How to Remove a Stuck CD/DVD From Your Computer

Last Updated: August 6, 2020

Has your CD-ROM/DVD-ROM or any other device eaten a CD/DVD, and isn't letting it out? If you want to take that CD/DVD out of your CD-ROM, and the Eject button is not working, then you are at the right place. Follow the steps below in order to take out the disk of your CD or DVD ROM.

Steps

1
Make sure that a stuck CD/DVD is not in use at the moment. If it is, close whatever is using it. Otherwise, forcefully ejecting it could damage data on the computer or CD/DVD.
2
Try to eject the disk. If you're using Windows, open This PC, click the CD/DVD drive you want to eject, click Manage, and click Eject. If you're on a Mac, press the "Eject" button on the keyboard, which is right of F12. If this doesn't work, drag the disk icon to the trash.

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3
Restart the computer. For Windows, click Restart in the the start menu. For Macs, click Restart in the Apple menu.
4
Unbend a paper clip.
5
Look very closely at the area around the CD/DVD drive door until you find a really small hole - it almost looks like an accident (probably just below the door).
6
Carefully insert the paper clip in the hole.
- If the paper clip is too thick, try unwrapping the plastic wrap around the metal body (if the paper clip has one) using knife or scissors. Be carefull though, the knife may slip and you may cut yourself.
7
Finally, push the paper clip gently to press the spring-loaded latch.
8
Finished.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I open the DVD door that is stuck with no disc in it?

Community Answer

CD/DVD drives have a little hole somewhere at the front. You need something really thin and strong like a sewing needle. Stick it in the hole and you should feel a slight click -- this is manual ejection.
Question

How do I get a stuck CD out if I got the door open, but the CD is still inside?

Community Answer

Most CD readers have a small pin-sized hole in the front. A straightened paper clip carefully pushed into this hole will typically release or push out the CD draw. Please refer to manual and do at your own risk.
Question

How do I eject a CD from an Apple computer?

Community Answer

Typically you find the CD drive on your desktop or Finder, right click and select Eject. Failing that, there may be a small pin size hole around the CD drive where a paper clip inserted releases the drive (not on laptops).

Warnings

Avoid using a pen as its tip might break and it will spill ink all over the place.

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Dont use scissors because will scratch your computer.

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Don't stick paper clips into other parts of your computer, or else damage may result.

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