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The HP F2B56AA External USB 3.0 DVD/RW Drive is compatible with Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, Mac OS 10.4 or later, and Chrome OS.
No, the HP External DVD Drive does not require an external power adapter as it draws power directly from your PC via a USB connection.
The HP F2B56AA External USB 3.0 DVD/RW Drive supports dual-layer technology, allowing for up to 8.5 GB of data storage.
Yes, the HP External DVD Drive allows you to both play from and record to CDs and DVDs.
The drive offers fast disc writing, erasing, and rewriting with speeds of up to 8X for DVDs and 24X for CDs.
Review Summary
2025-12-09T19:00:00
I purchased the external drive because the computer didn't come with one. While it was easy to plug in using the included cable and it should be possible to write files to the drive to transfer them to another computer or copy files to for backup. I had used similar installed drives in the past to watch movies; all the past systems would automatically play movies when they were loaded into the drive. I expected the same thing to happen with this drive, but it didn't. I called for technical support, but HP "farmed" the response out to third party technical people to answer the question. Fortunately, someone quickly replied and explained that HP doesn't supply suitable software to play movies, but they suggested downloading and installing software named VLC Media Player. I did that and ran the software which prompted me for the location of the video file. The installed software also installs an icon that can be used to run the program by clicking on the icon. One of the options was an attached disk, which started playing the video. It initially takes up part of the screen, but you can select to display at full screen and toggle back and forth between full screen or smaller. You can also control the sound volume during the movie. In short, I was annoyed that HP doesn't support playing movies right out of the box and gives no information about that in documentation. As I mentioned, they do suggest a work around through support that works fine. There are also a few other software options as well, but I didn't feel the need to checkout any others. I recommend this to others that want to watch movies on their HP computers.
Larry W.

2025-12-08T19:00:00
I have ordered 2 external DVD drives, one for each of the two new HP computers that I have ordered. The second computer has not been delivered yet. The first DVD drive works well. I would rather have the DVD drive built into the laptop computer, as it was for my older HP laptop computer.
Peter P.

2025-12-03T19:00:00
Love it very easy to use
AZSandy

2025-11-17T19:00:00
Connecting cable not long enough
Bill T.

2025-11-04T19:00:00
Cannot figure out how to set up computer completely so I have not been able to set up or use the external DVD drive
August1919

2025-11-01T20:00:00
So glad I purchased this item.I didn't realize my computer was gonna come to me without one
Ken C.

2025-10-30T20:00:00
It is nice to be able to use CD DVD drive but 'sad' that they aren't included in 'new' machines...
dcd915

2025-10-26T20:00:00
Wonderful but pricey
Browntrout

2025-10-24T20:00:00
Works well and easy to attach. As good as if it was part of the computer.
Dugals

2025-10-15T20:00:00
Still using actual CDs for various purposes. Laptop didn't have a player. Ordered this one and have been very satisfied.
MissPeg

2025-09-27T20:00:00
Easy plug and play with compact design. Still could have had startup instructions.
Don't o.

2025-09-26T20:00:00
I will NEVER purchase another HP product.........EVER.
Elmer F.

2025-08-19T20:00:00
Easy to use
Darjeeling

2025-07-31T20:00:00
Works well and very portable
Otay

2025-07-24T20:00:00
With manufacturers making laptops thinner and lighter, there goes the DVD. For anybody who has been around computers for some time we have watched the demise of the peripherals. This little drive by HP fills the gap and is very easy to setup and get on with the job.
John F.

2025-07-19T20:00:00
Connected to computer with no problem, runs everything I put in it.
Tjr81

2025-07-02T20:00:00
The very best DVD player. Performance is excellent.
galaxy g.

2025-06-28T20:00:00
Works well
Bram M.

2025-06-10T20:00:00
I love my new HP DVD player. I purchased it with an all-in-one HP computer so I could watch movies and create DVD'S. It does both with ease. I would recommend it to anyone. Small and lightweight and easy to plug in .
Lisa B.

2025-06-05T20:00:00
product simply does not work at all
Ann M.

2025-02-25T19:00:00
it is a good little unit
elly1947

2025-02-22T19:00:00
Easy to use, plug and play, no additional software needed
OliviaPig42

2025-02-18T19:00:00
Great product.
Jackpot

2025-02-16T19:00:00
cdrom works well
Hugh g.

2025-01-16T19:00:00
Great DVD reader/writer
JoeRob58

2025-01-11T19:00:00
I purchased a new HP laptop Envy model and surprise, surprise it no longer comes with a dedicated DVD/CD player. I purchased the external player since I still have DVDs that I like to watch. I just plugged it in and went to work after downloading a free player through the Microsoft store. I've always been a little leery of playing with peripherals, but this one was easy to install and work with. I recommend it. I'm all for streaming, but I still own DVDs and CDs and watch them. The quality is dependent on the manufacturer of the disc, but the player is top notch.
Murphy G.

2024-12-22T19:00:00
Shouldn't have to buy this separate from computer. They used to be part of the computer. But I guess anything to make a buck!!! Then the stupid thing wouldn't work and tech support had to add the orange and white cone thingy to my desktop so I could see and hear my disc.
Ms A.

2024-12-17T19:00:00
Great product
MaxSmi

2024-11-23T19:00:00
Still did not like the coercion I received when calling about trouble with this HP I'm having lack of help on
Coerced

2024-11-21T19:00:00
DVD works great. Thank you.
Aver_q

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Browse our FAQ
Any laptop or desktop with USB 2.0 or 3.0 open port
Windows 11; Windows 10; Windows 8; Windows 7; Windows Vista; Windows XP; Windows2008; Windows2003; Mac OS X
Pentium IV 2.4 GHz or higher, compatible (Recommended: Pentium IV 3.2 GHz or Higher)
RAM: 256 MB or higher(Recommended: 128 MB)
HDD: 20 GB or more of available space
Video Memory: 64 MB or higher (Recommend: 128 MB)
Interface: USB 2.0
0.55 x 5.67 x 5.41" (1.39 x 14.4 x 13.7cm)
7.04 oz (200g)
888182028476
DVD/RW
By BIGDEE47
When the new computers were'nt coming with a dvd/rw drive, what better way to see your videos or burn your favorites. This external drive is excellent. Hookup to the usb drive and you're all set. Also the price was good as well.
I am very happy with my purchase of this product.
By B52Fan
I was very happy with my purchase. It was so easy to install, and use upon removal from its box. Highly recommended.
Just plug in and play with the HP F2B56AA External USB 3.0 DVD/RW Drive, a compact and sleek solution for all your media needs. This portable external DVD drive offers the convenience of on-the-go storage with impressive recording capabilities, featuring up to 8X DVD and 24X CD double-layer recording speeds. Designed for seamless integration, it connects effortlessly to your Windows PC via a USB cable, ensuring easy data transfer and power without the need for an additional power adapter.
Ideal for mobile computing, this drive provides a reliable option for media backup and storage, allowing you to play or record CDs and DVDs with ease. Its dual-layer recording capability means you can save time with faster disc writing, erasing, and rewriting, making it a perfect companion for those who still cherish their physical media collection.
With a refined low-profile design, the HP External DVD Drive boasts an ultra-slim height of just 9.5 mm (0.37 inches) and an attractive silver finish, making it a stylish addition to your tech accessories. Compatible with USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports, it ensures constant power and efficient data transfer.
This versatile drive supports a wide range of operating systems, including Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, Mac OS 10.4 or later, and Chrome OS, allowing you to navigate and create with ease. Whether you're creating your own DVD movies, music CDs, or storing large presentations, the dual-layer technology offers up to 8.5 GB of storage capacity, doubling your data storage potential.
To enhance performance and prevent data transfer interruptions, the drive features buffer under-run protection, eliminating writing errors and ensuring smooth operation. Embrace the blend of modern technology and classic media with the HP F2B56AA External USB 3.0 DVD/RW Drive, your reliable partner for all your media playback and recording needs.