Pros
Although I didn't burn a dvd using this software, it seemed very easy to use and had no problem with the mp4 format my video was in.
Cons
I downloaded the software directly from the website, and there was nothing on the website that indicated that a watermark would be added to video during the trial period. (I just double-checked the site and searched for the word "watermark". Nope, not there.) However, after I clicked on "Start" to begin burning a dvd, a message appeared stating that a watermark would be added unless I purchased the software. Two buttons were available: "purchase" and "trail" (yes, trial was misspelled).
Summary
Not happy with the fact that the trial version places a watermark on the video, that it's not mentioned on the website for the software, AND that it's not mentioned here in the software description. That's a sneaky way to get users to buy your software, and a practice I don't care for. I'm going to give another free software a try instead.
Pros
Have some videos taken from my wedding, easily convert them into DVD format and burn into DVD finally. Thanks to this tool, good memories could be kept forever.
Cons
so far so good
Pros
Easy to use and works perfect on my new laptop with Win 10. I did not make any DVD before. But with its straight forward interface, just add videos, setup options , then click Start, wait several minutes. Ok, I got the DVD ready and eject automatically.
Cons
would be better if support blue-ray
Pros
Never got to use it
Cons
Never sent me an activation key. No replies from emails sent to sales@windows-dvd-maker.com.
They sure took my cash in a hurry though.
Summary
Ordered and paid online. received an email stating that activation code would be in separate email in a few minutes. 2 days later, nothing. emailed Sales and no replies. No phone numbers to contact either. Notified Bank to get credit.
Pros
This same software is free at the Microsoft site. That's where I got mine. It is a part of Microsoft essentials. it looks simple and neat, BUT read on...
Cons
As far as being reliable...it stinks. There are at least 6 free DVD makers online that are better. If you google Windows DVD Maker [Microsoft] you will find many, many complaints. Each problem reported are the same problems I have had. Also, once download the software cannot be removed. I went to the MS Forum and sure enough, it latches onto other things that would cause problems. It does not put itself in the control panel. According to Microsoft "any attempt to remove it could result in having to reinstall your system. " Anyone can find this at the forums or google if they doubt my info.
Summary
Try it for free from Microsoft as part of a program called "windows essentials" It can be selected as the only program added to your computer, instead of all 4 or 5 offered. Remember Microsoft's warning about removal.
Pros
Animated start menu options, clean interface, will burn AVI's with no conversion, very easy to use, ability to save your "projects" if you want to burn more than one of the same movie so you don't have to go through the format process again.
Cons
I had issues burning DVD-RW disks, however I was using Memorex and couldn't find other programs who could burn on them either, I've been able to burn other formats.
Summary
At this point I've burned several movies and if put in medium burn speed I was deceptively fooled by it's simplicity and ease of use. When I had trouble burning DVD-RW disks I started downloading other burn software and was amazed that many of them forced you to convert from AVI to burn to a DVD video file. MP4 I understand but AVI?! I ended up uninstalling every other one I tried the freeware for- either it was a pain to use or it didn't have the same options like the start menu animation. So instead of going through all that again I'm just going to return the disks and get the kind that I know worked (I have a multi format burner, so now I'm leaning toward blaming it on Memorex DVD-RW because I've burned 3 other disk types with no problem)
I do not have a Blu Ray burner so I can't review that option.
I also have this for free- I'm a Windows user and with Windows 7 the software comes in the essentials pack.
Updated on Mar 23, 2014
UPDATE: This is Windows 7 or 8 Software. I looked for a link to download off of the website and there isn't (I have Windows 7 so I wanted to see what the issue was with the bipolar reviews). FOR XP USERS- it appears all you can do is create the project through DVD maker and then burn a DVD using a regular burner- it does not appear to be integrated.
To everyone else- I don't know where you would download it but I doubt it would be free and I don't think it is sold as a stand alone program. I hope my efforts to clarify helped! To have similar software you would have to purchase the "upgraded" versions of the free software.
Read reply (1)
Reply by azloafer on July 27, 2014
This same software is free at the Microsoft site. That's where I got mine.
As far as being reliable...it stinks. There are at least 6 free DVD makers online that are better. If you google Windows DVD Maker [Microsoft] you will find many many complaints. Each problem reported are the same problems I have had. Also, once download the software cannot be removed. I went to the MS Forum and sure enough, it latches onto other things that would cause problems. It does not put itself in the control panel. According to Microsoft "any attempt to remove it could result in having to reinstall your system. " Anyone can find this at the forums or google if they doubt my info.
Pros
It's very easy to install, and easy to use,even in the first time you use it. And also seems it work very efficiently, everything done in minutes.
Cons
As of now, no
Pros
None that I can think of
Cons
Not legit
Hijacks your web browser
Useless trial version
Your web page gives all kind of spam pop-ups
Very difficult to un-install
Summary
I don't want to come off sounding like some ranting unhappy customer, but the first thing you need to know is that this product is not made by windows, not sure how they get away with using the Windows name.
Second, this will hijack your web browser as another user stated. You will get tons of pop-up ads and it's hard to get rid of this stuff. Not even sure why Norton deemed this junk to be "safe".
Third, this software is only a trial, I am VERY thankful I did not buy it an give these con artists my credit card numbers, I warn anyone - DO NOT BUY THIS, THIS COMPANY IS A FRAUD.
Finally, look at the supposed 5-star reviews, they are obviously fake and read like they were written by a 2nd grader. I advise everyone to avoid this software and this "company" at all cost, and I am very suprised that CNET even allows them here, I have found CNET to be reliable in the past, but this is very dissapointing.
Read reply (1)
Reply by GeorgiaMoxie on March 23, 2014
DVD Maker is owned by Microsoft, for Windows users it domes with Microsoft Essentials. I didn't download it from here so I don't know what version this one is. EVERY program on CNET comes with malware attached to them- which is why you pay close attention and do "custom" download so you can uncheck the hijackers, I generally use CNET to find the program and read reviews then go to the actual website to download it.
Pros
With this tool I can burn my favorite videos into one DVD disk easily.
And I can download videos from YouTube and save burn into DVD too.
It's cool!
Cons
not by now.
Summary
Love it, save my time.
Pros
It is easy
Made for idiots
Gives nice animated DVD menu's
Cons
It is extremely limited
- DVD name on menu cannot be longer than 32 characters
- No means to adjust chapter splits
- The animated menus's is all you get - no more available
Summary
I used this software twice and got annoyed both times.
Do NOT expect Microsoft to develop this software further.
Do NOT expect to have control over your DVD chapters.
Do NOT expect to find more animated menu's
Do NOT expect to create a menu Title longer than 32 characters
Do expect to be spoon fed when creating your DVD.
Do expect to be told how your DVD will be split in chapters.
Half baked software that is free, but should rather be removed from the Microsoft software list. The black sheep of the family that gets no attention but when needed, is peddled as good. Do NOT bother installing.
Recommendation: DVDStyler. Unfortunately no animated menu's, but it works and allows various custom settings ranging from DVD background, placement of buttons, splitting of chapters.
Updated on Apr 30, 2013
Web admin - this review relates to Windows DVD Maker not this piece of software called Windows DVD Maker. My review refers to the DVD Authoring software allowing you to create DVD menu's and burn the DVD's. If you have that somewhere on this site, please move this review there, if not, delete it.
Read reply (1)
Reply by Jim_Spy on August 30, 2013
Will someone please tell me where I can get the REAL Windows DVD Maker? The one that used to be bundled with Windows, that had the animated menus, the ability to add background music to the menus, slideshows, you know, the REAL DEAL? I have NO idea what this piece of crap is.
Please Wait
