DVD region codes prevent people from playing import DVDs they legally bought. This is even worse with laptops, because if you have your laptop overseas, you probably can't play any DVDs sold in that country. Luckily, there are software solutions around DVD region encoding. These media players and programs circumvent your computer's built-in region encoding, allowing you to play any DVD with your laptop's DVD drive, regardless of the region of the drive or the disc.
Using VLC Player
Video of the Day
Step 1
Download and install the VLC Player. This is a free media player that bypasses region encoding.
Video of the Day
Step 2
Insert the disc you want to play in your disc drive and launch VLC player.
Step 3
Go to "Media" then "Open Disc." In the "Disc" tab go to "Disc Device." Select the drive the disc is in and click "Play" to begin playing the disc.
Using Any DVD
Step 1
Download and install Any DVD. This is a paid program, but the trial version will work for several days before you have to pay.
Step 2
Restart your computer.
Step 3
Log back in to your computer after it restarts. Any DVD will automatically boot up and disable all region encoding on your disc drive.
Using DVDFab Passkey
Step 1
Download DVDFab Passkey. This is a paid program, but the trial period includes full functionality.
Step 2
Install the program and restart your computer.
Step 3
Log back into your computer. After your computer boots up, the welcome screen for DVDFab Passkey will appear. Click on "Start DVDFab Passkey."
Step 4
Insert the disc you want to play in your disc drive. A window will pop up asking what region the DVD is. Select the correct region and hit "OK." Your drive can now play the DVD.