Windows Built-in Disc Burning Software

Microsoft has two tools to burn discs. The first is Windows File Explorer, which can format discs to be used as a flash drive or burn discs to be used with CD or DVD player. The second is Windows Media Player, which can burn discs to be used with CD or DVD players. Both of these tools are great for different purposes, but which one you use depends on what you want to do with the disc.

To set a default burner, you can choose the first time you insert a blank disc. ..

Burn CDs or DVDs to Use Like a USB Flash Drive with Windows Explorer

This method assumes you have Windows set to automatically use File Explorer to burn discs. If not, just open File Explorer after inserting the blank disc, and the utility is available. You must use a CD-RW or DVD-RW format disc for this.

If you have a disc that you want to use like a USB flash drive, File Explorer can format it for you in about a minute. ..

The files get added to the disc and depending on the amount and size, it could take a few seconds or minutes. It’s not as fast as a USB flash drive, though.

Burn CD or DVD to Use with a CD or DVD Player with Windows Explorer

This utility burns discs automatically using File Explorer. If you don’t have File Explorer open, the utility is not available.

You can use any blank CD or DVD format disc for this. If you use a CD-RW or DVD-RW disc, it will not be rewritable anymore. However, these discs will work on PCs but not necessarily all other CD or DVD players. CD-R and DVD-R discs are best for this, and they’re cheaper too. ..

Drag and drop onto the disc to play.

Close the wizard after the files have been burned. Then select Next.

If you want to make another copy of the files, select Yes in the Burn Files to Disc Wizard. Otherwise, finish the wizard by selecting Finish. ..

Burn CDs and DVDs with Windows Media Player

Windows Media Player can be used to burn audio CDs and data CDs and DVDs. Audio CDs will work on PCs and most CD players. Data CDs and DVDs can be used for data files or music and videos. Data disks with music and videos will play on computers, but may not play on some CD and DVD players. Check with your CD or DVD player maker to be sure. ..

Burn Audio CDs with Windows Media Player

In the Burn tab in Windows Media Player, you can adjust the burn speed, apply volume leveling across tracks, remove gaps between songs and add a list of burned files to the CD.

Burn Data CDs and DVDs with Windows Media Player

This method is for burning CDs and DVDs. CDs and DVDs made this way may not play on all CD and DVD players, but they will work on any PC. It’s not the best way to make DVDs, but it works. Unfortunately, Microsoft stopped including Windows DVD Maker after Windows 7. For proper DVD authoring with classic DVD menus, subtitles, and more, check out the Burn Blu-ray Discs section below.

Burn ISO Disc Image to CD or DVD

ISO files are used to store a large number of files into one while maintaining the directory structure. When you mount an ISO file, whatever is inside it will run as intended. ISO files are the preferred format for bootable disks too. ..

To create a new disc image, select Burn disc image. ..

To create a disc image of your Windows 10 installation, right-click on the Windows 10 installation media and select Burn disc image. ..

When the burn is complete, the disc will pop out. Select Close to end the session. ..

Burn Blu-ray Discs in Windows 11/10

Windows doesn’t support burning Blu-ray discs. You need a Blu-ray burner and Blu-ray burning software to do this. Make sure you have the right type of Blu-ray disc.

The three free apps mentioned here have a long history and continue to work well. CDBurnerXP, ImgBurn, and Ashampoo Burning Studio are all well-known and popular free software programs.

CDBurnerXP is a solid Blu-ray and DVD burner software that is still popular today. It has a portable app option so it can be run from a USB flash drive, making it easy to access and use.

ImgBurn is a great app for burning discs, including Blu-ray. There is a strong ImgBurn community forum with plenty of guides to help you do just about anything. ..

This app is a free alternative to the paid software Ashampoo Burning Studio and ImgBurn. It’s been around for a while, and it does get updated. However, registration is required to use the app, while ImgBurn doesn’t require it.

Burn, Baby, Burn

If you’re still using a CD player or prefer to pop in a DVD or Blu-ray on Friday night instead of Netflix and chill, you have all the tools and info at your fingertips to do it. Or do you already have a favorite burning software? Let us know in the comments.