How to Copy a DVD to Your Computer or Another Disc

The fastest way to copy a DVD depends on what you're copying to

You can copy a DVD in two main ways: to your computer's hard drive as video files, or to a blank DVD disc. Copying to your computer is faster and gives you more flexibility — you can watch the video on any device, edit it, or back it up. Copying to a blank disc takes longer but gives you a physical copy that plays in any DVD player.

The method you choose depends on what you own. If you have a DVD drive on your computer, you can do either. If you only have a laptop without a disc drive, you'll need an external USB DVD drive (around $20 to $40) to read the original DVD.

Before you start: only copy DVDs you own or have permission to copy. Many commercial DVDs include copy protection, and the legal status of removing that protection varies by location and situation. This guide covers the technical steps; you're responsible for whether copying is legal in your case.

Key Takeaways

Copying a DVD to your computer requires DVD authoring software like HandBrake (free) or DVD Shrink (free), plus a DVD drive connected to your computer.
Copying a DVD to a blank disc requires a DVD burner drive, blank DVDs, and burning software that usually comes with Windows or Mac.
The copy process takes 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the DVD length and your computer speed.
Many commercial DVDs have copy protection that some software can work around, but the legality depends on your location and the DVD's origin.
External USB DVD drives work just as well as internal drives if your computer doesn't have one built in.

Copying a DVD to your computer as video files

This method saves the DVD's video as files on your hard drive. You'll need a DVD drive (internal or external USB), free software, and about 4 to 8 gigabytes of free space per DVD.

HandBrake is the most common free option. Download it from handbrake.fr, install it, then open the program. Insert your DVD, click "Open Source" in HandBrake, and select your DVD drive from the list. HandBrake will read the disc and show you the video tracks. Select the main feature (usually the longest track), choose where to save the file on your computer, and click "Start." The process takes 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on your computer's speed.

The file will save as an MP4 video that plays on Windows, Mac, phones, and tablets. You can then delete the original DVD or store it safely. If HandBrake won't read your DVD, try DVD Shrink (free, dvdshrink.org) or MakeMKV (free for personal use, makemkv.com) — different software handles different discs.

Copying a DVD to a blank disc

This creates a physical copy that plays in DVD players. You'll need a DVD burner drive (most computers have one), blank DVD-R discs (about $0.50 each), and burning software.

On Windows, insert a blank DVD and open File Explorer. Right-click the blank disc and select "Erase this disc" if it's been used before. Then insert your original DVD in a second drive (or the same drive after erasing). Open Windows Media Player, go to the "Burn" tab, and drag video files from your computer onto the burn list. Click "Start burn." If you don't have two drives, copy the DVD to your computer first using HandBrake, then burn those files to the blank disc.

On Mac, insert the blank DVD, then insert your original DVD. Open Disk Utility (in Applications > Utilities), select the original DVD in the left panel, and click "Burn." Select the blank disc when prompted. The process takes 20 to 40 minutes.

If your computer doesn't have a DVD burner, you can't burn discs — only copy to your hard drive. Check your computer's specifications or try inserting a blank DVD; if nothing happens, you don't have a burner.

What to do if the DVD won't copy

Many commercial DVDs have copy protection that prevents direct copying. If HandBrake or your burning software stops or shows an error, the disc likely has protection.

Some software can work around common protections. MakeMKV (makemkv.com) handles many protected DVDs and is free for personal use. Download it, insert your DVD, and click the disc in the list. MakeMKV will attempt to read it and show you the video tracks. Select the main feature and click "Make MKV." The file saves as an MKV video file that plays on most devices.

If MakeMKV also fails, the disc may have newer or stronger protection. At that point, your options are limited by the protection method and your location's laws. Some people purchase DRM-free versions of the same content instead.

Getting an external DVD drive if you need one

If your computer doesn't have a built-in DVD drive, buy an external USB DVD drive. They cost $20 to $40 and work on Windows and Mac. Popular brands include LG, ASUS, and Dell.

Plug the external drive into any USB port on your computer. Windows and Mac will recognize it automatically — you don't need to install anything. Insert your DVD, and use it exactly like an internal drive with HandBrake, burning software, or any other program.

External drives are slower than internal ones by about 10 to 20 percent, but the difference is small enough that most people don't notice. They're also portable, so you can use the same drive on multiple computers.

How long copying takes and what affects speed

Copying a DVD to your computer usually takes 30 minutes to 2 hours. A 2-hour movie on a standard DVD takes about 45 minutes on an average computer. Older computers or slower hard drives take longer.

Burning a DVD to a blank disc takes 20 to 40 minutes for a full disc. The speed depends on your drive's burn speed (usually 8x or 16x, marked on the drive or in settings) and the blank disc quality. Cheaper blank discs sometimes burn slower.

You can speed up copying by closing other programs while the process runs. Copying uses a lot of your computer's resources, and background programs slow it down. Don't use your computer for other tasks while copying is in progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I copy a DVD I rented from a store or library?

Legally, no — rental DVDs are protected by copyright, and copying them violates the rental agreement and copyright law in most places. The same applies to DVDs you borrowed from a friend. You can only legally copy DVDs you own.

What's the difference between DVD-R and DVD+R blank discs?

They're nearly identical for home use. DVD-R is slightly older and more compatible with older DVD players. DVD+R is newer. Most modern DVD players play both. Buy whichever is cheaper — the difference won't matter for your purposes.

Will a copied DVD play in any DVD player?

A copied DVD usually plays in most DVD players, but older players sometimes have trouble with certain blank disc brands or burn speeds. If your copied disc doesn't play, try a different brand of blank DVD or a slower burn speed (8x instead of 16x). The original disc always plays in any player.

Can I copy a DVD to my phone or tablet directly?

Not directly — phones and tablets don't have DVD drives. Copy the DVD to your computer first using HandBrake, then transfer the video file to your phone or tablet using a USB cable or cloud storage like Google Drive or OneDrive.

What if I only want to copy part of a DVD?

HandBrake and MakeMKV both let you select which chapters or tracks to copy. When you open the DVD, you'll see a list of chapters or tracks — select only the ones you want, and the software will copy only those sections. This saves time and storage space.

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.