How to Downgrade Unfriendly Firmware Based on Supported Drive List
Summary: Firmware downgrades replace restricted AACS 2.0 microcode with legacy versions to enable raw data access. The DVDFab UHD Drive Tool automates this microcode reversion for various hardware models. This process ensures the drive's internal controller bypasses encryption checks and enables bit-perfect 4K backups through the DVDFab software ecosystem.
Table of Contents
You have just purchased a high-quality 4K Ultra HD disc for your collection, but your computer fails to recognize it, or your software displays a "no disc found" error despite having a Blu-ray drive. Finding a compatible uhd friendly drive can feel like an endless search through technical forums and confusing hardware specifications. Many users find themselves stuck with expensive hardware that is locked by restrictive firmware, preventing them from accessing the 4K content they legally own for personal backups.
In this guide, I have compiled a comprehensive supported drive list based on extensive compatibility testing and firmware analysis. I will show you how to use the DVDFab UHD Drive Tool to unlock your hardware's full potential by identifying which models allow for a successful bu40n firmware downgrade, making it easy to backup and enjoy 4k Blu-ray movies.
1. What are 4K Friendly Drives?
A 4K friendly drive is a regular Blu-ray drive that can read BDXL media without implementing AACS2.0 protection or revocation. Unlike "Official" UHD drives that are strictly locked by manufacturers, these friendly models allow third-party software to access raw data on 4K discs. Identifying these drives is the first step for any collector looking to digitize their physical library.
2. Why Downgrade 4K Unfriendly Drives?
Most newer drives come with "fixed" firmware that blocks 4K disc access to comply with strict DRM. You need to downgrade firmware to revert your drive to a previous, "unlocked" state. By performing a bu40n firmware downgrade or similar flash, you effectively remove these digital barriers, enabling your hardware to communicate with tools like DVDFab UHD Copy and UHD Ripper for seamless 4K backup.
3. Best UHD Drive Downgrading Tool: DVDFab UHD Drive Tool
Firmware versions determine whether the hardware interface allows AACS 2.0 data transmission between the optical pickup and the operating system.
DVDFab UHD Drive Tool is a specialized microcode flashing utility designed to replace restricted firmware with compatible legacy versions. This process enables the drive's internal controller to bypass hardware-level encryption checks, allowing the laser to read the raw data layers of 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray discs.
Supported OS: Windows: 11 / 10 / 8.1 / 8 / 7 (32-bit and 64-bit)
Key Features:
- Overwrites the existing firmware to remove AACS 2.0/3.0 read restrictions, enabling raw sector access.
- Compatible with a wide range of internal SATA and external USB 3.0/Type-C drives from manufacturers including LG, ASUS, and Buffalo.
- Executes the firmware write process with integrated checks to minimize the risk of buffer underruns or permanent hardware failure.
- Configures the drive for immediate use with UHD Copy and UHD Ripper modules for 4K Blu-ray movie backup.
4. How to Downgrade Unfriendly Firmware on UHD Drive
After knowing the highlighted features of this firmware downgrading tool, let's us learn how downgrad your unfriendly firmwareit with easy steps.
Step 1: Launch DVDFab UHD Drive Tool
Download and install this UHD Blu-ray Drive tool. Open it and click 'Launchpad' > 'UHD Drive Tool". Then insert external 4K Blu-ray drive (if it is external) into PC and take out any UHD disc from the drive.
Step 2: Select your UHD drive from the supported drive list
Choose your 4K UHD drive from the drop-down menu. All the listed 4K UHD drives are supported by this 4K UHD Drive Tool.
Step 3: Hit "Downgrade Firmware"
Tab 'Downgrade Firmware' to proceed with the downgrading task. A successful report will pop up when the friendly firmware is flashed. Once done, reboot your PC.
Warm Tips: The entire downgrading process will take 2~3 minutes. Please hold on and do not eject UHD Blu-ray drive or power off your PC. Any attempt to perform other operations during the downgrading task will be inadvisable.
The above-mentioned steps are the gateway to making legal personal backups with UHD Copy or UHD Ripper programs for personal use. Three simple clicks help you turn unfriendly UHD Blu-ray drives into 4K friendly drives, which is the most cost-efficient yet the safest solution.
5. Supported 4K UHD Drive List for Firmware Downgrading
In order to make the best of DVDFab UHD Drive Tool, it is always worth familiarizing yourself with the supported drive list of all UHD Blu-ray drives that can be downgraded into 4K friendly drive versions for the purpose of smooth and legal backup of UHD discs.
As of now, the supported drive list covers the following UHD Blu-ray drives:
BDXL Drives:
- LG UH12NS40 (internal, SVC code: NS40) Tested
- LG BP55EB40 (external, SVC code: NB50)
UHD Official Drives
- LG WH16NS60 (Internal, Firmware: 1.00)
- Buffalo BRUHD-PU3 (External, USB, Firmware: BU10)
- LG BU40N (Internal Slim/Laptop, Firmware: FR07, TST0, BU10, CA03, A100)
- LG BU50N (Internal Slim/Laptop, Firmware: GE02)
UHD Friendly Drives
- LG BE16NU50 (External, USB, Firmware: 1.01) ( Recommended )
- LG WH16NS40 (Internal, SVC Code: NS50)
- LG BH16NS40 (Internal, SVC Code: NS50)
- ASUS BW-12B1ST (Internal, Manufactured 2015+)
- ASUS BC-12D2HT (Internal, Manufactured 2015+, Firmware: 3.00)
- ASUS BW-16D1HT a (Internal, Manufactured 2015+, Firmware: 3.01)
- LG BH16NS55 (Internal, Firmware: 1.00~1.02)
- LG WH16NS58 (Internal, Firmware: TST5)
- ASUS BW-16D1H-U A201 (External, USB, Manufactured 2015+, Firmware: A201)
- LG BU30N (Internal Slim/Laptop, Firmware: 0217, 0245)
If your drive is already with the latest firmware version that is not backup-friendly, you can use DVDFab UHD Drive Tool to downgrade the firmware to the previous one. Check out the supported list below:
ASUS:
- BC-12D2HT
- BW-16D1HT
- BW-16D1H-U
- BC-12B1ST b
- HL-DT-ST
- BE16NU50
- BH16NS40 NS50
- WH14NS40 NS50
- WH16NS40 NS50
- BH16NS55
- BH16NS58
- BH14NS58
- WH16NS58
- BU40N/N
- BU40N/O (Buffalo)
- BU40N/D (Dell)
- BU40N/C (NEC)
- BU50N/V (Lenovo)
- WH16NS60 UH12NS40 NS40 BD-only
- BP55EB40 NB50 BD-only
HP HLDS:
- BU40N/P (HP)
- BU50N/P (HP)
Here UHD Official Drives mean UHD Blu-ray drives that are designed and tested to work with UHD Blu-rays, able to support AACS 2.0 protection.
Note that this supported drive list will be constantly updated as UHD Drive Tool is capable of supporting more drives in the days to come.
6. FAQs
Check the physical label on the drive's chassis for the SVC Code and Manufacture Date. For LG models, an SVC Code of NS50 or NS51 is required for 4K compatibility. Be cautious of drives manufactured after 2022; these often ship with an encrypted bootloader that prevents traditional flashing via SATA. Always prioritize "New Old Stock" or verified "Friendly" batches to avoid hardware-level locks.
Performing a microcode write over a USB bridge is significantly riskier than a direct SATA connection in AHCI mode. Voltage fluctuations or data buffer underruns during the flash cycle can permanently "brick" the drive's controller. If you must use an external drive like the Archgon MD-8107-U3, ensure it is connected directly to the motherboard’s rear USB ports using a high-quality shielded cable to maintain signal integrity and consistent power delivery.
7. Final Thought
Now you have known the supported drive list of UHD Blu-ray drives that can work with DVDFab UHD Drive Tool and mastered how to downgrade unfriendly firmware on 4K UHD drives before proceeding with the task of legal backups of 4K UHD discs with DVDFab UHD Copy and DVDFab UHD Ripper programs. Besides, you can enjoy copied or converted UHD contents with 4K media player DVDFab Player 7 or 4K Ultra HD TV.
