Troubleshooting Common MakeMKV Errors and Fixes

How to Use MakeMKV to Rip DVDs and Blu-rays QuicklyRipping DVDs and Blu-rays with MakeMKV is one of the fastest and simplest ways to convert physical discs into high-quality MKV files you can store, stream, or archive. This guide walks you step-by-step through installing MakeMKV, preparing your system, ripping discs efficiently, and optimizing workflow for speed and reliability.

What MakeMKV is and why use it

MakeMKV is a straightforward disc-ripping application that extracts video, audio, and subtitle streams from DVDs and Blu-ray discs into the MKV container without re-encoding. Because it doesn’t transcode the streams, MakeMKV preserves original quality and rips much faster than tools that encode video.

Key benefits

• Lossless extraction of original streams (no re-encoding).
• Fast because it copies rather than transcodes.
• Preserves multiple audio tracks and subtitles.
• Supports DVDs, Blu-rays, and some UHD discs (with appropriate support).
• Cross-platform: Windows, macOS, Linux.

Before you start: requirements and prep

1. Hardware

   • A good optical drive: Blu-ray drives for Blu-ray discs; most DVD drives can handle DVDs.
   • Fast computer and storage: ripping Blu-rays produces large files (20–50+ GB). Use an SSD or fast HDD for working storage.

2. Software

   • Download and install MakeMKV from the official website. The beta is free for many features; a license is available for continued use.
   • Ensure your OS has up-to-date drivers for your optical drive.

3. Legal considerations

   • Verify local laws about ripping discs you own; laws vary by country. This guide assumes you are ripping discs you legally own for personal backup or playback.

Installation and initial setup

1. Download MakeMKV for your platform from the official site and install it.
2. Launch MakeMKV. On first run you may need to allow drive access and accept prompts.
3. If ripping Blu-rays, make sure your drive appears and that MakeMKV can read the disc—some encrypted discs may need updated MakeMKV versions or additional steps.

Step-by-step: ripping a DVD quickly

1. Insert the DVD into your optical drive and wait for it to spin up.
2. Open MakeMKV and click the big drive icon to open the disc. MakeMKV will scan the disc; this takes a minute or two.
3. After scanning, MakeMKV shows a list of titles (main feature, extras, etc.). The main movie is usually the largest title by size/duration.
4. Select only the title(s) you want to rip to save time and space. Deselect extras you don’t need.
5. Expand the title and deselect any unnecessary audio or subtitle tracks (keeping those you want).
6. Choose an output folder on a fast drive. Click the folder icon to change location.
7. Click the “Make MKV” button. The program will extract streams and save an MKV file. Because MakeMKV does not re-encode, it usually proceeds at near-disc-read speed — typically several hundred MB/s limited by the drive and disc.

Tips to speed up DVD rips:

• Rip only the main title.
• Use a USB 3.0 or internal SATA drive if possible.
• Close other heavy I/O programs.
• Ensure the disc is clean and not scratched.

Step-by-step: ripping a Blu-ray quickly

Blu-rays are larger and more often encrypted, but MakeMKV handles many commercial discs.

1. Insert the Blu-ray and open MakeMKV.
2. Click the drive icon to scan the disc. Blu-ray scans and decryption checks may take longer than DVDs.
3. Identify the main feature (usually the longest title). Select only the required title(s).
4. Choose which audio and subtitle tracks to keep. Consider disabling extremely large lossless audio if you need to save space (but note this reduces fidelity).
5. Choose an output folder with plenty of free space.
6. Click “Make MKV” and wait. Ripping a Blu-ray will take longer than a DVD and produce larger files; typical durations vary by drive and disc condition.

Speed tips for Blu-ray:

• Use a high-quality internal or USB 3.0 Blu-ray drive.
• Keep only necessary tracks selected (especially if disc uses multiple lossless audio tracks).
• Update MakeMKV regularly — compatibility and speed with new discs improve over time.
• If you’ll encode later with HandBrake, you can rip only the main title with MakeMKV and then batch-encode separately.

Managing large MKV files and storage

• Expect Blu-ray MKV files to be 20–50+ GB depending on video length and audio tracks. DVDs are typically 1–8 GB.
• Consider external HDDs or NAS for storage. Use a fast internal SSD for temporary working files.
• If you need smaller files, rip with MakeMKV (to preserve quality) then transcode with HandBrake or ffmpeg to H.264/H.265 and smaller audio codecs. This adds processing time but reduces storage needs.

Example quick workflow:

• Use MakeMKV to rip main title only.
• Batch transcode with HandBrake to H.265 (select reasonable CRF like 20–23) while keeping desired subtitles.

Advanced tips and common issues

• If MakeMKV fails to read a disc, try cleaning the disc, using a different drive, or updating MakeMKV to latest beta.
• For region-locked DVDs, ensure the drive’s region is set appropriately (or use drives that support multiple regions).
• If you need chaptered files, MakeMKV preserves chapters inside MKV containers.
• For UHD/Blu-ray with AACS 2.0 or new protections, MakeMKV may require updates or additional keys—check official support notes for specific discs.
• Automate repetitive rips with scripts: MakeMKV provides a command-line interface (mkvcon) on some platforms for automation.

Quick troubleshooting checklist

• Disc not detected: check connections, try another drive.
• Ripping stalls: clean disc; try lower USB port speed or a direct internal connection.
• Files missing audio/subtitles: expand title in MakeMKV and ensure tracks are selected before ripping.
• Very slow rip speed: check drive health, use USB 3.0 or SATA, close other disk-heavy apps.

Summary

MakeMKV is the fastest way to create lossless MKV backups of DVDs and Blu-rays because it copies original streams without re-encoding. For quick rips: select only the main title and necessary tracks, use a fast drive and storage, keep MakeMKV updated, and transcode later only if you need smaller files.

Quick reference: - DVDs: small, fast — expect 1–8 GB. - Blu-rays: large — expect 20–50+ GB. - Speed factors: drive type, USB/SATA connection, disc condition, selected tracks.