You can write data to a DVD in Windows using the built-in features of File Explorer. This process is often referred to as "burning" a DVD.
Windows offers two primary methods for burning data discs, including DVDs:
- Like a USB flash drive (Live File System): This method allows you to add, edit, and delete files on the disc multiple times, similar to using a USB drive. It's useful for discs you want to update frequently, but discs formatted this way may not be compatible with older computers or devices.
- With a CD/DVD player (Mastered): This method burns all selected files to the disc in a single session. The files cannot be changed or deleted after the disc is burned. Discs burned this way are generally compatible with most computers and DVD players.
Here’s a general guide on how to write a DVD in Windows using File Explorer:
Step-by-Step Guide to Burning a Data DVD
1. Prepare the Disc and Drive
The first step is to get your DVD ready.
- Open the disc drive of your computer.
- Insert a blank CD-R, data CD, or DVD into the drive. Ensure the disc type matches what your drive can write (e.g., DVD-R, DVD+R).
- Close the drive.
2. Handle AutoPlay and Drive Selection
Once the disc is inserted, Windows might react.
- If the AutoPlay dialogue box opens, close it. You'll manage the burning process manually through File Explorer.
- If your computer has multiple drives, you need to ensure you are using the correct one for burning. Click the Burn Options menu, click More burn options, and then click the Devices tab to select the drive you want to use for burning.
3. Choose Your Burning Method
After inserting the blank DVD, open File Explorer (Windows Key + E). Navigate to "This PC" and double-click on your DVD drive icon.
Windows will likely prompt you to choose how you want to use the disc:
- Select "Like a USB flash drive" or "With a CD/DVD player" based on your needs (see the table below for comparison).
- Give the disc a Disc title (optional).
- Click Next.
If you chose "Like a USB flash drive," Windows will format the disc, which may take a few minutes. If you chose "With a CD/DVD player," the disc will be ready for files immediately.
4. Add Files to the DVD
Now, select the files or folders you want to burn onto the DVD.
- Drag and drop the files and folders into the DVD drive window that you opened in File Explorer.
- Alternatively, copy the files and folders, navigate to the DVD drive in File Explorer, and paste them.
The files will appear in the DVD drive window. For the "With a CD/DVD player" method, these files are in a temporary holding area until you initiate the burn. For the "Like a USB flash drive" method, files are written immediately, although the process can still be finalized later.
5. Burn the Disc (Mastered Method)
This step is necessary if you chose the "With a CD/DVD player" method.
- In File Explorer, right-click the DVD drive icon or look for the "Drive Tools" tab at the top of the window.
- Click "Finish burning" (sometimes labeled "Burn to disc" or similar, depending on your Windows version).
- A wizard will guide you through the final steps, allowing you to name the disc and choose a burning speed.
- Click Next or Finish to start the burning process.
Windows will write the files to the DVD in a single session. This process can take several minutes depending on the amount of data and the burn speed. You will be notified when the burning is complete.
6. Eject the Disc
Once the burning process is finished (either after the finalization for the USB-like method or after clicking "Finish burning" for the CD/DVD player method), you can eject the DVD from the drive.
Comparing Burning Methods
| Feature | Like a USB flash drive (Live File System) | With a CD/DVD player (Mastered) |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Simple Drag & Drop, changes saved as you go. | Requires final "burn" step after adding files. |
| Flexibility | Add, change, delete files after initial write (on rewritable discs). | Files are permanent after burning. Cannot be changed. |
| Compatibility | May not be compatible with older systems or devices. | Generally compatible with most computers and DVD players. |
| Disc Type | Best suited for rewritable discs (DVD-RW). | Can be used with write-once (DVD-R, DVD+R) or rewritable. |
Note: The built-in Windows tools are primarily designed for burning data DVDs (storing files like documents, pictures, etc.). Burning video DVDs playable on standard DVD players usually requires dedicated video burning software that can author the correct disc structure.
This process utilizes the standard features available within the Windows operating system, making it a straightforward way to create backups or transfer large amounts of data onto a physical DVD.
