Borderlands 2 PC DVD: Install and Setup Guide

By Game Cops | Published: 2026-10-21

Category: How-to Guides

Install Borderlands 2 on PC from the DVD. Step-by-step guide covering disc setup, Steam activation, and common pitfalls for this 2012 FPS-RPG classic.

Quick answer

Insert the Borderlands 2 DVD, run the installer, and activate the product key on Steam. The game requires Windows and a Steam account.

Why Steam is required

The Borderlands 2 PC DVD uses Steamworks for copy protection and online play. Even if you only want single-player, you must install Steam and activate the product key. This is common for 2010s PC games from 2K Games.

The disc itself contains an older version of the game. After activation, Steam downloads the current patched version, so the initial download can be large (around 13 GB).

What's in the box

The pre-owned/refurbished copy includes the game disc and the game case with the graphics insert. The product key is printed on the insert or inside the case. If the key is missing or illegible, the disc alone cannot activate the game.

Installation steps

1. Install Steam: Download and install the Steam client from the official website if you don't have it already. Create a free account or log in. Make sure you have a stable internet connection for the initial download.
2. Insert the DVD: Place the game disc into your DVD drive. If autorun doesn't start, open the drive in File Explorer and double-click 'Setup.exe'. If the disc doesn't spin, try another drive or clean the disc gently with a soft cloth.
3. Enter the product key: The installer will prompt you for the product key. Find it on the game case insert or inside the case. Type it exactly as shown. Common mistake: confusing 0 (zero) with O (letter). Use the on-screen keyboard if needed.
4. Let Steam download the game: After entering the key, Steam adds the game to your library and begins downloading the latest version. The download is large (around 13 GB). Do not cancel the download even if the disc installer appears to finish. Wait for Steam to complete.
5. Launch and play: Once the download finishes, click 'Play' in Steam. The game will run. You can now play single-player or join online co-op. If the game crashes on launch, verify the game files via Steam: right-click the game > Properties > Local Files > Verify integrity of game files.

Product details

Borderlands 2 Windows PC DVD-ROM Video Game Software 2012 fps 2K games [Pre-Owned/Refurbished]: Includes game disc and game case with graphics insert. The product key is on the insert, so keep it safe. Without it, you cannot activate the game on Steam.
Borderlands 2 Windows PC DVD-ROM Video Game Software 2012 fps 2K games [Pre-Owned/Refurbished]