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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesYou usually do not need a DVD writer. If you only need to read an existing disc, use a built-in optical drive or an external DVD reader (also called a DVD-ROM drive), then copy the contents to your computer, a USB flash drive, or external storage. If the disc contains video and you want a playable digital file, use HandBrake with a compatible, unprotected source. HandBrake converts video to MP4, MKV, or WebM; it is not a bit-for-bit disc copier and it does not bypass copy protection.
Choose the alternative by what you are trying to preserve
The phrase “back up a DVD” can describe three different jobs. Choosing the wrong tool can leave you with an unusable copy or an unnecessarily expensive purchase.
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| Your goal | Best-fit alternative | What you get | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open files on an existing data disc | Built-in optical drive or external DVD reader | The original files, which you can copy elsewhere | You need a drive that can read the disc format and a compatible port |
| Move ordinary files to another computer | Optical reader plus USB flash drive or external hard drive | A normal file copy on the destination storage | The destination must have enough free space |
| Make a digital video file | Optical reader plus HandBrake | Converted MP4, MKV, or WebM video | Conversion changes the video structure and does not defeat DRM or other copy protection |
| Keep disc contents available without creating another disc | Optical reader plus a folder copy on a hard drive | Disc files stored on the computer or external storage | A folder copy is not automatically a playable DVD and may not be a complete sector-by-sector image |
| Create new physical discs | A DVD writer | New recordable discs | This is the one case where a reader alone is insufficient |
Apple Support describes external optical drives as devices that can play CDs and DVDs and access files on backed-up discs. The same basic distinction applies on other computers: reading and writing are separate capabilities. A reader is enough when your workflow starts with an already-recorded disc and ends with files on another device.
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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstall1. External DVD reader: the closest replacement for a writer
When a reader is the right choice
Buy or use an external DVD reader when you still need physical access to DVDs but do not need to burn new media. It can read a data disc so you can drag its files to a destination, and it can provide the optical source that video software needs. Because it does not include writing hardware, it is a simpler match for read-only work than a writer.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
An external reader is also useful when a laptop has no internal optical drive. Connect it, insert the disc, and wait for the operating system to mount it. You can then open the disc in the file manager, copy files, or select the disc as a source in compatible playback or conversion software.
Compatibility checks before buying
- Operating system: Verify the manufacturer’s specifications for your version of Windows, macOS, or Linux. The available evidence does not establish universal compatibility for every model.
- Port: Check whether the drive uses USB-A, USB-C, or another connector and whether your computer has that port. An adapter may be required, but adapter support is not guaranteed by the drive alone.
- Media type: Confirm that the reader supports the disc you have, such as DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD+R, or rewritable DVD media. Do not assume that “DVD” on a product page means every format.
- Power: Some slim USB drives draw power from the computer; others may require a second USB connection or an external supply. Follow the manufacturer’s requirements.
- Region and protection: Physical access does not guarantee that every video disc will play or convert. Region settings and copy protection can affect video workflows.
No model-level specification or tested compatibility list is established here, so treat a reader as a category rather than a recommendation for a particular product. Check the drive manufacturer’s current documentation for your exact computer and ports.
2. Copy files from a data disc to another destination
Step-by-step workflow
- Connect the built-in optical drive or external DVD reader.
- Insert the data disc and wait for it to appear in the operating system’s file manager.
- Open the disc and identify the folders or files you need. If the disc contains several projects, copy the top-level folder so its internal structure remains intact.
- Choose a destination: the computer’s internal storage, a USB flash drive for a convenient handoff, or an external hard drive for a larger collection.
- Copy, rather than move, the files first. Open several copied files from the destination and compare names and sizes before ejecting the source disc.
- Eject the disc through the operating system and keep it until you have verified the copy.
Optical media can move files between computers, but it is only the source in this workflow. The USB flash drive and external hard drive examples are destinations, not replacements for a drive when the original data exists only on a DVD.
What to do when a copy fails
- The disc is not detected: Reconnect the drive, try a different compatible USB port, and check whether the disc is visibly damaged or inserted upside down.
- Some files produce read errors: Stop repeated copying attempts if the drive is making unusual noises. Clean the disc according to the media manufacturer’s guidance and try another compatible reader. Copy the files that remain readable to a new destination.
- The destination runs out of space: Stop the transfer, free space, or choose a larger destination. The available sources do not establish a recommended capacity, so calculate from the size of your own disc collection.
- Names or folders look different: View hidden files and confirm that you are copying the complete folder structure. Do not rename files until the initial copy has been checked.
3. USB flash drive: a transfer destination, not a disc reader
A USB flash drive is a low-friction way to move ordinary files after an optical drive has read them. It is convenient for a small project, a set of documents, or a one-time transfer between computers. The workflow is simple: read the DVD, copy the files to the flash drive, safely eject it, and connect it to the receiving computer.
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- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
It does not replace the optical reader. If the files are still on a DVD, the computer needs a built-in drive or external reader before the flash drive can help. The supplied evidence does not compare flash-drive speeds, durability, or capacities, so select a size based on the actual amount of data and verify that the receiving computer supports the drive’s file system.
Use a flash drive safely
- Check the destination’s free space before starting.
- Copy the files instead of deleting the source immediately.
- Open representative files on the flash drive before handing it over.
- Use the operating system’s eject command to reduce the chance of an incomplete write.
4. External hard drive: better for a larger archive
An external hard drive can hold copied data-disc folders or converted video files when a flash drive is too small or inconvenient. It is a destination for the files you read or create; it does not read DVDs by itself. Connect the optical reader for the source disc and the hard drive for the archive, or copy to the computer first and then move the verified files.
HandBrake’s documentation says that, in most situations, it is better to copy disc contents to the computer’s hard drive before converting. An external hard drive can serve the same archival purpose when the computer’s internal storage is limited, provided the operating system can write to it. The available sources do not establish a best capacity, interface, speed, or backup schedule. Size the drive from your collection and keep an additional copy if the files are important.
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Folder copy versus a complete disc image
Copying the visible files into a folder is useful for ordinary data discs and for many video-conversion workflows. It is not automatically a sector-by-sector image of the original disc. If you require an exact preservation of boot sectors, filesystem metadata, or every sector, you need dedicated disc-imaging software and a destination with enough space; those capabilities are not established by the sources for this article. Do not label a normal folder copy as an exact disc image.
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- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
5. HandBrake for converting supported DVD video
What HandBrake does
HandBrake is an open-source video transcoder for Linux, macOS, and Windows. Its documentation lists DVDs and DVD backups among supported sources and says it can produce MP4, MKV, or WebM files. A transcoder decodes and re-encodes video into a new file. It is therefore useful when you want to watch the content on a computer or another device without handling the physical disc.
Conversion is not pass-through copying. The result is a newly encoded video file, not an unchanged copy of the DVD’s original structure. Menus, interactive navigation, disc extras, and other DVD-specific behavior may not carry over as a normal MP4, MKV, or WebM file. Choose this route when a digital video file is the desired result, not when you need an exact disc replica.
Important protection limit
HandBrake explicitly states that it does not defeat or circumvent copy protection and does not work with DRM-protected video. A commercial DVD, a region-restricted disc, or another protected source may therefore fail in this workflow. Do not assume that inserting any DVD will make it convertible, and do not use HandBrake as a way to bypass protection.
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Supported-source conversion workflow
- Use a built-in optical drive or compatible external DVD reader to access a disc you are legally entitled to use.
- When possible, copy the disc contents to the computer’s hard drive first, as HandBrake recommends for most situations. A local copy can avoid interruptions from a slow or unstable optical read.
- Open HandBrake and select the disc or the copied folder as the source.
- Choose an output container supported by your intended player: MP4, MKV, or WebM.
- Review the title and chapters HandBrake identifies. DVD video can contain multiple titles, so select the one that corresponds to the material you want.
- Set a destination with adequate free space, start the encode, and wait for it to finish.
- Open the resulting file in your target player before deleting the source folder or ejecting the disc.
The exact controls and labels can change between HandBrake releases. Use the current documentation for your operating system rather than assuming that a setting shown in an older guide is still present.
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- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
When HandBrake is the wrong tool
- You need to create a new physical DVD: HandBrake is a transcoder, not a disc writer.
- You need an unchanged copy of the disc: a converted video file is not a bit-for-bit duplicate.
- The source is DRM-protected or otherwise copy-protected: HandBrake does not bypass that protection.
- You only need ordinary documents or photos: copying files directly is simpler and avoids unnecessary re-encoding.
6. Built-in optical drive: use what you already have
If your desktop or laptop includes an optical drive, it is the least expensive alternative because no external hardware is required. Confirm that the drive can read the particular media and that your operating system has suitable software for opening files or playing video. The evidence supports the general use of optical drives for accessing files and playing discs, but it does not cover every computer’s hardware, codec, region, or playback configuration.
For data discs, open the mounted disc and copy the required files. For supported video sources, use the same HandBrake process described above. If the computer’s internal drive is read-only, that is not a problem unless your goal is to burn another disc.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.7. Decide between reading, copying, and converting
| Question | If your answer is yes | Practical choice |
|---|---|---|
| Do you only need to open existing files? | No new disc is required. | Built-in drive or external DVD reader. |
| Do you need to send those files to another computer? | The disc is only the source. | Reader plus a USB flash drive or external hard drive. |
| Do you want a watchable digital video file? | You accept a new encoded file. | Reader plus HandBrake, for a supported unprotected source. |
| Do you need the disc’s original structure unchanged? | A converted file is not sufficient. | Preserve the contents with an appropriate imaging or archival workflow; do not call a normal folder copy an exact image. |
| Do you need to burn new media? | Reading hardware is insufficient. | A DVD writer remains necessary. |
8. A practical compatibility checklist
Before purchasing an external reader or planning a transfer, record the details that determine whether the workflow will work:
- Computer operating system and version.
- Available USB connector types and whether an adapter is needed.
- Disc type and whether it is data or video.
- Whether the disc is finalized and readable on another computer.
- For video, whether the source is protected and whether you are authorized to convert it.
- Free space on the computer and destination storage.
- Whether you need ordinary files, a folder preservation, a digital video file, or a new physical disc.
Use these details when reading the drive manufacturer’s specifications. No specific external reader model has been validated for every platform, port, region, or disc type in the available documentation.
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- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
9. Common mistakes and their fixes
Buying a writer when you only need to read
A writer will usually perform the read task, but its extra hardware is irrelevant if you will never burn discs. A reader-only drive is the more direct fit for accessing existing media.
Expecting a flash drive to read a DVD
A flash drive stores copied files. It cannot access files that remain on an optical disc. Add an internal or external optical reader to the workflow.
Calling a HandBrake file a DVD backup
HandBrake creates a new encoded video file. It does not preserve the original disc as an unchanged object, and it does not bypass DRM. Use a folder or imaging workflow when preservation of disc structure matters.
Deleting the source immediately
Keep the original disc or source folder until you have opened representative files or played the converted video from the destination. This is especially important when the optical media is old or has visible damage.
Assuming every DVD is convertible
HandBrake’s support for DVD sources does not mean every commercial, regional, or protected disc will work. Protection status and the exact source determine whether conversion is possible.
Bottom line
For ordinary files, the best alternative to an external DVD writer is an optical reader—built in or external—followed by a copy to storage that suits the amount of data. For supported, unprotected DVD video, add HandBrake to create an MP4, MKV, or WebM file. A USB flash drive or external hard drive is a destination, not a reader, and HandBrake is a converter rather than a disc copier. If you must burn new discs, you still need writing hardware.
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