[2024 Updated] How to Decrypt and Rip DVDs with HandBrake

This is a detailed guide on how to rip DVD with Handbrake on Windows and Mac, including how to install libdvdcss to cope with copy-protected DVDs using Handbrake and how to fix Handbrake DVD ripping errors.

Can Handbrake rip protected DVDs? Many users may be very familiar with Handbarke, a swiss army knife of video and DVD conversion tools. Typically, Handbrake can rip any DVD that isn't copy protected… while almost all store-bought DVDs are copyright-protected. And that's why an alert box with "HandBrake does not support the removal of copy-protection from DVD discs" will show up when you're trying to rip a commercial DVD with Handbrake. Feel frustrated? Never! Along with some help from third-party plugins, you can still use Handbrake to rip those copy-protected movie and multi-episode TV series DVDs.

Here is the most comprehensive guide and steps of ripping encrypted DVDs with Handbrake (with pictures is presented below). Also Including how to download and install libdvdcss and how to solve Handbrake won't rip protected DVDs.

Part 1: Prerequisites to Rip Encrypted DVDs using Handbrake - Get libdvdcss

First of all, you need to download and install Handbrake onto your computer. Simply go to HandBrake.fr download center - the only official place to download HandBrake - to get a copy fit for your computer and install it following wizard. The latest version is 1.7.2.

To get Handbrake to decrypt copy protected DVDs, what you need to download and use is a free DVD playback librabry called libdvdcss. This will let Handbrake read your encrypted DVDs and rip them to your computer. The process for installing the decoder is slightly different for Windows users versus Mac. Follow the instructions below, and then we will be ready to start ripping.

➤ Download libdvdcss to your PC or Mac

Copy and paste http://download.videolan.org/pub/videolan/libdvdcss/ to your browser. And then you'll see a list of libdvdcss versions (from 0.0.1 to 1.4.2) displayed. Find the one you need and begin downloading libdvdcss for Windows.

For example,
1. Hit 1.2.12/
2. Download proper libdvdcss file based on your operating system. If you possess a Windows 32bit computer, just hit win32/ and then click libdvdcss-2.dll to begin downloading. If you work on a Windows 64bit PC, then you're supposed to hit win64/ and then download this libdvdcss-2.dll for Windows.

Note: VideoLan seemingly doesn't offer a specific Mac version of latest libdvdcss version 1.4.2. So you can download older Mac OS X version, for example 1.2.12. Two files are listed on this page. Download both of them to the Downloads folder on Mac.

libdvdcss alone can't perform DVD decryption and playback. It needs to unite with DVD ripper and player. But how? This could be a difficult task for non-tech savvy guys. Thus, we explain more as below.

➤ How to Install libdvdcss on Windows

Step 1: Follow the tutorial above to download libdvdcss into your Windows computer.

Step 2: Move downloaded Windows libdvdcss-2.dll into HandBrake install directory. (If you haven't downloaded HandBrake, just head to https://handbrake.fr/ to get it. And install it following instructions. Don't forget to take note of the install location.)

Note: Not to bother renaming libdvdcss-2.dll to libdvdcss.dll.

➤ How to Install libdvdcss on Mac

The security protocols on macOS prevent you from installing the library file using an installer. Thankfully, there is a very easy way to do it using Terminal and an add-on called Homebrew.

1. Open Terminal on the Mac.

2. Copy and paste the text below into the Terminal window and press Return

3. You will be prompted to click Return and type in your administrator password.

4. The process will also download and install some portions of Apple's Xcode developer software. Approve this when the pop-up prompts you to do so.

5. Once the process is complete and you see the normal prompt, copy and paste the code below into the Terminal window and press Return.

6. Once complete, close the Terminal window and you're ready to begin.

Part 2: Detailed Steps on How to Rip (Copy-Protected) DVDs with Handbrake

Note that when you first open Handbrake, the interface may seem intimidating because there are a lot of settings, but don't worry. The default settings will work perfectly for most users. In this example I show how to rip a DVD with HandBrake on a Windows PC, but the principle is the same for Mac.

Step 1. Open Your DVD in Handbrake

Insert the DVD into the DVD drive on your computer. Open Handbrake and choose your DVD drive from the sidebar that appears.

Handbrake will take a moment to scan the titles on your DVD. Wait until this process is finished. It should only take a moment. If libdvdcss wasn't installed incorrectly, you'll see an error saying that the disc can't be read here instead.

Once your DVD is open, head to the "Title" dropdown box and choose which title you want to rip. By default, Handbrake will choose the movie, but if you want to rip any special features or deleted scenes, you can change the target you want to rip here. You can also change which chapters you want to rip, if you only want part of the movie.

Step 2. Choose Your Quality Preset

Next, you'll need to decide the quality of your output file. The higher quality the movie, the more space it will take on your hard drive. If you're technical, you can use the Picture, Video, and Audio tabs to adjust these settings, but most people only need to click one thing: a Preset.

Along the right side of the Handbrake window, you'll see a selection of Presets (if you don't see it, drag the corner of Handbrake's window and expand it until you do). There are presets for nearly anything you could need: Apple TV, Android phones, PlayStation, and lots more. If you're watching on your computer, use one of the "General" presets - "Fast" and "Very Fast" will be low quality but small in size, while "HQ" and "Super HQ" will have higher quality but take up more space.

If you're ripping a DVD sold in the US, choose the 480p preset. European DVDs are usually 576p. Don't choose larger presets like 720p or 1080p for DVDs—they won't make your video look any better, they'll just make the file bigger.

Step 2. Start Ripping Protected DVD using Handbrake

Under "Save Us", click "Browse" to pick where you want to place the movie after you've ripped it.

Once everyting is done, you can click "Start Encode" at the top of the window. Then, grab a snack.

You'll see a progress bar along the bottom that will let you know how much time you have left in the rip. Higher quality rips will take longer, so you'll want to let your computer run for a while.

Once the rip is done, you should be able to double-click on it to watch it! Or, if you're using a movie library program like Plex, Emby or Rodi, just add the movie to your library for enjoyment.

Part 3: FAQs about Ripping DVD with HandBrake

1. How to rip a DVD with multiple episodes (TV series DVD) in HandBrake?

2. How to rip copy-protected DVD with HandBrake?

3. How to rip DVD with HandBrake on Windows 10/8/7?

4. How to rip a DVD with HandBrake on Mac (macOS Big Sur, Catalina, High Sierra...)?

5. How to rip DVD with subtitles on HandBrake?

6. How to rip DVD with 5.1 surround sound on HandBrake?

7. How long does it take to rip a DVD with HandBrake?

Part 4: What If "HandBrake won't Rip DVDs"? How to Solve it?

Various problems may occur when we use free HandBrake to rip DVDs. Here, we pick out several common issues and the possible solutions if you failed to rip DVD with Handbrake.

Case 1: No valid source or titles found

This error pops up after you attempt to open the source of DVD. This is probably because your source file format isn't supported by HandBrake or copy-protected. If the error message shows: No Valid Source Found, try the following methods to solve HandBrake No Valid Source Found Error:

Case 2: HandBrake only rip part of DVD

Reportedly, if you have some DVDs that can not use Handbrake to get it 100% converted, then this DVD is mostly encrypted with DVD copy protections. To solve this Handbrake not finish the whole DVD converting trouble, you can give the Handbrake 64 bit a try. Cooperating with VLC media player 64 bit, you can work through with some of encrypted DVDs (make sure your have the full copy rights of them).

However, when you using Handbrake to rip protected DVDs on Mac OS, you will get an error message says: "This version of handbrake is 64 bit, VLC found but not 64 bit!" It is one of the biggest trouble for Handbrake Mac users. On one hand, though they followed the instructions as that message said, they would still get it from time to time. On the other hand, Handbrake Mac users need to get VLC 64 bit installed firstly, which is reported as buggy software sometimes.

Therefore, before managing to backup copy protected DVDs, you need to know how to defeat Handbrake 64 VLC error. Otherwise, you can also find a Handbrake alternative when handling with encrypted DVDs.

Get Best HandBrake Alternative for Ripping Any (Copy-Protected) DVDs

Installing libdvdcss can solve part of the problems, but you have to resort to another DVD ripping tool when dealing with strictly encrypted ones (like the Disney DVDs). If you failed to open a commercial DVD with Handbrake (even the descoder installed) and want to find a more efficient and easier way to rip and copy your DVD collections, I highly recommend you another top-ranked tool - EaseFab DVD Ripper.

EaseFab DVD Ripper a totally clean, fast and user-friendly DVD ripping program you're looking for. Itcan conquer all types of homemade discs, burned DVDs, and bought DVDs with almost all DVD encryptions like Disney X-project DRM, CSS, region code, RCE, APS, Sony ArccOS, UOPs, etc., support navigation algorithms used in DVDs from paramount, Disney, Sony, etc.on its own (which means no need to download libdvdcss and the like to decrypt DVD). Apart from ripping DVD to MP4 and MKV, The alternative to HandBrake is available to rip DVD to AVI, MPEG, WMV, MOV, MP3, iphone, iPad, Apple TV, Samsung, PS4, etc. And it's continuously updated to support the newest DVDs and latest OS.

Overall, EaseFab DVD Ripper has the advantages not only in wide range of supported DVDs, but also in more well-configured output presets, more output file formats, super fast speed, high output quality, intuitive interface and more.