How to get around DVD region number scheme

Updated: 08/02/2020 by Computer Hope

Microsoft Windows XP and above users

dvd region number scheme

With Windows XP and above and most DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) players, users can change their DVD region scheme a few times (often no more than four times). To adjust the region in Windows, follow the steps below.

  1. Press the Windows key, type Device Manager, and press Enter.
  2. In Device Manager, click the triangular symbol next to the DVD/CD-ROM drives icon.
  3. This action should expand and display each of the drives installed in your computer. Double-click the DVD drive you want to change.
  4. In the Properties window, click the DVD Region tab.
  5. In this window, change your region code.

Alternative methods

While it may be possible to bypass the region code, because of Copyright protection laws, Computer Hope does not provide information about bypassing or altering DVD region codes.

If you know you purchased the hardware in your country, but get a DVD region error, your drive may be defective or delivered to the wrong country.

For example, a DVD drive could be manufactured in one country and shipped to another country for sale. When this issue occurs, the manufacturer can replace the drive or send software to update the drive with the correct region code.