How to Install PC Games Without a DVD Drive: Tips & Tricks

With advances in technology, several easy and convenient methods now allow you to play your favorite DVD- (or even still CD-)based games on your computer. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how you can install pc games without a DVD drive using online downloads, USB flash drives, external hard drives, and cloud storage services.

Can you install games on a PC without a DVD/CD drive?

You can install games on your PC without a DVD/CD drive. There are several ways to do this, including downloading the game online, using a USB flash drive, installing it from an external hard drive, and even using cloud storage services.

Downloading Games Online

The most common way of getting games onto your computer is by downloading them directly from the publisher or distributor on the internet. Many sites offer free (freeware/public domain) or paid downloads for both Windows and Mac computers.

Some popular websites are Steam, GOG (Good Old Games), EA Play, and Uplay. In addition, check out Microsoft for free games for your PC.

All these sites have different payment options, such as credit cards or PayPal, so you can easily purchase and download any game you want with just a few clicks of the mouse. Once downloaded, all you need to do is follow the instructions provided in order to install it on your computer correctly.

Free-to-download games will let you download an installation file that will self-extract and install on your hard drive.

Today I very rarely buy games on any physical media. Except for my last Xmas present (gifting jewel boxes is so much more rewarding than unwrapping, say, Steam vouchers) – the latest episode of Call of Duty – all of my games are rented via PC Game Pass and just “live” on my PC’s hard drive for the time I enjoy them.

Before downloading any game from these sites, ensuring your computer meets the minimum system requirements for running the game is essential. This information can usually be found in the product description or on the publisher’s website.

For example, Steam requires users to create an account before accessing any content purchased through its service. The same goes for EA.

Once you have verified that your computer meets the requirements, you can begin downloading your game. Most download services will provide instructions on installing and running each title after purchase; however, some may require additional steps before playing. The ones mentioned above come with their “launchers”, so you do not have to deal with the installation details and enjoy the game … click, wait -for-download and play!

No, I do not want to go back to all the “fun” of installing PC games in the good ole 2000s.

When downloading a game from one of these services, it’s essential to pay attention to File size and estimated download time so you know what kind of wait you should expect before being able to play your new title. Some larger files may take several hours or even days depending on connection speed and server load at peak times; however, most smaller titles should only take a few minutes.

Finally, once everything has been downloaded properly onto your computer’s hard drive or external storage device (if applicable), follow any installation or start-up instructions provided by the download service if needed, then launch your newly acquired title.

With this method, there is no need for physical discs or drives since everything is handled digitally over an internet connection, making it much more accessible than ever for PC gamers.

Key Takeaway: Downloading games online is a great way to get the latest titles. Make sure your computer meets system requirements, create an account if needed, pay attention to File size and estimated download time, then install and play.

Using a USB Flash Drive

If you’re a PC gamer, you may have encountered the issue of not having a disc drive on your computer. This can be an issue when trying to install games from physical discs or CDs. Fortunately, there is a way around this problem: using a USB flash drive.

First, ensure that your game is compatible with the version of Windows installed on your computer. Once confirmed, insert the CD or DVD into another device with an optical disc drive and copy all of its contents onto the USB flash drive. Make sure to transfer all files associated with the game; if any are missing, it won’t run properly once installed on your computer without a disc drive.

Once everything has been copied over to the USB flash drive, plug it into one of your computer’s available ports and launch File Explorer (or My Computer).

Open up the folder containing all of the game files and locate either the “setup” or “installation” file – these will usually end in .exe format – then double-click it to start installing them onto your machine without needing access to an optical disc drive. Depending on how large and complex they are, installation times may vary but should take no more than 15 minutes for most titles.

After installation has finished successfully, eject/remove both discs and drives from their respective devices before launching/playing any games as instructed by their user manuals or online tutorials. Some require additional steps such as registration codes, etc., so follow those instructions.

Finally, don’t forget about storage space. If you plan on downloading multiple games onto one USB stick, consider buying larger models that can store up to 1TB worth of data at least; otherwise, they might become full quickly after just a few installations.

Using a USB flash drive is an easy and convenient way to install PC games without needing a DVD drive.

Caveat: This method only works with free, games.

Key Takeaway: Installing PC games without a disc drive is possible by copying game files onto a USB flash drive and running the setup installation file. Be sure to check compatibility, transfer all necessary files, and consider storage space when downloading multiple games.

Installing Games From an External Hard Drive

Installing games from an external hard drive is a great way to save time and storage space on your computer.

It’s also helpful if you don’t have a DVD or CD drive, as many modern laptops no longer come with one. Here are the steps for installing games from an external hard drive. For this to work, you first need to transfer the game files to that hard drive, most likely on another computer with a DVD drive. Again, this method will only work with

1. Connecting the Hard Drive: First, connect your external hard drive to your computer using either a USB cable or another connection type, depending on the port available on both devices. Make sure the device has enough power supply to run correctly and is compatible with your operating system before connecting it.

2. Running Installation Program: Once connected, open up the folder containing all of the game files stored in the external hard drive and locate its installation program file (e.g., .exe). Double-click this File to launch it and follow any instructions the installer provided until you complete the installation process (this may take several minutes).

3. Installing Updates & Patches: After completing the installation process, check for any updates or patches needed to run the game correctly by visiting the developer’s website or downloading them directly from within the game itself (if applicable). This step is important because some older versions of games may not be compatible with newer hardware/software configurations without these updates/patches installed firstly beforehand in order to work properly.

Finally, once all necessary updates/patches have been installed successfully onto the system, test gameplay performance levels by launching the game via the desktop shortcut icon created during the setup phase earlier. This should result in a satisfactory level playing field and a successful story with a happy ending.

Installing games from an external hard drive is a great way to store and play your favorite PC games without the need for a DVD drive. Now, let’s look at how you can use cloud storage services to install PC games.

Key Takeaway: Installing games from an external hard drive is easy and can save time and storage space. Steps include: connecting the hard drive, running the installation program, and installing update patches. Finally, test out gameplay performance levels.

Using Cloud Storage Services

Cloud storage services are becoming increasingly popular for gamers who want to access their games without needing physical media. These services allow you to store and access your games from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection.

Setting up a cloud storage account is relatively simple. All you need is an email address and a payment method (if applicable). Once the account has been created, users can upload files or download them directly from the cloud service’s website or app. Most of these services also offer mobile apps that easily manage your library.

When downloading games from a cloud storage service, users should be aware of any file size restrictions imposed by the provider. Some providers may limit how much data can be stored in their free accounts; however, most offer additional space at an extra cost if needed. Additionally, some providers may not support certain game formats, such as .exe files, so checking compatibility is important before purchasing any titles online.

Once downloaded onto your device, you must launch the game through its associated program or launcher – just like with physical discs or USB drives. This makes accessing your library quick and easy no matter where you are located – perfect for friends coming over and wanting to play something new together.

Another great benefit of using cloud storage services is that they often include features such as automatic updates, which will keep your library up-to-date with minimal effort required on your part. Furthermore, many providers also provide additional features such as parental controls, which help ensure kids stay safe while playing online with others worldwide.

Finally, if ever needed, there are usually ways available within each platform’s settings menu allowing users to back up their entire libraries in case anything goes wrong during gameplay – giving peace of mind that all progress won’t be lost forever.

Key Takeaway: Cloud storage services make it easy to access and manage your games from anywhere, with features such as automatic updates, parental controls, and backup options.

FAQs concerning Install PC Games Without DVD Drive

How can I play PC games without a disk drive?

You can play PC games without a disk drive by downloading them from digital game stores such as Steam, Origin, or GOG. These services offer various titles you can purchase and download directly to your computer. You may also be able to find free versions of some games online, but it is important to make sure they are legitimate before downloading them. Additionally, many modern gaming consoles allow you to stream PC games directly from the internet with no need for physical media.

Buying/lending an external DVD drive

Another way is to use an external hard drive or flash drive. Another way is to download the game files from the internet and then run them on your computer. Now installing a disc game on your PC is straightforward. First, insert the disc into your computer’s CD/DVD drive. Once your system has detected it, an installation window should appear automatically. Follow the instructions in this window to install the game onto your hard drive. If no installation window appears, you can open File Explorer and double-click on the disc icon to launch the setup process manually. After completing all of these steps, you will be able to play the game from its shortcut or executable File located in either your Start menu or desktop folder.

Do you need an inbuilt DVD drive on a gaming PC?

No, a DVD drive is not necessary for a gaming PC. Most modern games are available as digital downloads and can be installed directly from the internet. Additionally, many external hard drives and USB flash drives provide ample storage space for game files without needing a DVD drive. If you need to install software or games from physical discs, an external optical disc drive can be connected via USB when needed.