What version of Windows do you have? What DVD/blu ray player? What is wrong with the program that came with the blu ray player (drive)? .
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BoilerPlate: To posters who ask for help -- it is nice to thank the volunteers who try to answer your questions !
Anything I post unless stated with a reference is my personal opinion.

Thank you for the speedy response, and your time.

I currently have Windows 10 Insider Preview on both my mobile system and desktop (both had Windows 8 before that). On on July 29th, I'll have Windows 10 official retail release. I know that Windows 10 is in beta, and has no support. I am looking a month or so for now purchase, once officially supported, I'll purchase it, of course.

My Blue-ray drive in my PC came with PowerDVD 12. The problem I have is that it includes this big player that takes time to load, and includes a bunch of startup things and services is claim it needs, for features I simply don't use. And if you disable any of them, it breaks the software. I don't care about media center like software, nor do I care about making my own DVD movies, or have a video library sorter, or edit pictures and what not. I just want to play my DVD or Blu-ray movie.

VLC is an option, but it is for DVD only, and doesn't do a great job in my opinion. Image quality isn't there, and menu navigation is iffy to annoying at times.

Like I said, all I want is a lean basic solution, where I can put my DVD or Blu-ray in, ideally start Windows Media Player (because I like it. I know, shocking), and plays.

VLC will play blu ray. It may not be ideal but it is cheap ! .
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BoilerPlate: To posters who ask for help -- it is nice to thank the volunteers who try to answer your questions !
Anything I post unless stated with a reference is my personal opinion.

Heh I guess I could try it.

Would be cool is PowerDVD sold just the codec for Windows Media Player, or offered just a basic video player for DVD/Blu-ray without the extra stuff. I get that they try and differentiate themselves, but it is nice to have a simple basic solution. I know I am not alone on this with this view. Plus, should it increas etheir profits by not having to pay for the extra stuff? And won't that allow them to differentiate themself that way, as all other paying solution is just as packed with, in my opinion, useless add-ons?

Oh well. I can hope one day.

Thanks for your help.

Quote: VLC will play blu ray. It may not be ideal but it is cheap !

VLC will not play encrypted bluray discs which is practically all of them last time I checked.

Even if you decrypt discs with SLysoft AnyDVDHD or DVD Fab Passkey first you still won't get bluray menus I belive.

try pot player also another good alternative...

VLC has added bluray compatability

ok I'll try during the week-end.
Big thanks guys!