How to Convert a DVD to MP4 Format on Your Computer

What you need to convert a DVD to MP4

Converting a DVD to MP4 means copying the video from a physical disc and turning it into a digital file your phone, tablet, or computer can play. You will need three things: the DVD itself, a computer with a DVD drive (or an external DVD drive you can plug in), and software that reads DVDs and converts them to MP4 format.

The software does the actual work. It reads the data on the disc, removes any copy protection if present, and writes a new MP4 file to your hard drive. Some software is free, some costs money, and some offers both versions. The conversion process takes time — a two-hour movie typically takes 30 minutes to several hours depending on your computer's speed and the software you choose.

You will also need disk space. A typical DVD becomes a 700 MB to 2 GB MP4 file depending on the quality you want. Check that your computer has at least 5 GB of free space before you start, so the software has room to work.

Key Takeaways

You need a DVD drive connected to your computer, conversion software, and at least 5 GB of free disk space to convert a single movie.
Free software options include HandBrake (Windows, Mac, Linux) and VidCoder (Windows), both of which handle copy protection on most commercial DVDs.
The conversion process reads the DVD, removes protection, and writes an MP4 file — it does not damage the original disc.
Quality settings affect file size and conversion time; lower quality produces smaller files faster, while higher quality takes longer but looks better on larger screens.
Some DVDs have copy protection that requires additional software components; check whether your chosen tool supports the discs you own.

Using HandBrake, the most common free option

HandBrake is free software that works on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers. It reads DVDs, handles copy protection on most commercial discs, and converts to MP4 and other formats. You read it from handbrake.fr, install it like any other program, and run it from your applications menu.

Open HandBrake and insert your DVD. Click the folder icon in the top left and select your DVD drive from the list. HandBrake reads the disc and shows you the titles on it — usually one main title (the movie) and several shorter ones (previews, bonus features). Select the title you want to convert. Then click the "Browse" button to choose where on your hard drive to save the MP4 file and what to name it.

Before you start, check the quality settings. HandBrake shows a "Presets" panel on the right side with options like "Fast 1080p30", "Normal", and "High Profile". These control how much space the file takes and how long conversion takes. "Fast" produces smaller files in less time but lower quality. "High Profile" takes longer but produces better-looking video. For most people watching on a phone or tablet, "Normal" is a good middle ground. Click "Start" and wait for the conversion to finish.

Using VidCoder on Windows

VidCoder is another free option for Windows computers. It uses the same underlying technology as HandBrake but has a different interface some people find easier to use. read it from vidcoder.com, install it, and launch it from your Start menu.

Insert your DVD and click "Open Source" in the top left. Select your DVD drive. VidCoder scans the disc and lists the titles. Click the one you want to convert. On the right side, you will see format options — make sure "MP4" is selected in the "Container" dropdown. Then click "Browse" to choose where to save the file.

The "Encoding" tab shows quality presets similar to HandBrake. Choose one based on how you plan to watch the video. Click "Encode" to start the conversion. The progress bar shows how much time remains.

Handling copy protection and technical issues

Most commercial DVDs have copy protection that prevents you from straightforward copying the files. HandBrake and VidCoder can read through this protection on many DVDs, but not all. If the software starts reading your disc and then stops with an error, the disc may use protection these tools cannot handle.

Some Windows users report needing to install an additional library called libdvdcss to read certain protected discs. This is a separate read that HandBrake and VidCoder can use. On Mac, the process is similar but handled differently. Check the software's documentation for your specific operating system if you hit an error message.

If your computer does not have a DVD drive, you can buy an external USB DVD drive for $20 to $50. Plug it in, insert the disc, and the conversion software will see it just like a built-in drive. This is often faster and more reliable than using an old internal drive.

Choosing quality settings that match how you will watch

The quality you choose affects both file size and how long conversion takes. A lower-quality MP4 might be 500 MB and convert in 20 minutes. A higher-quality version of the same movie could be 2 GB and take two hours. Neither is wrong — it depends on your screen size and storage space.

If you are watching on a phone or small tablet, lower quality is fine and saves storage space. If you plan to watch on a TV or large monitor, higher quality is worth the extra time and space. Most conversion software lets you preview the quality before you commit — check the settings panel for a preview button.

You can always convert the same DVD twice with different settings if you want both a small version for travel and a high-quality version for home. The original DVD is not changed by the conversion process.

What to do if conversion fails or takes too long

If the software crashes or stops partway through, close it and try again. Most conversion software picks up where it left off, though some require you to delete the incomplete file first. Check the software's help section for its specific behavior.

If conversion is taking much longer than expected, your computer may be busy with other tasks. Close web browsers, email, and other programs to free up processing power. Conversion will speed up. Alternatively, lower the quality setting and try again — this reduces the amount of work your computer has to do.

If the software cannot read your disc at all, try cleaning the disc with a soft cloth. Dust and scratches can prevent the drive from reading it. If that does not work, the disc may be damaged or use copy protection the software cannot handle. In that case, you may need to look for the movie in digital format elsewhere.

Storing and organizing your MP4 files

Once conversion finishes, you have an MP4 file on your hard drive. You can move it to any folder, copy it to a phone or tablet, or back it up to cloud storage or an external drive. MP4 is a standard format that plays on almost any device.

Create a folder called "Movies" or "Videos" to keep your converted files organized. If you convert many DVDs, add subfolders by title or genre. This makes it easier to find what you want to watch later.

Keep the original DVD in case you need to convert it again with different settings or if the digital file gets deleted. The conversion process does not damage the disc.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to convert DVDs I own to MP4?

The legal status varies by country and depends on whether the DVD has copy protection. In the United States, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act restricts circumventing copy protection even for personal use, though enforcement for home conversions is rare. Check your local laws. For DVDs without copy protection, conversion is generally permitted for personal use.

How long does it take to convert one DVD?

Conversion time depends on your computer's speed, the quality setting you choose, and the length of the movie. Expect anywhere from 20 minutes to three hours for a two-hour film. Lower quality settings and faster computers reduce this time. The software shows a progress bar and estimated time remaining.

Can I convert a DVD that is scratched or damaged?

If the disc is scratched but still readable, the conversion software will usually work, though it may be slower. If the damage is severe, the software may stop partway through. Try cleaning the disc gently with a soft cloth first. If it still does not work, the disc may be too damaged to read.

What if my computer does not have a DVD drive?

You can buy an external USB DVD drive for $20 to $50 and plug it into your computer. The conversion software will recognize it the same way it would a built-in drive. External drives are often faster and more reliable than old internal drives.

Can I convert a DVD to a format other than MP4?

Yes. HandBrake and VidCoder both support MP4, MKV, and WebM formats. MP4 is the most compatible — it plays on phones, tablets, computers, and most streaming devices. Choose MP4 unless you have a specific reason to use a different format.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.