Yes, you can burn DVDs from Movie Maker in Windows 10, but not directly. While the original Movie Maker application included disc burning functionality, the version typically used in Windows 10 requires an intermediary step: saving your project as a video file and then using a separate DVD burning program to create the disc. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of the process and answers frequently asked questions.
Understanding the Limitations and the Alternatives
While some legacy versions of Windows Movie Maker might still function with DVD burning capabilities if installed, the Windows 10 environment often presents challenges. Modern operating systems often encourage digital distribution and streaming, making built-in DVD burning less of a priority. Therefore, understanding the contemporary workflow is crucial for successful DVD creation.
Why Movie Maker Doesn’t Directly Burn DVDs Anymore
The core reason for the missing direct burning function boils down to evolving software design and functionality priorities. Microsoft ceased official support for Windows Movie Maker years ago, and the versions circulating now are often downloaded from third-party sources. These versions may not be fully compatible with modern DVD burning hardware or software libraries. Furthermore, Microsoft shifted its focus toward more modern video editing tools, such as the Video Editor built into the Photos app, which prioritizes sharing and digital delivery.
The Modern Workflow: Save, Then Burn
The solution involves a two-step process:
- Saving your Movie Maker project as a video file: This creates a standard video format (like MP4 or WMV) that can be read by DVD burning software.
- Using DVD burning software: This software takes your video file and converts it into a DVD-compatible format, creating the necessary files and burning them onto a DVD.
Step-by-Step Guide to Burning a DVD
Follow these steps to successfully burn your Movie Maker project onto a DVD:
Step 1: Finishing Your Project in Movie Maker
Ensure your video is fully edited and polished. Add all desired titles, transitions, effects, and music. Carefully review the final product to catch any errors before moving on.
Step 2: Saving Your Project as a Video File
- In Movie Maker, go to File > Save Movie.
- Choose a preset appropriate for your needs. “For Computer” is a good starting point, offering a balance between quality and file size. Experiment with different presets if you need specific resolutions or file sizes.
- Give your file a descriptive name and choose a location to save it.
- Click Save. The program will begin rendering and saving your movie as a video file (typically .WMV or .MP4).
Step 3: Choosing DVD Burning Software
Numerous DVD burning programs are available, both free and paid. Some popular options include:
- Windows DVD Maker: This program was included in older versions of Windows (Windows 7 and Vista). If you happen to have access to these, you can potentially transfer the program files and run it in compatibility mode on Windows 10, although success is not guaranteed.
- BurnAware Free: A free and easy-to-use option for basic DVD burning.
- DVD Flick: Open-source and versatile, but can be a bit more complex.
- ImgBurn: Powerful and free, suitable for advanced users.
- Ashampoo Burning Studio FREE: A user-friendly burning suite.
For this guide, we’ll assume you’re using BurnAware Free, as it’s readily accessible and straightforward.
Step 4: Burning the DVD with BurnAware Free (Example)
- Download and install BurnAware Free from a reputable source.
- Launch BurnAware Free.
- Select “Video DVD” from the main menu.
- Click the “Add” button to locate and select the video file you saved from Movie Maker.
- You may be prompted to choose a TV standard (NTSC for North America, PAL for Europe).
- Insert a blank DVD into your DVD burner.
- Click the “Burn” button.
- BurnAware will convert the video file to a DVD-compatible format (MPEG-2) and burn it onto the DVD. This process may take some time, depending on the size of the video and the speed of your burner.
- Once the process is complete, BurnAware will eject the DVD. Your DVD is now ready to be played on a DVD player.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Burning DVDs can sometimes present unexpected challenges. Here are some common issues and their potential solutions:
- Video quality is poor on the DVD: Try saving your Movie Maker project with a higher resolution and bitrate. Also, ensure that the DVD burning software is using a high-quality encoding setting.
- DVD player won’t play the DVD: Ensure that the TV standard (NTSC or PAL) selected in the DVD burning software matches the standard supported by your DVD player and television. Also, verify that your DVD player is compatible with the type of DVD you burned (DVD-R, DVD+R, etc.).
- Burning process fails: Check for errors in the DVD burning software. Ensure that your DVD burner is functioning correctly and that the DVD disc is not damaged. Try burning at a slower speed to reduce the risk of errors.
- The audio is out of sync: This can happen if the video and audio encoding aren’t properly matched during the conversion to DVD format. Try using a different DVD burning software or adjusting the encoding settings within your current software.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What video format should I save my Movie Maker project as for DVD burning?
For compatibility and quality, MPEG-2 is the ideal format as it is the standard for DVDs. However, you will likely save as MP4 or WMV from Movie Maker and the burning software will handle the conversion to MPEG-2.
2. How do I know which TV standard (NTSC or PAL) to choose?
NTSC is used in North America, parts of South America, Japan, and the Philippines. PAL is used in Europe, Australia, and parts of Asia and Africa. If you’re unsure, check the documentation for your DVD player or television.
3. What is the difference between DVD-R and DVD+R?
Both are recordable DVD formats. DVD-R is generally considered the more compatible option with older DVD players, while DVD+R may offer slightly faster burning speeds and improved data reliability. However, most modern DVD players can play both formats.
4. Can I burn a DVD from a video file I downloaded from the internet?
Yes, you can, but be mindful of copyright restrictions. Ensure you have the right to copy and distribute the content. Also, verify the video file’s integrity before burning it to avoid errors.
5. What DVD burning speed should I use?
Burning at a slower speed (e.g., 4x or 8x) generally results in a more reliable burn and better compatibility with older DVD players. Burning at faster speeds (e.g., 16x) can save time but may increase the risk of errors.
6. How much video can I fit on a DVD?
A single-layer DVD can hold approximately 4.7 GB of data, which translates to roughly two hours of high-quality video. A dual-layer DVD can hold approximately 8.5 GB of data.
7. Is it possible to burn a Blu-ray disc from Movie Maker projects?
No, not directly. Movie Maker is not designed for Blu-ray burning. You would need a Blu-ray burning program and a Blu-ray burner drive. Also, Blu-ray disc burning demands that you save your project as a higher-resolution video format like H.264.
8. Can I create a DVD menu with Movie Maker and BurnAware?
Movie Maker doesn’t support creating interactive DVD menus. BurnAware Free doesn’t provide extensive DVD menu creation features either. Some paid DVD burning software offers more advanced menu customization options. For basic menu creation, DVD Flick is a good free alternative.
9. My DVD player isn’t recognizing the burned DVD. What could be the problem?
Possible issues include: incorrect TV standard, incompatible DVD format (DVD-R vs DVD+R), a damaged or scratched DVD, a malfunctioning DVD burner, or an incompatible video codec. Try burning a different DVD and testing it on multiple DVD players.
10. What are some alternative video editing software options besides Movie Maker?
Popular alternatives include: DaVinci Resolve (free and paid versions), OpenShot (free), Adobe Premiere Pro (paid), and Filmora (paid). The Video Editor built into the Windows 10 Photos app is a basic but useful free option.
11. How do I check the integrity of a downloaded video file before burning it to a DVD?
You can use a checksum utility (like HashTab) to verify the file’s integrity against a known checksum value (often provided by the file’s source). This helps ensure that the file hasn’t been corrupted during download.
12. Why is the picture blurry when I play the DVD on my TV?
This is often due to the resolution of the original video file being lower than the resolution of your TV. Saving the video at a higher resolution (if possible) and choosing a high-quality encoding setting in your DVD burning software can help improve picture clarity. Remember that DVD resolution is inherently lower than modern HD standards.