DVD
- TRY IT FREE TRY IT FREE
- 1. Convert Video to DVD+
- 2. Convert DVD to Video +
- 3. Convert to/from ISO +
- 4. DVD Burning Software +
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- 4.1 10 Free Mac DVD Burners
- 4.2 AnyDVD for Mac
- 4.3 Best Toast for Windows Alternative
- 4.4 MP4 to DVD Burner Mac
- 4.5 10 WinX DVD Video Software Alternatives
- 4.6 Windows DVD Maker Programs
- 4.7 10 Best Blu-ray DVD Players
- 4.8 Best DVD Makers
- 4.9 Best Video to DVD Converters
- 4.10 Top DVD Creators
- 4.11 Best Free DVD Authoring Software
- 4.12 Alternative to ConvertXtoDVD Mac/Windows
- 4.13 Best DVD Burning Software
- 4.14 Top 5 Free DVD Burners
- 4.15 PAL to NTSC Converter
- 5. Convert Other Formats to DVD+
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- 5.1 iPhone Videos to DVD
- 5.2 Convert uTorrent Movies to DVD
- 5.3 Burn Camcorder to DVD
- 5.4 Burn VLC Files to DVD
- 5.5 Convert MiniDV to DVD
- 5.6 Burn iTunes Movie to DVD
- 5.7 Burn Torrent Movies to DVD
- 5.8 Burn BBC iPlayer to DVD
- 5.9 Burn iMovie to DVD
- 5.10 Burn Windows Movie Maker Files to DVD
- 5.11 Use Adobe Premiere to Burn A DVD
- 5.12 Convert Blu-ray to DVD
- 5.13 Convert Movies to DVD
- 5.14 Convert Movies to DVD on Mac
- 5.15 Convert 8mm to DVD
- 6. Other DVD Tips & Tricks +
7 Easy Methods to Copy DVDs to Your Computer
by Christine Smith • 2026-01-04 19:30:08 • Proven solutions
Nowadays, DVDs are not as popular as before since you have to use a DVD-ROM to read and play them. Moreover, once your DVD gets damaged like scratching, or cracking, the content inside won't be able to read properly.
Thus, it's important to use a DVD ripper to extract files from DVDs and make a copy for storage. Coming to the question of how to copy a DVD to a computer and playback it easily on any device, we are here to provide you with the best and most free ways to save DVDs to Mac/PC.
In this article
*You can certainly legally rip your own personal videos, but it is illegal to rip commercial, copyrighted, copy-protected videos with the intent to resell or share the copies. We strongly discourage such activity.A Legal Warning Note:
We resolutely oppose all forms of copyright-infringing downloads. This tutorial is only for ripping your personal videos.
Part 1. Quick Comparison Table of Best 7 Tools to Copy DVD to Computer
Here comes a quick comparison table of the best 7 tools to copy DVD to computer, comparing diverse metrics like output format, main purpose, ease of use, best suited for information.
| Tool | Free or paid | Main purpose | Typical output formats | Copy-protection handling* | Editing / features | Ease of use | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UniConverter DVD Ripper | Paid (free trial) with full toolbox | All-in-one DVD/Blu-ray ripping, conversion, burning, and playback suite | 1000+ formats (MP4, MOV, AVI, WMV, FLV, MKV), device presets, ISO | Handles many encrypted discs; legality depends on local law and use | Trim, crop, effects, watermark, subtitles, AI enhancement, DVD menus, batch, hardware acceleration | Very easy; guided UI for non-technical users | Users wanting a fast, paid all-in-one toolbox with editing and wide format support |
| HandBrake | Completely free & open source | General video transcoder; can rip unprotected DVDs | MP4, MKV, WebM with many device presets | No built-in decryption; requires unencrypted or pre-decrypted sources | Filters, cropping, deinterlace, bitrate control, chapter markers; no menus | Moderate; simple UI with many technical options | Users who want a free, powerful encoder and fine control over quality/size |
| MakeMKV | Free for DVD; Blu-ray free during beta | One-step lossless DVD/Blu-ray backup to MKV | MKV only (original video/audio preserved) | Automatically removes many standard protections; subject to local law | Select titles, audio, subtitles; no editing or compression | Very easy for basics | Archiving discs to high-quality MKV before optional compression |
| WinX DVD Ripper | Paid (often with limited free edition) | Fast DVD ripping with device-focused presets | MP4, AVI, WMV, MOV, plus device profiles | Handles many region codes and schemes; legality varies by jurisdiction | Hardware acceleration, batch ripping, trim, crop, subtitles, merge | Easy; wizard-style workflow | Users who want speed and ready-made profiles for phones and TVs |
| DVDFab | Paid, modular licensing | Professional DVD/Blu-ray copy, rip, and conversion platform | MP4, AVI, MKV, and many others | Very strong decryption engine; subject to copyright law | Batch processing, profiles, hardware acceleration, editing tools | Moderate; powerful but option-heavy | Power users managing large collections with advanced needs |
| Any DVD Converter | Paid (with free / lite versions) | DVD ripping plus general video conversion | MP4, AVI, WMV and other common formats | Some protection handling; less advanced than top-tier tools | Basic trim, crop, effects, adjustable output settings | Easy; straightforward UI | Users wanting an affordable DVD converter with light editing |
| VLC | Completely free & open source | Media player with basic DVD convert/rip capability | MP4 and other common formats via Convert/Save | Works with unprotected or lightly protected discs only | Very limited editing and conversion controls | Moderate; familiar player UI but limited guidance | Occasional, free DVD copying for simple discs |
Part 2. Best 5 Paid Software to Copy DVD to Computer
Tool 1 UniConverter DVD Downloader
UniConverter DVD Ripper helps saving your DVD/Blu-ray disc to your computer in various popular video formats. The files on your DVDs are saved and converted to any format with advanced features and no quality loss, so that you can play DVD videos on any device. Your disc data can also be edited using features like trimming, cropping, adding special effects, and others for complete customization.
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Highlight Features of UniConverter Video Converter
- Save DVDs/Blu-ray discs to Mac/Windows and playback easily.
- Convert DVDs to MP4, MOV, AVI, WMV, FLV, MKV, and other 1000+ formats.
- Copy DVD videos with 120X faster speed and no quality loss.
- Burn and customize DVDs with free menu templates in different themes.
- First Watch Videos to Learn How to Convert DVD to Computer In An Easy Way
Safe & Reliable DVD Copy Software
First Watch Videos to Learn How to Convert DVD to Computer In An Easy Way
How to Save DVD to Computer Easily?
Firstly, you should download and install UniConverter DVD Ripper on your Windows PC/Mac, then launch it and insert the DVD that you want to save into your computer's disc drive. Next, follow the simple steps below to copy DVD to Mac or Windows pc.
Step 1: Run Wondershare UniConverter on your Windows and Mac, and from the main interface, select the 'Converter' section. At the 'Converting' tab, open the drop-down menu beside the '+Add Files/Folder > +Add DVD' option and then select the DVD drive disc where your disc is inserted. A new pop-up menu will appear showing options to choose from 'Main Movie' or 'All Movie'. Choose as desired and click on the Load button.

Step 2: The files will be added to the software and can be seen on the interface. Under the thumbnail image, the icons for editing appear. Choose the desired icon to open the settings window to make desired changes. This step is optional and can be skipped if video editing is not required.

DVD to Computer Converter for Modern Playback
Step 3: Next, you need to select the video format to which you want your disc files to be saved and converted. Open the drop-down menu at the 'Output Format' option at the bottom of the interface. Select the desired format from the 'Video' tab. Keep the resolution as the source file or select from the available preset options.

Step 4: At the 'File Location' tab, select the Mac location where you want your saved file to be saved. Finally, click on the 'Convert' button to start copying your DVD video to your system in the desired format. You can find the saved and converted video from the 'Finished' tab soon.

Tips
Want to find an easier and faster way to burn DVDs to Mac? Try the best DVD converter for Mac to copy DVDs to your Mac at 90X faster speed than other tools.
Batch DVD Copy for Large Collections
Tool 2. MakeMKV
MakeMKV is designed primarily as a one‑click tool to convert DVD to computer and copy DVD to computer without compressing the original video and audio. It takes the content from DVD or Blu‑ray discs and places it into an MKV file, preserving tracks, chapters, and metadata. Because of this lossless approach, MakeMKV is ideal for users who first want to copy DVD to computer at full quality and then optionally compress the files later with another encoder. Its simple workflow—open disc, select titles, and create MKV—makes it approachable even for beginners handling disc backups.

Steps to Download DVD to Computer with MakeMKV:
Step 1: Insert the DVD and launch MakeMKV.
Step 2: Click the "File" menu and choose "Open Disc" to select the DVD.
Step 3: Choose the title and chapters to copy and select the output folder.
Step 4: Click the "Make MKV" button to start copying the DVD to the computer.
Tool 3. WinX DVD Ripper
WinX DVD Ripper is a dedicated program to convert DVD to computer and copy DVD to computer quickly using hardware acceleration. It offers many preset profiles for devices like iPhone, iPad, Android, and TVs, so users can convert DVD to computer without adjusting complex technical options. The software supports formats such as MP4, AVI, WMV, and MOV, giving flexibility for playback on different platforms. With additional options for basic editing, subtitle handling, and batch conversion, WinX DVD Ripper is tailored to people who need a fast, straightforward way to copy DVD to computer collections.

Steps to Copy DVD to Computer with WinX DVD Ripper:
Step 1: Launch WinX DVD Ripper and insert the DVD.
Step 2: Click the "DVD Disc" button to load the DVD and choose the output format.
Step 3: Set the output destination and click "RUN" to start copying the DVD to computer.
Tool 4. DVDFab
DVDFab is an all‑in‑one disc solution that works as a powerful tool to convert DVD to computer and copy DVD to computer in various formats like MP4, AVI, and MKV. It includes modules for copying, ripping, and converting DVD video with many device‑specific presets. Users who copy DVD to computer with DVDFab can also take advantage of features such as batch processing, quality controls, subtitle options, and profile management. Because it integrates many advanced functions, DVDFab is particularly suited to users with large libraries who want fine control over how they convert DVD to computer.
Steps to Save DVD to Computer with DVDFab:
Step 1: Launch DVDFab and insert the DVD.
Step 2: Click the "Copy" mode and choose the output format.
Step 3: Set the output destination and click the "Start" button to begin copying the DVD to computer.
Safe DVD Copy to Computer Software
Tool 5. Any DVD Converter
Any DVD Converter offers a simple interface as a tool to copy DVD to computer while also handling general video conversion tasks. It supports common formats like MP4, AVI, and WMV, allowing users to convert DVD to computer for playback on media players, phones, or tablets. Basic editing functions such as trimming and cropping help clean up footage before export. This makes Any DVD Converter a practical choice for users who occasionally need to copy dvd to hard drive and prefer an affordable, easy‑to‑use application with light editing capabilities included.
Steps to Copy DVD to Computer with Any DVD Converter:
Step 1: Launch Any DVD Converter and insert the DVD.
Step 2: Click the "Add DVD" button to load the DVD and choose the output format.
Step 3: Select the output folder where you want the copied DVD to be saved.
Step 4: Click on the "Convert Now!" button to begin copying the DVD to your computer.
Step 5: Wait for the conversion process to finish. The time it takes will depend on the size and length of the DVD.
Part 3. Best 2 Free Ways to Copy DVD to Computer
Tool 6. HandBrake
HandBrake is a free, open‑source tool to convert DVD to computer and copy DVD to computer into modern, compressed video formats. It focuses on transcoding unprotected DVDs into MP4 or MKV, which are widely supported by media players and portable devices. Users can fine‑tune settings such as bitrate, resolution, filters, and subtitles to balance quality with file size when they convert DVD to computer. Although it lacks disc‑authoring features, HandBrake remains popular among technically inclined users who want a no‑cost, flexible way to copy dvd to hard drive for personal use.

Steps to Copy DVD to Computer with HandBrake:
Step 1: Open HandBrake and click the "Source" button to select the DVD source.
Step 2: Choose the title and chapters to copy and select the output format.
Step 3: Set the output destination and click "Start Encode" to begin copying the DVD to computer.
Tool 7. VLC Media Playerr
VLC Media Player, though best known as a player, can also act as a free tool to convert DVD to computer and copy DVD to computer on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Using its “Convert/Save” feature, users can convert DVD to computer in formats like MP4 while selecting specific titles, chapters, audio tracks, and subtitles. VLC is particularly useful when you want to copy DVD to computer without installing extra software, since many systems already have it. However, it offers fewer quality controls and profiles than dedicated DVD rippers, so it is best suited for basic, occasional conversions.

Steps on how to save movies from DVD to computer using VLC Media Player:
Step 1: Insert the DVD that you want to copy into the DVD drive of your Windows system.
Step 2: Launch the VLC Media Player app on your PC, and from the Media tab on the main interface, select the Convert/Save option.
Step 3: A new pop-up Open Media window appears from where you select the Disc tab. Under Disc Selection, choose the DVD option and ensure that the Disc device field shows the DVD driver where your disc is inserted.
Trustable DVD to Computer Converter
Part 4. Problem Shooting for Converting DVD to Computer
1. If the DVD won’t copy or rip
If you “can’t copy file from DVD to computer” or the rip stops partway, the disc may be damaged or copy‑protected; try another ripper that can handle encryption, or switch drives.
For homemade, unprotected discs, you can sometimes fix issues by copying the VIDEO_TS folder directly to your hard drive instead of using a ripper to copy DVD to computer.
2. If you get bad sectors or CRC errors
Repeated CRC or “bad sector” errors when you convert DVD to computer usually indicate deliberate protection (ARccOS) or physical damage; some advanced rippers can skip or repair bad sectors.
If a specific chapter always fails when you copy DVD to computer, try ripping only the main title or skipping the problematic chapter to salvage most of the video.
3. If the video quality is poor
Blocky or soft video after you convert DVD to computer often comes from using too low a bitrate or overly aggressive compression; increase quality settings or use a “high quality” preset.
For archiving, consider first copying DVD to computer as a full‑quality MKV or ISO, then creating smaller MP4 versions from that master later.
4. If the file is too large
Remember a full DVD can be 4–8 GB; to reduce size when you convert DVD to computer, lower resolution slightly (for example from 720p equivalent to 480p) and choose an efficient codec like H.264.
Trim unwanted extras, bonus features, or end credits before you copy DVD to computer so you only keep the main movie or episodes you actually watch.
5. If there is no sound or wrong language
If your output has no audio after you convert DVD to computer, recheck the audio track selection in your ripper and ensure a valid track (e.g., AC‑3, AAC) is enabled.
When you copy DVD to computer, explicitly choose your preferred audio language and subtitle track instead of leaving everything on automatic.
6. If the disc is homemade and still fails
Homemade DVDs that play in a set‑top player but not on a PC may have authoring quirks; in these cases, making an ISO image and then mounting it can help you copy DVD to computer more reliably.
If menus are corrupted, try ripping only the main movie title instead of a full 1:1 copy when you convert DVD to computer.
Conclusion
Considering the drawbacks of the free solutions above, Wondershare UniConverter DVD Ripper is the best option for copying DVD movies to the computer. By using the software, your discs can be saved to your system easily and quickly with plenty of options to choose from, like file format, quality, and others. Just FREE DOWNLOAD and install the Wondershare program to enjoy your disc in high-quality devices and any format.
FAQs
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1. Can I legally convert DVD to computer or copy DVD to computer?
Laws vary by country. In many regions, bypassing DVD copy protection may be restricted even for personal use, especially for commercial movie DVDs. Always check your local copyright regulations before converting or copying a DVD to your computer. -
2. What is the easiest way to convert DVD to computer?
The easiest method is to use dedicated DVD ripping software like UniConverter that automatically detects the disc, lets you select titles, choose an output format like MP4, and convert the DVD to your computer in just a few clicks. Preset profiles simplify the process without requiring technical adjustments. -
3. How long does it take to copy DVD to computer?
Copying a DVD typically takes between 10 and 30 minutes per disc, depending on your computer’s performance, the length of the DVD, and the quality or encoding settings you choose. Higher-quality conversions usually take longer. -
4. Which format should I choose when I convert DVD to computer?
MP4 is the most common choice because it plays smoothly on phones, tablets, smart TVs, and most media players. MKV is a better option if you want to keep multiple audio tracks, subtitles, or slightly higher quality when copying a DVD to your computer. -
5. Can I just drag and drop files from the disc to copy DVD to computer?
You can copy theVIDEO_TSfolder directly only if the DVD has no copy protection, but the files may not play correctly on all devices. Using DVD ripping software to convert the DVD into MP4 or MKV provides better compatibility and easier playback. -
6. Why is there quality loss when I convert DVD to computer?
DVDs already use lossy MPEG-2 compression. Converting them again to another compressed format like MP4 introduces additional quality loss. Using higher bitrates and efficient codecs helps preserve more detail during conversion. -
7. Do I need a special drive to copy DVD to computer on a laptop without a disc slot?
Yes. You’ll need an external USB DVD drive to read the disc. Once connected, it functions like an internal drive and allows you to convert or copy DVDs to your computer normally.


Christine Smith
chief Editor