How To Play A DVD Without Changing Region Settings, or Play An Incompatible File Type (Like .avi)

Step 1. Download VLC

The first step is very simple. Download VLC, an open-source multimedia framework, player and server. You can do that by clicking here. Make sure you download the correct version for your Mac (or PC).

Step 2. Install VLC

You need to install VLC. Find the file wherever it’s stored on your computer, double click on it, then follow the onscreen instructions.

Step 3. Play your Movie

This is more of an either or area. If you’re trying to play a movie that is already on your hard disk, but is in an incompatible format such as .avi, then follow these steps. If you’re trying to play a DVD without changing regions, then scroll down a little.

First locate the movie on your hard drive. It doesn’t have to be a .avi file, it can be .flv or .mp4 as well. Once you have found the file right click on it if you have that option set up, or press CTRL then click with your mouse on the file.

A list of options will pop up. Choose Open With, which is the second option on the list, then select VLC.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy your movie

If you want to watch a movie from a DVD without changing the DVD region, then follow these instructions. Note, these instructions also work for watching a normal movie.

Open up VLC Player, then select File –> Open Disc.

Make sure the DVD you would like to watch has been inserted into your computer. Select the DVD option, and your DVD should appear. It probably wont be called something you recognize, as mine is called rdisk1, but it’s unlikely that you have another DVD in your computer so select it, then press OK.

Sit Back, relax, and enjoy your movie

If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below.