Play Blu-ray on the laptop - how it works

If you buy films as Blu-ray, they cannot always be played on a laptop without any problems. We show which additional equipment is required.

1. Does the laptop have an integrated Blu-ray drive?

One thing is clear: Blu-rays can only be played with the right hardware - not with a conventional DVD drive that is installed in most current laptops. So when buying a laptop, look specifically for devices with a built-in Blu-ray drive.
If your laptop does not have a Blu-ray drive, you can alternatively use an external one. These are connected to the laptop via a USB connector and thus form an uncomplicated hardware expansion. Current offers on Amazon start at around 60 euros.
You can read more about the advantages and disadvantages of external Blu-ray drives in another practical tip. We also present the three best Bluray burners.

Appropriate software is required to play Blu-rays on a normal PC or laptop. Especially when the drive has been retrofitted, it is not always preinstalled.
Software for playing Blu-rays can only be obtained for a fee in the legal area. Suitable programs are for example WinDVD Pro, TotalMedia Theater Platinum or PowerDVD.
Tip 1: With VLC you can play Blu-ray discs, but only those without copy protection. Therefore, this is of no use for almost all Blu-rays purchased.
Tip 2: Although still in beta, but with good prospects - the AunPlayer could become the first free Blu-ray player.