FIX: DVD driver for Windows 10 is not detected

Milan Stanojevic
by Milan Stanojevic
Deputy Editor
Last update:
Affiliate Disclosure
  • Are you using a DVD driver for Windows 10?
  • If so, you don't need us to remind you how frustrating it can be to have a drive that's not working, not reading discs, not showing in the Device Manager, and so on.
  • Fortunately, with a couple of nifty tweaks, you can be sure to get that DVD driver working again in no time.
  • It may have to work at the Registry level or even deeper, into the BIOS, so try all our tips when your DVD drive is not detected in Windows 10.
can't detect dvd drive

7. Load BIOS defaults

  1. Enter the BIOS settings of your computer (if you’re not sure how, google your laptop or PC model).
  2. Navigate to the Exit tab and select Optimal Defaultscd problems windows 10
  3. Press Enter
  4. Now press F10 to save the changes and start your computer again

It’s also possible that your BIOS simply doesn’t recognize the DVD drive. So, the right solution, in this case, would be to simply load the BIOS defaults.

Disaster strikes and your PC won’t exit BIOS? Don’t worry, our guide will help you!

8. Run the SFC scan

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Type in the following command, and press Enter: sfc/scannowWindows 10 DVD drive not reading discs  DVD/CD-ROM drive not in device manager Windows 10 
  3. Wait for the process to finish (it can be a lengthy one).
  4. Restart your computer

If none of the solutions listed above managed to resolve the problem, we’re going to try with a set of built-in troubleshooting tools.

The first thing we’re going to try is the SFC scan. The SFC scan is an under the hood troubleshooting tool that can resolve various system problems.

scannow command has stopped before the process finished? We’ve got an easy fix for you.

9. Use DISM

  1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
  2. In the command line, copy-paste these lines one by one and press Enter after each: DISM/online/Cleanup-Image/ScanHealthDVD drive not showing in Windows 8 
    • DISM/Online/Cleanup-Image/RestoreHealth
  3. Wait until the procedure ends (it might take up to 10 minutes).
  4. Restart your PC.

Similarly to the SFC scan, the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) is also a troubleshooting tool, but a more powerful one.

So, if the SFC scan didn’t get the job done, maybe we’ll have more luck with the DISM.

DISM fails on Windows? Check out this quick guide and get rid of the worries.

Missing DVD drives in Windows 10 can be a big problem, but you can easily fix it by using one of our solutions.

If you have any other suggestions or questions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments section below and we’ll be sure to take a look.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Modern DVD drives can write on all types of DVDs as well as all types of CDs.

  • In short, no. With DVDs losing popularity, most laptop manufacturers prefer not to include optical drives. The newest trend is to slowly migrate to USB-C ports.

  • Yes, DVD drives can be bought as separate pieces of hardware as long as they have the necessary slots included. If you have compatibility issues, check out this in-depth guide for more info.

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I checked this solution “@5. Remove Virtual Drive Software” ….
I didn’t have to remove Virtual Drive Software. Problem has been solved when I opened my Virtual Drive Software.
It automatically had found and added to list of drives my new physical dvd/cd/rw drive. After that this drive had become visible in windows file explorer and operational.

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