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How to convert a DVD to an MP4 for free
Using a free open-source program, you can convert treasured home videos into a format that's easier to share with your loved ones
With over a decade of experience at Which?, Tom covers everything from tech advice to money-saving tips, and highlights the best deals during major sales events.
At Which? Tech Support, we've heard from members who want to digitise their DVDs to protect precious footage from being damaged, lost or stolen over time.
Using free software, you can create digital copies of your DVDs and safely back them up to cloud storage services or external hard drives. Converting home videos also makes them easier to organise, watch on different devices, and share with friends and family.
Below, we explain how to convert a DVD to an MP4 and preserve your old videos without spending a penny.
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How do I convert a DVD to MP4 to make it easier to share?
‘I have dozens of home videos stored on DVDs, filled with precious memories of my children and grandchildren growing up. I’d love to keep them safe and make them easier to watch and share with family in the future. What’s the best way to digitise them?’
Which? Tech Support member
Using VLC on Windows, Mac and Linux
Step 1: Download and install the software
The easiest way to digitise your videos is by using a free and open-source program called VLC. (Note that, without proper authorisation, it's illegal to use the software to copy, convert or distribute content protected by copyright.)
Digitising your videos is one of the best ways to ensure they are safe and easily accessible. Once converted, you can share the files with family and friends, or store them securely on an external hard drive or in the cloud.
Before you begin, make sure you have enough free storage space on your computer, as video files created from DVDs can sometimes be several gigabytes in size.
To convert a DVD to an MP4, download and install VLC from the brand's website, then open VLC Media Player. You'll also need to insert the DVD into your computer's drive.
If your computer doesn't have a built-in DVD drive, you can buy a USB-compatible one from online retailers including Amazon. We haven't tested these drives, but here an some options for under £25:
Step 2: Select your disc
Now that VLC is running, select Media in the top-left corner of the screen, then click Convert/Save from the dropdown menu.
Next, open the Disc tab and select DVD. In most cases, VLC will automatically detect the disc you've inserted, but you can also click Browse to manually locate the DVD drive if needed.
Before moving on, double-check that the correct disc is selected, especially if you have multiple drives connected to your computer.
Thinking of upgrading your setup before you start digitising your DVDs? See our expert pick of the best laptops.
Step 3: Confirm your conversion settings
Before starting the conversion, you'll need to check a couple of settings in VLC to make sure your video is saved in the correct format.
First, click Show more options. Here, you can set a start and end time if you only want to convert a specific section of the video, rather than the entire DVD. This can be useful if you're trying to save a favourite clip or shorten a long home recording.
Next, select Convert/Save at the bottom of the window. In the Convert window, look for the Profile dropdown menu and choose Video - H.264 + MP3 (MP4), as shown above. This format is widely supported and should play on most computers, smartphones and tablets.
If you want to keep the best possible video quality, avoid selecting lower-quality preset profiles unless storage space is limited.
Step 4: Convert your file
Once you've confirmed your settings, click Browse to choose where the converted video will be saved on your computer. It's also a good idea to give the file a clear name so it's easy to find later, especially if you're converting multiple DVDs.
When you're ready, click Start to begin the conversion process. VLC will begin copying and converting the video into an MP4 file, with progress shown at the bottom of the window. The amount of time this takes will depend on the length of the video and the speed of your computer.
During the conversion process, avoid closing VLC or shutting down your computer, as this could interrupt the file transfer and force you to start again.
Once the process is complete, your finished video will be saved in MP4 format, ready to watch on other devices, share with family and friends, or safely back up to external storage or the cloud.
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Get tech help from humans - save 25%
Solve your tech issues and get expert buying advice by chatting to our support team as often as you need for only £36.75 year.
Buy and saveSave 25% – was £49, now £36.75 for a year, offer ends 8 June 2026
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