How to play Blu-rays on PCs (and why you’d want to)

The decline of physical media is undeniable, as digital downloads and streaming services gain popularity. Best Buy's decision to stop stocking DVDs and Blu-rays highlights this shift. Digital is convenient, but it's not without its drawbacks. Digital content's fleeting nature, due to licensing agreements and platform changes, makes owning physical media more appealing. Content can disappear from streaming services, leaving you with nothing but a rental. Even "owned" digital content can vanish, as seen with the PlayStation Store.

Considering these issues, and the increasing strain on home internet, perhaps we prematurely abandoned physical media. A Blu-ray collection offers permanence and reliability, even during Wi-Fi outages.

Playing Blu-rays on a TV is straightforward with a player (including current Xbox and PlayStation consoles). PC playback requires more effort. You need compatible hardware and software, which may involve additional costs.

Playing Blu-rays on a Windows PC

You'll need a Blu-ray drive. Internal options like the LG WH16NS40 or Pioneer BDR-212DBK (around $80-$90) are available for desktop PCs with compatible motherboards (SATA connection). External drives, such as the Asus BW-16D1X-U or Pioneer BDR-XD08B (around $140-$145), are suitable for laptops or desktops without internal drive slots; these connect via USB.

Windows 11 doesn't natively support Blu-ray playback, requiring paid third-party software. CyberLink PowerDVD and JRiver Media Center (both around $70) are reliable options, often offering free trials. Bundled software deals might be available when purchasing new PCs with Blu-ray drives. These are one-time purchases providing long-term use.

Free software like VLC Media Player can play Blu-rays, but requires significant manual configuration and isn't always guaranteed to work flawlessly. It's an option for tech-savvy users comfortable with video codecs, but paid software offers a more reliable solution.

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