What copying a DVD actually means

Copying a DVD means taking the video, audio, or data files stored on a physical disc and saving them to your computer's hard drive or an external storage device like a USB drive or external hard drive. The disc itself stays intact — you're creating a duplicate of the content, not removing it from the original.

Most people copy DVDs for one of two reasons: to back up movies or home videos they own, or to store content on a device that's easier to carry or watch on the go. The technical process is the same either way — software reads the disc and transfers the files to your chosen location.

Key Takeaways

  • DVD copying software reads the disc and saves its files to your computer; the original disc remains unchanged.
  • You need three things: the DVD, a computer with a DVD drive, and free or paid copying software.
  • The process typically takes 20 minutes to an hour depending on the disc size and your computer's speed.
  • Copied files take up 4 to 8 gigabytes of storage space per movie, so check your available drive space before starting.
  • Some DVDs have copy protection that requires specific software to bypass; others copy without any special tools.

What you need before you start

First, confirm your computer has a DVD drive. Most laptops made before 2015 have one built in; newer laptops often do not. If your computer lacks a DVD drive, you can buy an external USB DVD drive for $20 to $40 — plug it in, insert the disc, and it works the same way as a built-in drive.

Second, you need copying software. Common free options include HandBrake (works on Windows, Mac, and Linux), VLC media player (also free and cross-platform), and MakeMKV (free for personal use). Paid options like WinX DVD Ripper or Nero exist, but the free tools handle most home DVDs without trouble. read and install your chosen software before inserting the disc.

Third, check how much free space your computer has. A typical movie DVD takes 4 to 8 gigabytes of storage. Right-click your hard drive (or the external drive where you plan to save the file), select Properties, and look at the "Free space" number. If you have less than 10 gigabytes free, delete old files or use an external drive instead.

The basic copying process with HandBrake

HandBrake is the most straightforward free option for most people. Insert the DVD into your drive, then open HandBrake. Click the folder icon near the top left and select your DVD drive from the list — it usually shows as "DVD" or your drive letter. HandBrake reads the disc and displays the video tracks it found.

Select the main movie track (usually the longest one listed). Then click the "Browse" button to choose where you want to save the file — your Desktop, Documents folder, or an external drive all work fine. Give the file a name, then click "Start Encode." The software will spend 20 to 60 minutes converting the DVD to a video file on your computer. You can use your computer for other tasks while this happens, though it will run slower.

When the progress bar reaches 100 percent, the file is ready. Navigate to the folder where you saved it, and you'll see a new video file with the name you chose. You can now play it in any video player, move it to a portable device, or store it as a backup.

Dealing with copy-protected DVDs

Some DVDs — particularly commercial movies — have copy protection that prevents standard software from reading them. If you insert a protected disc and HandBrake shows no video tracks, or if the software stalls partway through, the disc likely has protection.

MakeMKV handles many protected DVDs without extra steps; straightforward insert the disc and let MakeMKV scan it. If MakeMKV also fails, the disc uses protection that requires additional tools. At that point, your options narrow: you can search online for whether a specific disc has known workarounds, contact the disc publisher to ask about a digital copy, or accept that copying that particular disc is not practical on your system.

Home videos, personal recordings, and older commercial DVDs typically have no protection and copy without any special handling.

Saving space by choosing the right file format

When copying, you choose what format to save the file in. The most common options are MP4 (plays on almost any device), MKV (preserves more quality but plays on fewer devices), and AVI (older format, larger file size). HandBrake defaults to MP4, which is usually the right choice — it balances file size and compatibility.

If storage space is tight, you can lower the video quality during copying. HandBrake offers preset quality levels from "Fast 720p" (smaller files, lower quality) to "High Profile" (larger files, better quality). For a movie you plan to watch on a laptop or tablet, "Fast 720p" saves space without a noticeable difference. For archiving or watching on a large screen, choose a higher quality preset.

Storing and organizing your copied DVDs

Once you have copied files, decide where to keep them. Your computer's hard drive works for a few movies, but if you copy many DVDs, an external hard drive is cheaper and safer. A 2-terabyte external drive costs $50 to $80 and holds roughly 250 movies.

Create a folder structure to stay organized — for example, a "Movies" folder with subfolders for "Action," "Comedy," and "Home Videos." Name each file clearly with the title and year. If you copy the same DVD multiple times (once to your laptop, once to an external drive for backup), you only need to run the copying process once; then copy the resulting file to as many locations as you want.

Common problems and what to do

The software crashes or freezes: This usually means the disc is dirty or damaged. Remove it, wipe it gently with a soft cloth, and try again. If it still fails, the disc may be too worn to copy. Restart your computer and the software, then try a different disc to confirm your setup works.

The copied file won't play: The file format may not be supported by your player. Try opening it in VLC media player (free, plays almost any format). If it plays in VLC but not elsewhere, convert the file using HandBrake or another tool to a more common format like MP4.

The process is taking much longer than expected: Your computer may be running other programs that slow it down. Close web browsers, email, and other applications. Copying speed also depends on your hard drive's age and condition — older drives copy more slowly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to copy DVDs I own?

The legality depends on your country and the disc's copy protection. In the United States, copying a DVD you own for personal backup is generally considered fair use, but circumventing copy protection to do so exists in a gray area. Check your local laws. For home videos and unprotected discs, copying is straightforward and uncontroversial.

Can I copy a DVD to my phone or tablet?

Yes. Copy the DVD to your computer first using the steps above, then transfer the video file to your phone or tablet using a USB cable or cloud storage. Some phones and tablets may need the file converted to a specific format — check your device's manual for supported video formats.

How long does copying a DVD take?

Most DVDs take 20 to 60 minutes depending on the disc length, your computer's speed, and the quality settings you choose. A 2-hour movie on a modern computer typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. Older computers or lower-quality settings may take longer.

What's the difference between copying and converting?

Copying means transferring files as-is; converting means changing the format or quality. Most DVD copying software does both — it reads the DVD and converts it to a format your computer can store and play. The terms are often used interchangeably in this context.

Can I copy a DVD without a DVD drive?

Yes, by purchasing an external USB DVD drive ($20 to $40). Plug it into your computer's USB port, insert the disc, and proceed with the copying steps above. The external drive works identically to a built-in drive.