This LG WH10LS30 is an old BD reader and burner I purchased in 2011.
I had Windows 7 and it worked fine every of the few times I used it, mostly to rip some BD or DVD content. I even tested the LightScribe stuff once and all was right.
Originally, it had the software mentioned in the above linked review. I upgraded to Windows 8/8.1 and can't remember now if there was any problem. But I remember for sure that with Windows 7 it had an ODD thing on the system tray which I could use to check for firmware updates.
Well, enter Windows 10 and all that was gone. Now the driver detects and plays DVD discs only, no Blu-ray.
I now have CyberLink PowerDVD 17 installed but it also can't recognize Blu-ray discs. It just says there's no disc in the drive. It works OK with DVD discs.
I've searched and tried every solution I found TNA. LG's sites (international and Brazilian) are useless. And since it's an old piece of hardware I have no hope as to send it to a service center for repair.
So I ask you if there is a way I can make this drive read BD discs again. I mean, some software or driver or anything that can replace the LG stuff, just like some Windows generic drivers sometimes take over and make things work.
TIA.
Hi d-o-l-p-h-i-n,
The challenge you're experiencing with using your Blu-ray disc drive on your Windows 10 device might be due to a compatibility issue with the device driver. It would be great if you can tell me more about your concern. Please answer the following questions:
- What is the make and model of your computer? Let me know if it's a pre-built or a custom-built system.
- Are you getting any error messages?
- What troubleshooting steps have you tried so far?
- Is your computer up to date?
- Can you tell me the current OS Build of your Windows 10 system? You can find this information by clicking the Start button, type About your PC, press Enter, and then scroll down to Windows specifications.
To help you resolve the issue, I recommend downloading the appropriate device driver from the manufacturer's support website. You can refer to Andre Da Costa's forum article for the steps on how to manually update drivers in Windows 10. Kindly follow the steps under the section: How to find and download drivers from the manufacturer's website.
Should the issue continue, you can run the troubleshooter for hardware and devices. This tool is designed to scan and fix your computer for any issues detected with your hardware drivers. Make sure that you're signed in as administrator before following these steps: Zombie mod gta 4.
- Select the Start button.
- Type Troubleshoot and then hit Enter.
- Select Hardware and Devices under Find and fix other problems.
- Click Run the troubleshooter.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
We're looking forward to your response.
Thank you for the suggestions Devlin..I ran the Troubleshooter with no success. The problem occurred after an upgrade ,(April Major), I was able to fix the problem through 'Device Manager'. I selected the DVD dropdown, then selected show hidden devices in the menu and the Blu-Ray appeared. I then removed it and restarted the Gateway FX System running Win 10 Build 1803 and the DVD reappeared. It now can be seen and used. Not sure why this corrected the problem. I've had problems using Blu-Ray since I upgraded to Win 10 from Win 7 and lost Media Player. Again thanks for the help..I'll save you instructions should the problem re-appear.
There's a hilariously prescient sight gag in an old episode of 'The Simpsons.'
Homer is walking through the town dump when he passes a big pile of VCR tapes. The sign above reads, 'Betamax.' Next, another pile, this time with a sign reading, 'Laserdiscs.' Finally, he walks past an empty space; the sign says, 'Reserved for DVDs.'
That episode aired in 2003. Here in 2017, the handwriting is definitely on the wall -- if not the dump sign -- as Windows PCs can no longer play DVDs (or Blu-rays) without help. Windows 10, like Windows 8 and 8.1 before it, lacks the necessary software.
Of course, Microsoft will be happy to sell it to you: The Windows DVD Player app is available from the Windows Store for $14.99.
The open-source alternative
If that seems like too steep a price to keep your DVD collection alive and spinning, here's the good news: You can watch DVDs on your Windows 10 PC for free. Here's what you need:
- A DVD-ROM drive, either internal or external. (Looking to watch Blu-ray media? Skip to the bottom. Microsoft's player doesn't support Blu-rays.)
- VideoLAN's VLC desktop software, an open-source (read: free to use) media player that includes support for DVD media. Don't bother with the VLC app in the Windows Store, which is a separate version that does not support DVD playback.
During the VLC installation process, make sure 'Discs Playback' is selected (it is by default). Once it's installed and running, pop in your DVD, then click Media > Open Disc.., or just press Ctrl+D.
In the window that appears next, click Play -- and then sit back and enjoy. I tested this with, appropriately enough, a DVD of 'The Simpsons,' and it worked like a charm. Your mileage may vary, of course; there are always potential glitches with DVD regions, video codecs and the like.
But for most folks, this is the free and easy path to DVD nirvana in Windows 10. Thanks for the $15 app, Microsoft, but no thanks.
Windows 10 Not Recognizing Disc
Blu-ray of sunshine
Windows 10 Won't Read Blu Ray
By the way, neither Microsoft's app nor VLC offers direct support for Blu-ray discs. There are some VLC add-ons that may work, but setup can be tricky, and not all of them are able to play DRM-protected discs (read: all of them).
You can also purchase any number of commercial players, such as Macgo's Windows Blu-ray Player, but expect to pay at least $30. (At this writing, Macgo's product was on sale for $29.95, though there's a free trial version.)
Fortunately, there's a free option that works quite well: Leawo Blu-ray Player. (It supports DVDs as well, meaning you can skip VLC.) It's a pretty basic player, and rest assured Leawo will try to sell you its other software products at every turn. But if you're looking for a free Blu-ray player that supports pretty much all versions of Windows, this is the one.
Of course, all this assumes you have a Blu-ray drive; remember that DVD drives won't play your Blu-ray discs. Need one? Stores such as Newegg carry external, USB Blu-ray drives starting at around $50.
Update, March 24, 2017: This article was originally published on August 6, 2015. It has been updated to add more information on playing Blu-rays.
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