"Why can't I just copy and paste the .m2ts file?"

💡A frequently asked question in communities like r/MakeMKV is why copying the video file to a hard drive doesn't work. Actually, AACS encryption acts like a padlock, while the key is stored in the disc's hidden sectors. A standard copy-paste merely moves the locked box to your PC.

When you rip, convert, or stream Blu-ray discs for personal backup, disc protection is often the first issue to consider. Most commercial discs use copy-protection technologies such as AACS, BD+, Cinavia, and BD-J, which can limit how the content is accessed or copied even if you own the disc. In this article, I test and compare the best free Blu-ray decrypters to help you handle protected Blu-rays and converting them to digital formats for personal use.

How to Decrypt Blu-ray discs

Quick Answer: My Top Picks of Blu-ray Decrypter

Before choosing a Blu-ray decrypter, first check which Blu-ray protection it can handle and what output workflow you need. A Blu-ray ripper, a lossless MKV backup tool, an on-the-fly decrypter, and a Blu-ray copy program solve different tasks.

My Recommended ToolSupported Blu-ray ProtectionBest For
DVDFab Blu-ray RipperAACS, BD+, BD-J, Region Code, UOPs, Country Code, CPRM, Cinavia, and latest protection mechanismBest overall Blu-ray decrypter and ripper for converting Blu-ray discs, ISO files, or folders to MP4, MKV, M2TS, audio formats, or device presets.
MakeMKVAACS and BD+ in many Blu-ray-to-MKV backup workflowsBest free beta option for lossless MKV backup while keeping original video, audio tracks, subtitles, chapters, and metadata.
XrevealAACS, BD+, Region Code, UOPs, BD-Live restrictions, and background disc accessBest on-the-fly Windows decrypter for making Blu-ray discs readable in the background before using another player, backup, or ripping program.
DVDFab Blu-ray CopyAACS, BD+, BD-J, Region Code, UOPs, Country Code, CPRM, Cinavia, and latest protection mechanismBest for 1:1 Blu-ray copy, full-disc backup, main-movie copy, ISO output, folder backup, and retaining Blu-ray structure.

How I Chose These Blu-ray Decrypters

Downloading every Blu-ray decrypter can put a real load on your computer. Below are three key criteria for Blu-ray decryption, which also guided how I picked the six tools in this guide.

Blu-ray decryption capability and stability
When it comes to decryption, you need to see whether it can reliably handle protections on retail discs and the latest releases, including AACS/AACS 2.0, BD+, region codes, and Cinavia, ensuring the process goes smoothly without errors.

Video and audio fidelity
You don't want video or audio quality to degrade or subtitles to go missing after decryption. Check whether 1080p and 4K HDR10/Dolby Vision are preserved, look for DTS-HD and TrueHD passthrough, and verify the accuracy of PGS subtitles and chapters.

Update support
Blu-ray copy protection keeps evolving. That makes the update frequency, response speed to new protections, and the activity of the community and long-term maintenance especially important, so you can keep using the software without worrying that the software will suddenly stop working.

Before Decrypting Blu-ray: Hardware and Storage Preparations

✅Your Blu-ray drive must support BD-ROM (standard external/internal drives work).

✅You should have sufficient storage for the output files since Blu-ray rips can be 20–50GB+ (SSD/NAS recommended).

NOTE: Because Blu-ray movies can range from 20GB to 50GB+ (and up to 100GB for 4K UHD discs), you'll need enough space before decrypting and ripping Blu-ray.
 

1. Check Disc Size

  • Use Windows Explorer, macOS Finder, or programs like MakeMKV to insert the Blu-ray and verify its total capacity.
  • Standard Blu-ray (BD-25): approximately 25GB
  • Dual-layer Blu-ray (BD-50): about 50GB
  • 4K UHD Blu-ray (BD-66/BD-100): 66GB-100GB

2. Storage Options

  • Internal SSD/HDD: Best for ripping (recommended free space of at least 50GB per movie).
  • External USB 3.0+ HDD/SSD: Avoid sluggish USB 2.0 drives for backups.
  • Network storage, or NAS, is perfect for big collections (make sure to use gigabit Ethernet for seamless transfers).
  • Don't fill drives all the way to the top. Give yourself 10–20% extra room for stability.

Best Blu-ray Decrypter Software in 2026: My Test and Review

Decrypting a Blu-ray disc can be done in two ways, depending on your needs. If you want a 1:1 duplicate, Blu-ray copy software lets you remove protections and backup the content onto a blank disc. Alternatively, Blu-ray ripping software enables you to extract the movie into various digital formats. For example, you can rip Blu-ray to ISO or convert it to MP4 or MKV files.

Many programs can handle Blu-ray protection while copying or ripping a disc, folder, or ISO file, and most of the process runs automatically after the source is loaded. Below, I will compare several Blu-ray decryption tools that can process protected sources quickly and explain what each tool is best suited for.

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Disclaimer: Any Blu-ray decryption for commercial purposes is prohibited. The guide provided in this post for removing Blu-ray copy protection is intended only for personal collection. Please thoroughly review the relevant regulations and use the following Blu-ray decryption tools responsibly.

No.1 DVDFab Blu-ray Ripper - Best Overall Blu-ray Decrypter and Ripper

💻Supported OS: Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 & macOS 10.13 - 15.x

DVDFab Blu-ray Ripper is my first Blu-ray decrypter recommendation for users who want to decrypt Blu-ray discs, ISO files, or folders and convert them to digital video or audio formats. It has a unique Cloud Decryption Service that not only decrypts any existing Blu-ray protections but also keeps updating to support newly released Blu-ray protections. Using free tools, I often had to wait for software updates or manually install the latest hashed_keys.cfg files to fix decryption errors on new discs. DVDFab eliminates this hassle.

In my testing, it does support the latest decryption, including AACS, BD+, BD-J, and region codes. Since there is no limit on ripping length during the trial period, I downloaded DVDFab (13.0.6.2) on my Windows 11 and used it to decrypt the new-released BD-50 of The Minecraft Movie, and it worked perfectly. It took only 7 seconds to analyze the source information and remove the Blu-ray copy protections with a LG drive. I also ripped four more movies released in 2026, and each one decrypted without errors.

 Key Features
  • Keeps updating to decrypt Blu-ray protection, including AACS, BD+, BD-J, RC, CPRM and Cinavia
  • Rip Blu-ray discs, folders, and ISOs to 1000+ formats and a variety of preset devices
  • Support 1080p, 4K, and passthrough output options depending on the selected profile
  • Supports hardware-accelerated batch conversion for faster performance
  • Crop and merge videos, adjust playback speed, and add external subtitles with the video editor
 Con
  • Full functionality requires a paid license after a 30-day free trial

How to Rip Copy-Protected Blu-ray Using DVDFab Blu-ray Ripper

Step 1: Download and install DVDFab Blu-ray Ripping software. There is no need to register the tool for the free trial.

Step 2: Select the Ripper module on the main screen.

  • If your source is a BD disc, insert it into an external Blu-ray drive and click "Add" to load the disc.
  • If it is an ISO file or Blu-ray folder, simply drag and drop the file into the interface.

How to Rip Copy-Protected Blu-ray Using DVDFab Blu-ray Ripper

To see if there is copy protection, click "Source Info." All protections are automatically detected and processed by DVDFab.

Check copy protection Source Info

Step 3: After loading the source, choose your desired output format by clicking the Profile Switcher button. Blu-ray can be decrypted and converted to a variety of video formats, for example, you can decrypt and convert Blu-ray to MP4, MKV, MP3, AVI, 2D & 3D video formats, etc.

  • Many devices are compatible with MP4 (H.265/HEVC). To save file size while keeping good quality, select H.265/HEVC.
  • For high-quality backups of multiple audio and subtitle tracks, MKV (H.265 or Passthrough) is the best option. To preserve the original quality without re-encoding, use Passthrough.
  • For particular devices, including the iPhone, Xbox, PlayStation, Smart TVs, and more, custom device profiles are created.

Choose output format in DVDFab Ripper module

Step 4: Return to the main interface and choose the titles, audio tracks, and subtitles involved in the conversion. The main action is to customize utilizing the advanced options and video editor.

Resolution:

  • 1080p (1920x1080): best for maintaining Blu-ray quality
  • 720p (1280x720): reduces file size while maintaining decent quality

Bitrate:

  • keep the CBR (Constant Bit Rate) at 4,000-8,000 kbps for consistent video quality

Utilize the advanced options and video editor in DVDFab

Step 5:  Once all of the settings have been completed, select an output directory and click the "Start" button to begin the ripping process.

Start to decrypt blu-ray with DVDFab

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DVDFab offers a free DVD/Blu-ray decrypter called DVDFab HD Decrypter, which is a simplified version of Blu-ray Ripper and Blu-ray Copy that lets you decrypt most encrypted DVDs and Blu-rays released a year ago. Despite only offering MP4 and MKV as output formats, it can fulfill users' basic copying and ripping needs.

No.2 MakeMKV - Best Free Beta Tool for Lossless MKV Backup

💻Supported OS: Windows XP or later, macOS, and Linux

MakeMKV is a popular Blu-ray decrypter and backup tool for users who want to save Blu-ray content as MKV files. It can handle common Blu-ray protections such as AACS and BD+ in many cases, and its changelog shows ongoing AACS-related updates, including AACS v82 support. However, it does not remove Cinavia audio watermark restrictions or preserve full BD-J interactive menus as a disc structure.

In my test, MakeMKV v1.18.4 was simple and reliable for lossless MKV backup. The main advantage is that it does not force users to choose complex compression settings. The trade-off is also clear: MakeMKV does not output MP4, does not create ISO or Blu-ray folders, and does not include editing, compression, or device presets. The output MKV files can also be very large.

 Key Features
  • Handles common Blu-ray/DVD backup to MKV
  • Supports AACS and BD+ in many Blu-ray backup workflows
  • Keeps original video, audio tracks, subtitles, chapters, and metadata in MKV
 Cons
  • Output is limited to MKV
  • New or complex protection variants may require a MakeMKV update

How to Decrypt Blu-ray Using MakeMKV

Step 1: Install MakeMKV and insert your Blu-ray disc into a compatible Blu-ray drive.

Step 2: Let MakeMKV scan the disc, then select the titles, audio tracks, and subtitles you want to keep.

How to Decrypt Blu-ray Using MakeMKV

Step 3: Choose an output folder and start the MKV backup. If you need smaller MP4 files later, you can transcode the MKV file with another video converter.

How to Decrypt Blu-ray Using MakeMKV

No.3 Xreveal - Best On-the-Fly Blu-ray Decrypter for Windows

💻Supported OS: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10, 11 or newer

If you've been an AnyDVD user, then you may be familiar with Xreveal. It shares a similar operation mechanism and works in the background to detect and remove restrictions from DVD and Blu-ray media. Xreveal is an on-the-fly Blu-ray decrypter for Windows, not a full Blu-ray ripper.

In my test, Xreveal ran quietly in the system tray and started automatically when I inserted a disc. It was useful for removing region codes, skipping UOPs, and allowing another program to read the Blu-ray source in the background. It also provides Rip to ISO File and Rip to Folder options, which makes it practical for users who prefer a lightweight background workflow. However, the official site currently lists Xreveal v2.7.5, updated on January 20, 2025. Because of this, it may be less reliable with newly released discs or more complex Blu-ray protections.

 Key Features
  • Works automatically in the background
  • Removes restrictions and region codes from DVDs and Blu-rays
  • Gets rid of user prohibitions and can disable BD-Live
  • Offers Rip to ISO File and Rip to Folder options
Cons
  • No MP4/MKV profiles, compression, video editing, or device presets.
  • Does not provide dedicated Cinavia audio removal.
  • It might not work with certain media players or system setups
  • Users have to rely on community support rather than customer service.

How to Decrypt Blu-rays Using Xreveal

Step 1: Visit the official Xreveal website to download the latest version. Please note that the software is currently only available for Windows operating systems.

Upon launching Xreveal, it will appear as a tray icon in the Windows taskbar. Right-click on the Xreveal tray icon to open the Settings menu. You can enable Blu-ray decryption and AACS removal in the BD & UHD section. Configure other settings such as region code removal if needed.

How to decrypt Blu-rays using Xreveal

Step 2: Insert the Blu-ray disc into the drive. After a few seconds, Xreveal will start detecting and decrypting in the background. A pop-up window will also prompt you to select the Blu-ray region code.

Specify Blu-ray Region Code using Xreveal

Step 3: Xreveal also provides Rip to ISO File and Rip to Folder options to let you copy the decrypted content to your computer. Besides, you can open Blu-ray discs directly in media players that support folder playback, such as VLC or PowerDVD.

Rip to ISO or folder using Xreveal

No.4 DVDFab Blu-ray Copy - Best for Blu-ray ISO, Folder, and 1:1 Disc Backup

💻Supported OS: Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 & macOS 10.13 - 15.x

If you want to decrypt Blu-rays while keeping the complete disc structure, DVDFab Blu-ray Copy is more in line with your needs. It can help you backup or compress copy-protected Blu-ray disc to a blank disc or save it as an ISO image file or folder on your hard disk. It is updated regularly to ensure it can decrypt the latest disc releases.

During my testing, DVDFab Blu-ray Copy decrypts Blu-rays with BD+ and AACS protections smoothly like DVDFab Blu-ray Ripper, but it serves a different purpose. It can make a complete copy of the disc, including menus and structure, so I use it to decrypt the Blu-ray and then copy it to another disc for backup — one disc for viewing and one for collection. 

 Key Features
  • Supports any encrypted Blu-ray, including AACS, BD+, BD-J, Region Codes, etc
  • Copy Modes: Full Disc, Main Movie, Customize, Clone/Burn, Merge
  • Import Blu-ray discs, Blu-ray folders, or ISO image files
  • Retains original video and audio quality, ensuring a perfect copy
  • Speed: Super-fast batch copying with Hardware (GPU) acceleration
Con
  • Not designed for MP4/MKV conversion, video editing, or device presets.

How to Decrypt Blu-ray Using DVDFab Blu-ray Copy

Step 1: Download and install DVDFab Blu-ray copy, which is included in the DVDFab 13 install package, along with Blu-ray Ripper.

Step 2: After launching the software, select the "Copy" module. Then open the mode switcher and select your preferred copy mode.

  • If you need to keep menus and additional content, select Full Disc.
  • If you only require specific titles and tracks, pick Customize.
  • There are also 1:1 clones, and merges available.

Then insert the Blu-ray disc and navigate by clicking the "Add" button, or just drag and drop the ISO or Blu-ray folder onto the main screen.

How to Decrypt Blu-ray with DVDFab Blu-ray Copy

Clicking the "Info" button after the source file has loaded will reveal that all of the copy protections from the original Blu-ray have been automatically identified and processed.

Check the copy protection info

Step 3: Either add external subtitles or choose which titles, tracks, and subtitles you wish to retain on the main screen. In the Advanced Settings panel, you can also choose the output file type (BD-50, BD-25, BD-9, or D-5) and change the volume.

💡Use BD-50 for lossless quality. If a smaller file size is desired, choose the BD-25 or BD-9.

Start to Decrypt Blu-ray

Step 4: Choose Optical Drive as the directory at the bottom of the user interface. Alternatively, you can choose to save the Blu-ray video to your computer by selecting the ISO/Folder icon. Lastly, press the "Start" button to instantly decrypt and copy Blu-ray to PC. At this point, a new window displaying the progress will open, and you can pause or end the task as necessary.

No.5 WinX Blu-ray Decrypter - Lightweight Windows Blu-ray Decrypter Option

💻Supported OS: Windows

WinX Blu-ray Decrypter is a lightweight Windows Blu-ray backup utility designed to make Blu-ray movie content accessible and save it to a hard drive. It can usually handle basic Blu-ray protections such as AACS, BD+, BD-Live.

In my test workflow, WinX Blu-ray Decrypter was easier to use. It sometimes worked well for basic Blu-ray decryption and backup workflows. However, it does not support newer or more complex protections such as advanced BD+, BD-J menu protection, Cinavia audio watermark removal, or the latest MKB variants. If you need frequent protection updates or more control over outputs, DVDFab Blu-ray Ripper is a safer choice.

 Key Features
  • Simple Windows-based Blu-ray decryption workflow
 Cons
  • Less complete than an all-in-one Blu-ray ripper
  • No support for advanced Blu-ray copy protection

How to Decrypt Blu-ray Using WinX Blu-ray Decrypter

Step 1: Install the program on Windows and insert your Blu-ray disc into a compatible Blu-ray drive.

Step 2: Choose the source disc and output target according to the available interface options.

Step 3: Start the backup process. 

How to Decrypt Blu-ray Using WinX Blu-ray Decrypter

Comparison Table: Best Blu-ray Decrypter Software

Before choosing a Blu-ray decrypter, it helps to compare what each tool can actually read, which system it runs on, and what type of Blu-ray source it accepts. Here I summarize the main protection types, OS support, latest public version information, and input options for DVDFab Blu-ray Ripper, MakeMKV, Xreveal, DVDFab Blu-ray Copy, and WinX Blu-ray Decrypter.

Protection / FeatureDVDFab Blu-ray RipperMakeMKVXrevealDVDFab Blu-ray CopyWinX Blu-ray Decrypter
OSWindows, macOSWindows, macOS, LinuxWindowsWindows, macOSWindows
AACS
BD+
BD-J
Region Code
Country Code
UOPs
BD-Live
Cinavia✅ with DVDFab Cinavia module✅ with DVDFab Cinavia module
MKB
Latest VersionWin v13.0.6.2 / Mac v13.0.6.3; product updated Jun 10, 2026v1.18.4, released Jun 15, 2026v2.7.5, updated Jan 20, 2025Win v13.0.6.2 / Mac v13.0.6.3No public version number
InputBlu-ray disc, ISO, folderBlu-ray/DVD discDVD/Blu-ray mediaBlu-ray disc, ISO, folderBlu-ray disc
OutputMP4, MKV, M2TS, FLAC, etc.MKVReadable disc, ISO/folder optionsBD disc, ISO, folderBackup output
4K Support✅ drive-dependent✅ drive-dependent❌ use UHD Copy for UHD
Hardware Acceleration
Video Editing

Extented Info: 5 Common Blu-ray Copy Protections

Blu-ray Discs employ multiple layers of copy protection to prevent unauthorized copying and distribution. While there are several methods, the following five are the most widely used.

(1) DRM

In Blu-rays, DRM applies primarily to streaming files (M2TS format), not the entire disc structure. This protection is embedded in pre-recorded discs and works in conjunction with other security measures. DRM ensures that only authorized devices and software can access the content.

(2) AACS Encryption

AACS is an industry-standard encryption system developed by a consortium of major tech and media companies, including Disney, Intel, Microsoft, Panasonic, Warner Bros., IBM, Toshiba, and Sony. It uses 128-bit AES encryption to secure Blu-ray content.

How AACS Works:

  • Each Blu-ray player has a Device Key, while the disc contains a Media Key Block (MKB).
  • These keys generate a Media Key, which decrypts the Title Key—ultimately unlocking the audio and video.

Key Revocation Mechanism:

If decryption keys are leaked, the AACS Licensing Administrator can revoke them by embedding an updated Host Revocation List in newer Blu-ray releases. When a user plays a new disc, the player updates its internal memory to block compromised keys, making previous hacks ineffective.

(3) BD+ Protection

BD+ is an additional optional security layer built on top of AACS. It introduces a virtual machine (VM) within the Blu-ray disc that runs BD+ instructions to "repair" intentionally garbled video content.

How BD+ Works:

  1. The VM executes BD+ instructions stored on the disc.
  2. It accesses a Fix-up Table, which contains the necessary corrections to restore the scrambled video.

Since BD+ relies on a virtualized environment, its protection can be updated dynamically without requiring new encryption keys. However, in 2008, hackers reverse-engineered BD+, leading to a cat-and-mouse game where the Blu-ray Disc Association regularly updates BD+ implementations, and hackers continue to bypass them.

(4) Cinavia

Cinavia is a forensic audio watermarking technology developed by Verance and mandated in all Blu-ray players since 2012. Unlike traditional encryption, Cinavia embeds an inaudible audio watermark in the movie’s soundtrack.

Purpose of Cinavia:

  • Prevents theater-recorded (CAM) piracy by embedding a unique watermark in theatrical releases.
  • Detects unauthorized copies by comparing the AACS encryption key with the audio watermark.
  • If the player detects a mismatch (e.g., a home-burned disc with Cinavia-marked audio), it mutes or distorts the sound after 20 minutes of playback.
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Cinavia is difficult to bypass because each Blu-ray disc has a unique watermark signature, making universal decryption methods ineffective. However, decryption tools, like DVDFab Blu-ray Cinavia Removal, can eliminate this protection by reprocessing the audio.

learn blu-ray copy protection

(5) BD-J

BD-J is a Java-based interactive platform used in Blu-rays to enable sophisticated menus, bonus content, and internet-connected features. It is a mandatory part of the Blu-ray specification and is supported by devices like Sony’s PlayStation consoles.

How BD-J Enhances Blu-rays:

  • Enables interactive features, such as dynamic menus and picture-in-picture (PiP).
  • Allows internet-connected functionalities, like streaming bonus content or downloading updates.
  • Provides additional security mechanisms, such as runtime encryption and content authentication.

FAQs

Is it legal to decrypt a Blu-ray?

Decrypting a Blu-ray disc can be considered illegal if it involves circumventing copyright protections without the permission of the copyright holder, especially for commercial and copyrighted discs. But laws differ across countries. Generally speaking, you can use decryption techniques on Blu-rays that you own or have bought specifically for your own use.

Can a DVD decrypter tool rip Blu-ray?

In general, DVD Decrypter does not support ripping Blu-ray discs. Its ability to identify and rip the disc determines whether it can rip Blu-ray. For instance, DVDFab HD Decrypter functions as a decryptor for both Blu-ray discs and DVDs.

Is AnyDVD HD still a Blu-ray decrypter?

AnyDVD HD was once a popular Windows background DVD and Blu-ray decryption tool. However, since June 2024, the RedFox website and AnyDVD HD software have been unavailable.

Can VLC decrypt and rip Blu-ray discs?

Yes, the VLC Media Player can rip Blu-ray discs. It cannot handle copy-protected Blu-ray discs by default. To remove Blu-ray protection in VLC, you need to install an extra library or plugin with decryption support, such as libaacs. Two other files are also required: the AACS dynamic library and a key database. Following this configuration, Blu-ray discs can be decrypted, played, and ripped using VLC. For novices, these steps might be a little difficult.

Conclusion

Although Blu-rays may be protected by Cinavia, BD-J, or other technologies, there are still practical ways to handle protected discs for personal backup where permitted. I still recommend DVDFab Blu-ray Ripper if you want to decrypt Blu-rays and convert them to MP4, MKV, M2TS, or device presets. If you want an exact Blu-ray disc backup with the original structure, DVDFab Blu-ray Copy is the better choice.