How to Open the CD Tray on Windows 10

Normally, to open the CD/DVD drive, simply press the button on the drive itself or use the function key on your keyboard, depending on the type of computer you have. If the drive won't open or if no physical button is available, Windows offers an easy method to open the tray via File Explorer. If all else fails, manually opening the tray is the final solution.

Turn off the computer. If the drive doesn’t open or fully eject, the tray might be stuck, and you’ll need to retrieve the disc. Turning off the computer will stop the disc from spinning, allowing you to safely open the drive.

Inspect the drive’s tray to locate a small hole. Behind this hole is a button that can force the tray to pop out of the drive.

Insert a paperclip into the hole. Straighten one leg of the paperclip and gently insert it into the hole until you feel resistance, then carefully press to eject the tray.

Pull the tray out and remove the disc. Press the tray back in to close the drive. Turn the computer on and continue with tasks on the operating system or check the drive’s button. Your drive should now open properly.

Turn off the computer. If you can't find the small hole beneath the CD drive, you need to open the drive. When the computer is turned off, the disc will stop spinning, allowing you to safely open the drive.

Press the power button located at the front of the computer. The button should be in the "Off" position.

Remove the side panel of the computer by:

• Using a screwdriver to remove the screws on the side of the case.
• Gently pressing and sliding the panel towards the back of the case.
• Pulling the panel away from the case.

Look at the drive. You will see the power cable connecting the drive to the back of the case.

Disconnect the power cable from the drive. Wait at least five seconds.

Try swapping the cable. If the CD drive doesn't open, there could be an issue with the power source. Try using a different cable and reconnect it to the drive.

• If you can't find another power cable to replace it, try reconnecting the old one after disconnecting it for a while.

Reattach the case panel and plug it in. If the issue with the drive not opening is due to the power source, this step might solve the problem.

Close any programs using the drive. If any files or programs are currently using the drive, Windows will prevent the drive from opening.

Open File Explorer. The Start button is usually found on the taskbar at the bottom left of the screen. A list of drives will appear in the left column. For a more detailed view, click "This PC" on the left column, then scroll down and expand the "Devices and Drives" section on the right side of the window.

• You can also open File Explorer using the keyboard shortcut ⊞ Win + E.

Open the drive. The drive you want to open may vary depending on the corresponding drive letter. You can identify the drive by its name and icon, which reflects the content of the disk. Whether it's a music CD or software, each will have its unique icon. There are two ways to open the drive:

• Right-click the drive icon to open the task menu. Select "Eject" to open the drive tray.
• If you're viewing the drive from the "Devices and Drives" section on the right of the window, click on the drive to highlight it. In the menu bar at the top of the window, under the "Drive Tools" option, the "Manage" task will appear. Click "Manage" and then choose "Eject" from the menu.

• You can create a shortcut to the drive on your desktop to avoid opening File Explorer. In File Explorer, click on "This PC" in the left column. Under "Devices and Drives," locate your CD/DVD drive, then right-click on the drive icon. Instead of selecting "Eject," choose "Create Shortcut." You'll be asked if you want to create the shortcut on your desktop—click "Yes."
• If you find yourself using a paperclip to open the tray through the small hole, you might need to replace the drive.