burn options button, which is the text to the right of the Burn tab and then choose one of the following options:

  • Data CD or DVD: if you want to burn video file(s).
  • Audio CD: if you want to burn an audio CD.

Step 6. Start the burning process by clicking on the "Start burn" button. 

How to Burn DVD on Windows 10 via Windows Media Player

Step 7. Verify the burn. After the burn is complete, you may need to finalize the disc. Also, make sure that the disc plays correctly in the kind of device you burnt it for.

😭Note: Windows Media Player does not support burning movies to video DVD discs for playback on regular DVD players on Windows 10. So, you have to find other MP4 to DVD converter to create playable video DVDs.

How to Burn DVD on Windows 10 with File Explorer?

File Explorer is a file management utility included with the Microsoft Windows operating system. It provides a graphical user interface for accessing and managing the files, folders, and drives on your computer. Also, it can be used to burn DVDs on Windows 10. 

Advantages of Using File Explorer
  • File Explorer comes pre-installed on Windows 10, so there's no need for additional software.
  • Simple drag-and-drop interface for adding files to the burn list.
  • Supports both the Live File System and Mastered formats, catering to different needs.
❌ Limitations
  • Inability to produce video DVDs that can be played on DVD players; specialized DVD authoring software is required.
  • Lacks advanced features found in specialized burning software, such as creating menus for video DVDs or advanced burning settings.

Steps to Burn a Data DVD on Windows 10 Using File Explorer

Step 1: Place a blank DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, or DVD+RW into your DVD drive. Then press the Windows key + E to open File Explorer.

Step 2: In the navigation pane, click on “This PC” to view your drives. Locate and double-click on the DVD drive.

Step 3: A prompt will appear asking how you want to use the disc. You will have two options:

Like a USB flash drive: Allows you to add and remove files like you would with a USB drive. This option uses the Live File System.
With a CD/DVD player: Prepares the disc to be used with standard CD/DVD players. This option finalizes the disc after burning and uses the Mastered format.

How to Burn a DVD on Windows 10 Using Windows File Explorer

Step 4: Select the “With a CD/DVD player” option and click “Next.” After adding files into the open File Explorer window, click on the “Drive Tools” tab, then click on “Finish burning.”

Step 5: A “Burn to Disc” wizard will appear. Enter a disc title and select the recording speed, then click “Next.” It will start burning the files to DVD on Windows10. 

Comparing Different Ways to Burn DVD/CD on Windows

  DVDFab_DVD_Creator Windows_Media_Player File_Explorer
Supported Disc Types DVD, Blu-ray CD, Data CD, Data DVD Data CD, Data DVD
Burning Video DVD Yes 
(Create DVD with menus and chapters)
No No
Menu Creation Yes No No
Editing Tools Yes No No

For users who require advanced DVD burning features, such as the ability to create video DVDs with personalized menus and support for a variety of formats, DVDFab DVD Creator is the ideal choice.

FAQs

Why can't I burn a DVD in Windows 10?

If your computer cannot burn discs, try to use a different type of disc. The type of disc you use for burning shall be compatible with the type of optical drive in your computer. That being said, you cannot burn a DVD-R disc in a drive that does not support DVD-R technology. Besides, CD-R discs are supported by all recordable disc drives.

How to burn CD in Windows 10 without any software?

You can burn a CD in Windows 10 without software using the built-in functionality of Windows File Explorer. The method of burning CDs with File Explorer is similar to the steps for burning DVDs on Windows 10 described in this article. Please refer to Chapter 3.

What is difference between burning video DVD and data DVD?

Burning a video DVD and a data DVD essentially involves saving digital information onto a DVD. The main difference lies in the type of data saved and its usage.

  • Video DVD: These are formatted to play on DVD players. When burning, video files are converted into a recognized format like MPEG-2 and organized according to the Video_TS directory standard, enabling DVD players to properly navigate the content.
  • Data DVD: Used for storing or backing up computer files, these DVDs keep the original formats. They can contain various file types like documents, photos, videos, and programs. Typically, they are not compatible with most DVD players and are designed for computers or game consoles.

While some modern DVD players can play specific file types from a data DVD, the most dependable method to play a video on any DVD player is to burn a video DVD.

Conclusion

In this article, the Windows 10 native tools and a professional third-party burning disc Windows 10 program are supplied. And we highly recommend the third-part program, DVDFab DVD Creator, which is versatile, fast and free. If you also want to learn the best Blu-ray burning software for Windows 10, here is a nice post for your reference.