How to Use MakeMKV for Free

MakeMKV is a great tool for ripping DVDs, Blu-rays, UHD, and AVCHD discs into MKV format, which preserves all audio and video quality. Here’s how to use it for free.

This complete guide shows you exactly how to use MakeMKV without paying a penny.

What You'll Need

Before starting, ensure you have:

A computer with a DVD/Blu-ray drive.
MakeMKV software (free with beta key).
Sufficient storage space (DVDs: 4-8GB, Blu-rays: 15-50GB per disc).
The discs you want to convert.

Download and Install MakeMKV

Download MakeMKV. The software works on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Installation is straightforward - simply run the installer and follow the prompts.

Get Your Free Beta Key

Here's the secret to using MakeMKV completely free: the perpetual beta key system.

Visit the official MakeMKV forum

Copy the current beta key (updated monthly - December 2025):

T-USSm3IxiXEKzraO1BIr0HAlRVzySlsOvlJMknCoq2G1NuNBvDv4xbSgUpueTH5nUdl

In MakeMKV, click Help → Register.
Paste the key and click OK.

This extends your usage for another 30 days (it is valid until end of January 2026). Simply repeat monthly with the new key posted in the forum.

Insert and Scan Your Disc

Insert your DVD, Blu-ray, or UHD disc into your drive. Launch MakeMKV - it automatically detects inserted discs.

Click the disc icon or File → Open Disc to begin scanning.

The scanning process analyzes all content on your disc, which may take 1-3 minutes depending on disc complexity.

Select Your Content

MakeMKV displays all available titles as checkboxes. For most discs:

Main movie: Usually the largest file (1-3 hours).
Special features: Shorter clips, documentaries, deleted scenes.
Audio tracks: Different languages and commentary tracks.
Subtitles: Various language options.

Pro tip: Uncheck unwanted content to save space and time. Most users only need the main movie and their preferred audio/subtitle tracks.

Configure Output Settings

Choose your output folder by clicking the folder icon next to Output Folder. Select a location with sufficient free space.

For Advanced users: Access Preferences to adjust:

Video quality settings.
Audio track preferences.
Subtitle formats.
File naming conventions.

Start the Ripping Process

Click the Make MKV button to begin conversion. Progress bars show:

Individual title progress.
Overall completion percentage.
Estimated time remaining.
Current read/write speeds.

Typical ripping times:

DVD: 15-30 minutes.
Blu-ray: 30-90 minutes.
UHD: 60-180 minutes.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Disc not recognized: Clean the disc, try a different drive, or check for region restrictions.

Slow ripping speeds: Close other programs, check drive connections, or defragment your hard drive.

Incomplete rips: Verify disc condition and try cleaning or using a different computer.