Windows DVD Player Error Code 0x87E10BC6: How to Fix It

Seeing error code 0x87E10BC6 when opening Windows DVD Player or trying to play a DVD? The code does not point to one specific hardware fault. It has appeared in different Windows app, Microsoft Store, and activation-related scenarios, so replacing your DVD drive is not the right first step. Start by checking whether Windows detects the drive and whether the error occurs only in Windows DVD Player or in other apps as well.

The fixes below cover common troubleshooting steps, including checking the optical drive, reinstalling its device entry, repairing Windows app components, trying another DVD player, and converting a readable DVD to a digital format.

Part 1. What Causes Windows DVD Player Error Code 0x87E10BC6?

Error code 0x87E10BC6 is not exclusive to Windows DVD Player, and Microsoft does not document it as a definitive sign of a damaged optical drive. The error has been reported in connection with different Windows apps and services. If it appears while playing a DVD, check the surrounding symptoms before deciding which component needs attention.

• DVD drive or disc problem: A damaged or incompatible disc, a loose external drive connection, or an optical drive that Windows cannot detect may prevent playback. If the drive does not appear in File Explorer or Device Manager, investigate the hardware connection and device status first.
• Windows device or driver issue: A device-detection problem or corrupted driver configuration can interfere with access to the optical drive. However, reinstalling the drive will not fix every playback-app error.
• Windows DVD Player or app-service problem: The app may be malfunctioning, or a Windows component involved in app access may be experiencing an issue. The same error code can occur outside DVD playback, so the code alone cannot identify the cause.
• Playback compatibility or licensing limitation: Windows does not include DVD movie playback support by default on every Windows installation. The Windows DVD Player app was offered for eligible Windows 10 upgrades, and availability or licensing can vary. A DVD that opens in another compatible player may work even when Windows DVD Player does not.

Quick check: Insert a known-good, compatible DVD and see whether the drive appears in File Explorer. If Windows detects the disc but Windows DVD Player reports the error, focus on the app and playback compatibility. If the drive is missing or cannot read any disc, troubleshoot the drive before moving on.

Part 2. How to Troubleshoot Windows DVD Player Error Code 0x87E10BC6

1. Check the DVD drive before replacing it

Do not buy a replacement drive based on error code 0x87E10BC6 alone. First, insert another DVD that is known to work and is compatible with your drive. If possible, test the original disc on another computer or test your drive with another compatible disc.

• If only one DVD fails: Inspect the disc for scratches or dirt, and check its region and format compatibility.
• If no discs work: Check whether the drive appears in File Explorer and Device Manager. For an external drive, reconnect its USB cable and try another suitable USB port.
• If the drive reads discs in another app: The optical drive may be functioning, so investigate Windows DVD Player and its compatibility before considering hardware replacement.

If the drive is absent from Device Manager, repeatedly disconnects, or fails to read multiple known-good discs after basic checks, a hardware fault becomes more plausible. Consider professional inspection or replacement only after ruling out connection and software issues. See our guide to fixing a DVD drive that cannot detect a disc.

2. Reinstall the DVD drive in Device Manager

If the optical drive is detected by Windows but behaves incorrectly, reinstalling its device entry may resolve a driver or device-configuration problem. This step is more relevant when the drive itself is missing, malfunctioning, or no longer recognized after a system change than when the error occurs only inside one playback app.

Follow these steps:

1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
2. Expand DVD/CD-ROM drives.
3. Right-click your optical drive and select Uninstall device. Confirm the action if prompted.
4. Restart your computer. Windows will usually attempt to detect the drive and reinstall its device entry automatically.
5. Open Device Manager again and check whether the drive is listed. Insert a compatible DVD and test playback.

If the drive does not reappear, check the computer manufacturer's support page for model-specific firmware or driver guidance. Avoid installing drivers from unfamiliar third-party download sites. If the drive is listed and reads discs in other applications, continue with the app-focused fixes below.

3. Check Windows and Microsoft Store app components

The original Windows build requirement of 10240.0 is not a useful fix for this error on current systems. Instead, check whether your Windows version and the installed playback app are still supported, then try the relevant repair steps. Windows 10 reached the end of standard support on October 14, 2025, although eligible devices may receive updates through the Extended Security Updates program. Windows 10 will still run, but the end of support means that ordinary free security and technical updates are no longer provided.

Step 1. Check your Windows version.

Press Windows + R, type winver, and press Enter. The dialog shows your Windows version and OS build. Use this information to confirm which Windows version you are running; a build number by itself does not establish the cause of error 0x87E10BC6.

Step 2. Check for available Windows updates.

On Windows 11, open Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates. On Windows 10, open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Install any applicable updates available for your device. If you use Windows 10, also consider whether your PC is enrolled in an eligible Extended Security Updates program.

Step 3. Repair or reset the app, if the option is available.

Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps on Windows 11, or Settings > Apps > Apps & features on Windows 10. Select Windows DVD Player, open its advanced options if available, and choose Repair. Test the app again. If the problem remains, try Reset, which may clear the app's local data or settings.

Step 4. Refresh Microsoft Store if the problem appears to involve Store apps.

Press Windows + R, type wsreset.exe, and press Enter. Wait for the process to finish, then reopen Microsoft Store. This resets the Store cache; it is not a guaranteed fix for DVD playback or for every occurrence of error 0x87E10BC6.

If the error persists only in Windows DVD Player, move on to another compatible playback app. Do not repeatedly reinstall device drivers when the drive is already detected and reads discs normally.

4. Try an alternative DVD player

If the drive can read the disc but Windows DVD Player still fails, testing another DVD-capable application is a practical way to separate an app problem from a drive problem. VLC media player is a widely used option for Windows and supports DVD playback when the disc, drive, and required system components are compatible.

Download VLC from its official website, install it, insert the DVD, and open VLC. Select Media > Open Disc, choose DVD, and click Play. The menu wording may vary slightly by version.

If VLC plays the disc successfully, the drive is likely capable of reading it, and the problem may be specific to Windows DVD Player or its playback configuration. If VLC also fails, check the disc condition, region compatibility, drive detection, and any error messages before assuming the drive is damaged.

For more options, see our guide to the best DVD players for Windows. Check each application's current system requirements and DVD playback support before installing it.

5. Convert a readable DVD to MP4 for playback

If you can read a DVD but prefer watching it without relying on a disc-based playback app, creating a digital copy may be another option. A video file can be easier to organize and play on compatible devices, but conversion will not repair a damaged disc or fix an optical drive that cannot read the source.

WinX DVD Ripper Platinum is one option for converting supported DVDs to MP4 and other formats. Available input support depends on the disc, drive, software version, and any applicable copy protection. Do not assume every commercial or damaged DVD can be read successfully. Only convert discs you own or are otherwise legally authorized to copy, and comply with the copyright laws that apply where you live.

• Convert a readable DVD to a digital video file in a guided workflow.
• Choose from supported output formats, including MP4, subject to the software version and source disc.
• Adjust available video and audio settings, with basic editing options depending on the installed version.

Follow these steps to convert a DVD to MP4 with WinX DVD Ripper Platinum. The interface may vary by version.

Step 1. Insert a readable DVD into the optical drive and launch WinX DVD Ripper Platinum. Click DVD Disc and select the correct drive if prompted.

Step 2. Let the software scan the disc. If it can read the DVD, review the detected titles and select the content you are authorized to copy. Choose MP4 under the available output profiles and confirm the selection.

Available output formats and device profiles depend on the installed version. If the disc cannot be read or the scan fails, resolve the disc or drive issue first; changing the output format will not fix an unreadable source.

Step 3. Select Browse to choose a destination folder, then click RUN to start conversion. Once the process finishes, open the resulting file in a media player that supports its format and codecs.

Watch the video tutorial on DVD playback in Windows.

The Final Words

Error code 0x87E10BC6 does not automatically mean that your DVD drive has failed. Check whether Windows detects the drive, test a known-good disc, and determine whether the error occurs only in Windows DVD Player. If the drive works in another compatible application, repairing or replacing the playback app may be more appropriate than buying new hardware. If the drive cannot read multiple compatible discs, investigate the connection and device status before considering repair or replacement.

For DVDs that can be read successfully, converting them to a digital format is another way to watch and organize your collection. WinX DVD Ripper Platinum supports conversion of compatible, readable discs; results depend on the source and installed software version. Check the current system requirements and make sure you have the legal right to make a copy before proceeding.