How do i get Interactual Player app to work or how to play my DVD's on windows 10/11?

∗cherry * 0 Reputation points
2025-08-28T13:40:55.6533333+00:00

As I now own the Harry Potter movies 2-7 (part two) as DVDs, I wanna know how to actually play them. The interactual player app doesn't work, saying I need to fix my resolution and something else. I don't know what to do, since I have never owned DVDs before. I also don't wanna download another version of Windows, but I am okay with downloading an app like Interactual Player that doesn't occupy a lot of space. I need help as fast as possible.

I have tried opening the "VIDEO_TS" folder and the videos inside it, trying to find a way to watch the movie, but it didn't work. I added some photos of what Interactual Player and my Windows are telling me

Screenshot 2025-08-28 163723

Screenshot 2025-08-28 163714

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Apps
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  1. Clary-N 1,420 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2025-08-29T00:25:01.76+00:00

    Hi ∗cherry *,

    Thank you for reaching out Microsoft Q&A. I understand how frustrating it must be to encounter playback issues when you're simply trying to enjoy your Harry Potter DVD collection. Since this is your first time using DVDs, I want to make sure you feel supported and guided every step of the way.

    You mentioned that InterActual Player shows the error:

    "Playback failed due to a problem with the video subsystem. Lowering your screen resolution or color depth may fix the problem."

    And that Windows also warns:

    "This app can't run because it causes security or performance issues on Windows."

    These messages are unfortunately common with InterActual Player, which was discontinued in 2017 and is no longer compatible with Windows 10 or 11. But I’ve got you covered with safe and effective alternatives:

    1. Use VLC Media Player (Free & Lightweight)

    This is the most reliable option. VLC is trusted by millions and works perfectly on Windows 10/11.

    • It can open the VIDEO_TS folder directly and play the movie with menus.
    • It supports bonus features and subtitles.
    • It’s lightweight and won’t slow down your system.

    You can download it from the official site: https://www.videolan.org/vlc/

    Once installed:

    • Open VLC.
    • Go to Media → Open Folder.
    • Select the VIDEO_TS folder from your DVD.
    • Playback should begin immediately.
    1. Try Leawo Blu-ray Player

    If you want a player that mimics the DVD menu experience more closely, Leawo Blu-ray Player is a great alternative.

    • It supports DVD-ROM extras and interactive menus.
    • It’s also free and works well on modern Windows systems.

    Download from: https://www.leawo.org/blu-ray-player/

    *Disclaimer: Microsoft provides no assurances and/or warranties, implied or otherwise, and is not responsible for the information you receive from the third-party linked sites or any support related to technology. 

    1. Install WinDVD (If Available)

    Some DVDs come bundled with WinDVD. If yours did, installing it first may allow InterActual Player to work, as it relies on WinDVD’s decoder.

    If you don’t have WinDVD, I recommend skipping InterActual Player entirely and using VLC or Leawo instead.

    Please keep me posted on how it goes, and feel free to reach out if you need any further assistance. I'm here to help.


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