Introduction

Recently, many users have reported that the macOS Sierra update has unexpectedly blocked the functionality of their internal DVD drive on a MacBook Pro. This article delves into the potential reasons behind this issue and provides detailed solutions to resolve it.

Common Causes and Solutions

Driver or Software Issues

The update may have altered or removed drivers that your DVD drive relies on. Ensuring all software and drivers are up to date is the first step to resolving this issue.

System Preferences Check

Check your system preferences to see if the drive is recognized. Go to Apple Menu About This Mac System Report, then click on Disc Burning under the Hardware section to see if the drive is listed.

Disk Utility Assessment

Open Disk Utility found in Applications Utilities to ensure the DVD drive appears there. If it does, you can use the First Aid feature to repair it.

Compatibility Issues with Third-Party Applications

Some third-party applications that worked with previous macOS versions may not be fully compatible with Sierra, potentially affecting DVD functionality. Check the application's documentation and update or reinstall if necessary.

Resetting PRAM/NVRAM

Resetting the Parameter RAM (PRAM) or Non-Volatile Random Access Memory (NVRAM) can resolve hardware recognition issues. To do this, restart your Mac and hold down Command Option P R for about 20 seconds.

SMC Reset

Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) can also help with hardware-related issues. The process varies depending on your Mac model. For detailed instructions, check Apple's support page specific to your model.

External Factors

Ensure the DVD itself is not damaged and that it is compatible with your drive. Try using different discs to rule out any media issues.

Reinstall macOS

If all else fails, consider reinstalling macOS Sierra. Make sure to back up your data before proceeding with this option.

Conclusion

If none of the above solutions work and the issue persists, it may be a hardware problem. Contacting Apple Support or visiting an Apple Store for further assistance is recommended.

Additional Tips

For MacBook Pro users, it's worth noting that newer versions of macOS have moved the DVD Player app to /System/Library/CoreServices/Applications. When you insert a DVD, the app should launch automatically or bring you to the DVD MENU, depending on how the DVD was authored. If the DVD Player app is functioning correctly, it indicates that the DVD functionality has not been blocked. If you encounter issues, proceed to the Apple Store for a free diagnostic.