How to Burn Windows Movie Maker to DVD: A Comprehensive Guide

Burning your precious memories from Windows Movie Maker onto a DVD offers a tangible and lasting way to preserve and share your creations. The straightforward answer is: while Windows Movie Maker does not directly support DVD burning, you can easily achieve this by saving your movie as a video file and then using a dedicated DVD burning software to create a playable DVD.

Table of Contents

Saving Your Movie from Windows Movie Maker

The first crucial step involves exporting your project from Windows Movie Maker in a compatible format. This file will then be used by the DVD burning software.

Exporting as a High-Quality Video File

To ensure the best possible quality on your DVD, prioritize exporting your movie in a high-resolution format. While Windows Movie Maker offers several options, a good starting point is the .WMV (Windows Media Video) format.

Open your project in Windows Movie Maker.
Click on “File” then select “Save Movie.”
Choose “For Computer” to get a decent balance between file size and quality. Alternatively, for more control, select “Create Custom Setting.”
In the “Custom Setting” window, adjust the settings to your preference. Aim for a resolution of 720p (1280×720) or 1080p (1920×1080) if the original footage supports it.
Increase the bitrate for better visual quality. A bitrate of 5-8 Mbps is generally sufficient.
Choose a descriptive file name and save the movie to a convenient location on your computer.

Choosing the Right DVD Burning Software

Numerous DVD burning programs are available, both free and paid. The best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Popular DVD Burning Software Options

Here are some highly recommended options, catering to different levels of experience and requirements:

Windows DVD Maker (if available on your Windows version): This legacy Microsoft software is very simple to use. If you have it, it’s a convenient option.
BurnAware Free: A free and lightweight option that gets the job done without unnecessary bells and whistles.
DVD Flick: Another excellent free choice, known for its ease of use and support for a wide range of video formats.
ImgBurn: A powerful and versatile free tool for burning image files, including DVD ISOs.
CyberLink Power2Go: A commercial option offering a comprehensive suite of features, including DVD burning, video editing, and disc management.
Nero Burning ROM: Another well-established commercial option with a long history and a robust set of features.

Considerations When Selecting Software

When choosing a DVD burning program, consider the following factors:

Ease of use: Opt for a program with an intuitive interface, especially if you’re a beginner.
Format support: Ensure the software supports the video format you exported from Windows Movie Maker (.WMV in our example, but it could be different).
Customization options: Look for features like menu creation, chapter markers, and DVD labeling if you want to create a more professional-looking DVD.
Burning speed: The software should allow you to adjust the burning speed. Slower speeds generally result in fewer errors.
Stability and reliability: Read reviews and check for user feedback to ensure the software is stable and reliable.

Burning Your Movie to DVD

Once you’ve chosen your DVD burning software and saved your movie, you’re ready to burn your DVD.

The Burning Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

The exact steps may vary slightly depending on the software you choose, but the general process remains the same:

Launch your DVD burning software.
Select the “Create Video DVD” option (or a similar option depending on the software).
Import the video file you saved from Windows Movie Maker.
Arrange the order of videos if you have multiple files.
Customize the DVD menu (if desired). Most software offers templates and customization options.
Insert a blank DVD disc into your DVD burner.
Choose your burning speed. A slower speed (e.g., 4x or 6x) is generally recommended for better reliability.
Start the burning process. Be patient, as this can take some time depending on the size of the video and the burning speed.
Verify the DVD after burning. This ensures the data was written correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions and answers regarding burning Windows Movie Maker projects to DVD.

Why can’t I directly burn a DVD from Windows Movie Maker?

Windows Movie Maker was designed primarily for basic video editing and sharing online. DVD burning functionality was not included, necessitating the use of dedicated DVD authoring software.
What video format should I save my movie as for the best DVD quality?

Generally, .WMV, .MP4, or .AVI are good choices. However, the best format depends on the compatibility of your DVD burning software. Prioritize higher resolution and bitrate settings during export.
What burning speed should I use when burning a DVD?

A slower burning speed, such as 4x or 6x, is generally recommended. While it takes longer, it reduces the risk of errors and ensures better compatibility with DVD players.
What is the difference between DVD-R and DVD+R discs?

DVD-R and DVD+R are both recordable DVD formats. DVD-R is generally more compatible with older DVD players, while DVD+R often offers slightly faster burning speeds. Most modern DVD players support both formats. DVD-RW and DVD+RW are rewritable versions.
How do I create a DVD menu with chapters?

Most DVD burning software includes features for creating DVD menus and adding chapter markers. Consult the software’s documentation for specific instructions. Look for options to import chapter markers from your video editing project if available.
Why is my DVD skipping or freezing when I play it?

This could be due to several factors, including a poor-quality DVD disc, a scratched or dirty disc, a burning error, or incompatibility with your DVD player. Try burning the DVD again at a slower speed using a different brand of disc. Also, clean your DVD player’s lens.
What is the best DVD burning software for beginners?

DVD Flick and BurnAware Free are often recommended for beginners due to their ease of use and simple interfaces. Windows DVD Maker, if you have it on an older system, is also exceptionally easy.
Can I burn a Blu-ray disc instead of a DVD?

Yes, but you’ll need a Blu-ray burner and Blu-ray discs. You’ll also need DVD burning software that supports Blu-ray burning. The process is similar to burning a DVD.
How much video can I fit on a standard DVD?

A standard single-layer DVD can hold approximately 4.7 GB of data, which translates to roughly 1-2 hours of video at standard quality. A dual-layer DVD can hold approximately 8.5 GB.
My DVD burning software is asking for a video encoder. What is that?

A video encoder is a program or codec that converts video files into a format suitable for DVD playback (typically MPEG-2). Most DVD burning software includes a built-in encoder, so you usually don’t need to install one separately.
Can I burn multiple videos onto one DVD?

Yes, most DVD burning software allows you to add multiple videos to a single DVD. They will often appear as separate titles within the DVD menu.
My burned DVD won’t play in some DVD players. What can I do?

Compatibility issues can arise due to various factors. Try burning the DVD at a slower speed, using a different brand of DVD disc, or updating the firmware of your DVD player. Older DVD players might struggle with DVDs created with newer software or settings. Ensure the DVD is finalized after burning, as this is a common cause of playback issues.

By following these steps and addressing common issues, you can successfully burn your Windows Movie Maker creations to DVD, ensuring your memories are preserved and readily accessible for years to come.