What copying a DVD actually means

Copying a DVD means reading the video, audio, and data files from a physical disc and saving them to your computer's hard drive or an external drive. The result is a digital file (usually an MP4 or MKV file) that you can play on your computer, tablet, or connected TV without needing the original disc. This is different from straightforward playing a DVD through your computer's disc drive — copying extracts and stores the entire contents.

Most DVDs sold for personal use can be copied for your own viewing. However, many commercial DVDs include copy protection (called CSS, or Content Scramble System) that prevents direct copying. You will need software that can read past this protection to make a working copy. The legal status of circumventing copy protection varies by country and situation, so check your local laws before proceeding.

Key Takeaways

  • Copying a DVD requires software that can read the disc's copy protection and convert the video into a digital file format like MP4 or MKV.
  • Your computer must have a DVD drive (built-in or external USB) to read the disc in the first place.
  • The entire process typically takes 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the DVD length and your computer's speed.
  • Once copied, you can delete the original file, store it on an external drive, or keep both the disc and the digital copy.

What you need before you start

First, check whether your computer has a DVD drive. Most laptops made after 2015 do not include one, and most desktop computers do not either unless you added one. If your computer lacks a drive, you can buy an external USB DVD drive for $20 to $40 — these plug into any USB port and work with Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Second, you need software that can read the DVD and extract its contents. Common options include HandBrake (free, works on Windows, Mac, and Linux), MakeMKV (free for personal use, Windows and Mac), and DVDFab (paid, Windows and Mac). HandBrake is the most straightforward for beginners because it combines reading the disc and converting the video into one step. MakeMKV is faster if you want to preserve the original video quality without re-encoding.

Third, you need storage space. A typical DVD holds 4.7 gigabytes of data. If you convert it to MP4 format at standard quality, the file will be 700 megabytes to 2 gigabytes. If you keep it in MKV format at the original quality, it will stay close to 4.7 gigabytes. Make sure your computer or external drive has at least 10 gigabytes of free space to work safely.

Copying a DVD with HandBrake (the easiest method)

read HandBrake from handbrake.fr and install it on your computer. Insert the DVD into your drive. Open HandBrake and click the folder icon in the top left — this opens a file browser. Navigate to your DVD drive (it will appear as a disc icon or a drive letter) and select it. HandBrake will read the disc and show you the video tracks available.

In most cases, the main feature (the movie or show) will be selected by default. You can leave the settings as they are for a standard MP4 file, or adjust the quality slider if you want a smaller file (lower quality) or larger file (higher quality). Click "Start" and HandBrake will begin converting. This usually takes 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the video length and your computer's processor speed.

When the conversion finishes, HandBrake will save the MP4 file to your Downloads folder (or wherever you set it to save). You can then move this file to an external drive, a media player, or keep it on your computer. The original DVD remains unchanged in your drive.

Copying a DVD with MakeMKV (if you want the original quality)

read MakeMKV from makemkv.com. The software is free for personal use, though it will occasionally ask you to enter a license key (which is also free and available on the website). Install it and open the program. Insert your DVD and click the disc icon on the left side of the window.

MakeMKV will scan the disc and show you the titles available — again, the main feature is usually selected. Click the checkbox next to it to confirm your selection, then click "Make MKV" at the bottom. Choose where you want to save the file and click "Start." MakeMKV will extract the video and audio without re-encoding, so the file will be large (close to the original 4.7 gigabytes) but will preserve the original picture and sound quality.

The resulting MKV file can be played on most computers and media players, though some older devices may not recognize the format. If you need to play it on a specific device, you can convert the MKV to MP4 using HandBrake afterward — this takes much less time than the initial extraction because HandBrake is only converting the format, not reading the copy protection.

What to do with your copied file

Once you have a digital copy, you have several options. You can keep the file on your computer's hard drive if you have space, move it to an external drive to free up space, or store it on a network drive if you have one. Many people keep both the original DVD and the digital copy — the disc takes up shelf space but does not require electricity, while the digital file is convenient for quick access.

If you want to watch the file on a TV, you can connect your computer to the TV with an HDMI cable, use a media player device like a Roku or Apple TV (if the file format is compatible), or transfer the file to a tablet or phone. Some media player apps like VLC (free) will play almost any video format, while others are more selective about which formats they support.

Common problems and how to fix them

If HandBrake or MakeMKV will not read your DVD, the most common cause is that the copy protection is not being recognized. Make sure you have the latest version of the software installed — developers update these programs regularly to handle new protection schemes. If updating does not help, try the other software (HandBrake and MakeMKV use different methods to read protection).

If the conversion is very slow, your computer's processor may be working hard. Close other programs to free up resources, or lower the quality setting in HandBrake to speed things up. If the file plays but has no sound, check that you selected the audio track during the conversion process — some DVDs have multiple audio tracks and you may have accidentally deselected the one you wanted.

If the file is much larger than expected, you probably used MakeMKV (which preserves the original size) instead of HandBrake (which compresses it). This is normal and not a problem — MKV files are straightforward larger. If you want a smaller file, convert the MKV to MP4 using HandBrake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I copy a DVD that I rented or borrowed?

Legally, copying a rented or borrowed DVD is not permitted in most places because you do not own it. Copying is generally intended for DVDs you purchased. Check your local laws, as rules vary by country and region.

What format should I use — MP4 or MKV?

MP4 is more widely compatible with phones, tablets, and older media players, and the files are smaller. MKV preserves the original video and audio quality but creates larger files and may not play on all devices. For most people, MP4 is the better choice unless you have a specific reason to keep the original quality.

How long does it take to copy a DVD?

Using HandBrake, expect 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the video length and your computer's speed. MakeMKV is usually faster (15 minutes to 1 hour) because it does not re-encode the video. Older computers will take longer than newer ones.

Do I need to keep the original DVD after I copy it?

No. Once you have a working digital copy, you can store, sell, or discard the original disc. Many people keep both for backup, but it is not necessary. The digital file is your copy and will work as long as you keep it stored safely.

Will the copied file play on my TV?

It depends on your TV and how you connect it. If you plug your computer directly into the TV with an HDMI cable, any video file will play. If you want to use a streaming device or media player, check whether it supports the file format (MP4 is more widely supported than MKV). VLC, a free media player app, plays almost any format on most devices.