How to Transfer DVD to USB Drive with or without Computer

"How do I transfer DVD movies to a USB flash memory stick? I no longer have a DVD player, but I have a few DVD movies I would like to watch on my TV via an Android box that does accept USB drives. My only tool to do the transfer is a Windows 10 notebook. Do I need specific software or does Win10 have it built-in?" - Reddit

Since DVD content requires compatible DVD drive and player for playback, many disc owners prefer copying DVDs to USB flash drive for easier access. On the other hand, modern USB drives have larger capacities (256GB, 512GB, 1TB) at lower prices, making them practical for storing DVD backups. This allows playback on any device with a USB port, eliminating the need for a DVD player or the discs themselves.

Here are all the possible ways to copy DVD to USB for easier playback or backup.

No matter the scenario, we have a solution for you:

• ▪ Whether you want to digitize homemade DVDs or bypass the encryption on copy-protected commercial discs.
• ▪ Whether you are looking for a completely free method or prefer a professional, budget-friendly solution for speed and quality.
• ▪ Whether you want to use a DVD ripper on your computer or find a way to transfer DVD to USB without computer.
• ▪ Whether you prefer a DIY approach or using a professional transfer service.

Read on to find the perfect, proven method to convert your DVDs into USB for easy playback on your Smart TV, PC, tablet, or any media device.

Method 1: Use DVD Ripper to Copy DVD to USB

To copy a DVD to a USB drive, using professional software is the most reliable method. Whether you need to bypass encryption on commercial discs or looking for a completely free open-source tool, there are several options available.

Below, we will compare the top-rated DVD to USB converters, from professional-grade tools like WinX DVD Ripper to popular free alternatives like Handbrake and VLC, to help you find the best success rate for your specific discs.

Option 1: WinX DVD Ripper (Best for Protected DVDs & Speed)

For a smooth, error-free experience, we recommend WinX DVD Ripper. It automatically detects and removes copy protections, allowing you to convert any DVD to a digital file directly.

Why it stands out:

• Strong Decryption: Handles everything from classic CSS to the latest intricate disc protections (e.g., 99-title discs).
• TV Compatibility: Rips DVD to MP4, making your movies playable on almost any Smart TV via USB.
• High Speed & Quality: Uses GPU acceleration to finish the job quickly without sacrificing image quality

What You Need: Before starting, ensure you have the following:

• A DVD Drive: Internal or external DVD drive.
• USB Flash Drive: Plug in a drive with enough space.
• The Software: Download and install WinX DVD Ripper below.

Once you have all the necessary tools and equipment ready, you can follow the steps below to copy a DVD to USB and watch it on your TV or other devices.

Step 1. Insert the DVD into your DVD-ROM drive and load it into WinX DVD Ripper.

First, insert the DVD into your DVD-ROM drive. Then, launch WinX DVD Ripper and click the "DVD Disc" button to load the DVD. The software will bypass any copy protections and detect the correct DVD title, which may take a few seconds.

Step 2. Select an output format.

Once the correct title is detected, the software will prompt you with the Output Profile panel. Here, you can choose an output format for the copy. You can save the files in any format compatible with your USB flash drive.

Step 3. Choose your USB drive as the output folder.

Once you have selected the output format, click the "Browse" button to choose the folder in your USB drive where you want to save the ripped DVD video. Make sure your USB drive has enough storage capacity.

Step 4. Start to copy the DVD to USB drive.

Once you have set everything up, click the "RUN" button to start the DVD to USB conversion process.

The software will begin to rip the DVD and convert it to the selected format for your USB drive. The time it takes to complete the process depends on the size of the DVD, the speed of your computer, and your settings.

After the process is finished, you can safely remove the USB drive from your computer and plug it into your TV or other devices to enjoy your digital DVD video.

Option 2: Handbrake (Best Free Open-Source Option)

HandBrake is a free, open-source tool that allows users to rip DVDs and convert them into various digital formats. However, by default, HandBrake cannot handle encrypted DVDs. To rip protected DVDs with HandBrake, you will need to install libdvdcss, an external library that enables HandBrake to bypass encryption.

Here's how you can copy a protected DVD to a USB drive using HandBrake and libdvdcss:

Step 1. Download and Install HandBrake and libdvdcss

First, head over to the official HandBrake website to download the software. Once downloaded, follow the installation instructions for your operating system.

After installing HandBrake, you'll also need to download libdvdcss. You can download libdvdcss from the official VideoLAN website. Make sure libdvdcss is installed correctly before proceeding, as it is essential for HandBrake to decrypt protected DVDs.

Step 2. Insert Your DVD and Launch HandBrake

Once you have everything set up, insert your DVD into your DVD drive. Open HandBrake and select the DVD as source. HandBrake will begin scanning the DVD and show you the available titles. If the DVD is encrypted, libdvdcss will help HandBrake bypass the protection and load the content for ripping.

Step 3. Choose the DVD Title and Set Output Format

Select the main movie title for ripping. Once you've selected the title, you'll need to choose an output format.

Step 4. Set the Destination Folder to Your USB Drive

Now that you've selected the output format, it's time to choose the destination folder for your ripped file. Click the "Browse" button next to the "Save As" field and select your USB drive as the destination folder.

Step 5. Start Ripping and Wait for the Process to Complete

Once you've set everything up, click the Start Encode button to begin the DVD ripping process. HandBrake will now begin converting the DVD into the selected format and save it to your USB drive. You can monitor the progress in the HandBrake interface.

After the ripping process is complete, the DVD video will be saved to your USB drive.

Option 3: VLC Media Player (Best for Quick One-Off Rips)

VLC Media Player is more than just a versatile video player; it also includes a hidden feature that allows you to convert DVDs into digital formats. Since most users already have VLC installed, it serves as a convenient, no-cost method to transfer DVD content to a USB drive without downloading additional software.

While VLC is reliable for unprotected discs, it may struggle with some copy-protected commercial DVDs and generally offers slower conversion speeds compared to professional rippers.

Below is the step-by-step guide on how to use VLC to save your DVD movies directly to a USB flash drive.

Step 1. Open VLC Media Player and Go to Convert

Launch VLC Media Player on your computer. Click on the "Media" menu in the top-left corner and select "Convert / Save..." from the dropdown list (or press Ctrl+R on Windows).

Step 2. Load the DVD Source

In the Open Media window, click on the "Disc" tab. Under Disc Selection, ensure "DVD" is selected. Check the "No disc menus" box if you want to skip the DVD menu and rip only the main movie. Then, click the "Convert / Save" button at the bottom.

Step 3. Choose the Output Format (MP4)

In the Convert window, look for the "Profile" section. Select "Video - H.264 + MP4 (MP4)" from the list. This is the most recommended format for USB drives as it is compatible with almost all Smart TVs, laptops, and gaming consoles.

Step 4. Set the USB Drive as Destination

Click the "Browse" button next to the Destination file box. Navigate to your USB drive in the file explorer, give the file a name, and click Save. Make sure the file extension ends in .mp4 to ensure smooth playback later.

Step 5. Start Converting DVD to USB

Once everything is set, click the "Start" button. VLC will begin streaming and converting the DVD content into the file on your USB drive. You will see the progress bar moving along the seek bar area. Note that this process may take as long as the movie's duration, so keep your USB drive plugged in until the blue progress bar reaches the end.

Option 4: MakeMKV (Best for 1:1 Lossless MKV)

MakeMKV is a straightforward tool for ripping DVDs and Blu-rays into MKV files, a versatile and high-quality video format. Unlike other DVD rippers, MakeMKV focuses on preserving the video and audio quality without compressing the files, meaning it produces large files without loss of quality.

While MakeMKV is excellent for bypassing DVD protection, it can only output the MKV format, which might require additional tools for converting to more widely supported formats like MP4.

Now we will guide you through the steps to use MakeMKV to copy a protected DVD to your USB drive.

Step 1. Download and Install MakeMKV

To get started, you'll need to download MakeMKV from its official website and install the software by following the installation prompts.

Step 2. Insert the DVD and Launch MakeMKV

After installation, insert the DVD into your computer's DVD drive. Open MakeMKV, enter registration code, and select the DVD as source. Then, MakeMKV will start scanning the DVD for titles.

Once the scan is complete, MakeMKV will show the available titles, such as the main movie, special features, and other content.

Step 3. Select the DVD Title and Output Folder

Next, choose the title you want to rip. In most cases, the main movie will be the longest title, so simply select that. You may also choose additional titles or extras if needed.

Select the Output Folder by clicking on the folder icon on the right-hand side of the interface. Here, you will specify the location on your USB drive where you want to store the ripped MKV file. Ensure that the USB drive has enough space, as MKV files can be large (up to several gigabytes depending on the length of the movie and the quality settings).

Step 4. Start Ripping the DVD

Once you have selected the title and the destination folder on your USB drive, you are ready to start the ripping process. Simply click on the Make MKV button.

MakeMKV will begin the process of copying the DVD to the selected folder on your USB drive. It will maintain the original video and audio quality, making this an excellent choice for users who want high-quality rips without compression.

Step 5. Wait for the Process to Complete

During the ripping process, MakeMKV will display a progress bar. Depending on your system’s performance and the size of the DVD, the process may take some time. Once completed, MakeMKV will notify you that the ripping is finished.

Method 2: Free Copy DVD onto USB Directly [for Homemade DVDs only]

This is simpler but only works for DVDs without copy protection, like homemade ones. This method copies the entire DVD structure to USB, which might not be playable on all devices. You may need a media player that can handle DVD folder structures. Here's how to copy DVD to USB directly for free.

Step 1. Insert the DVD into the disk drive and a USB into the USB port.

Step 2. Double-click the DVD drive. Find and copy all of the DVD's contents and files like ISO image or DVD folder. In the ISO image or folder, you can see the actual movie files such as VTS_01_1, VTS_02_1, VTS_03_1, and etc..., each representing a Chapter.

Step 3. Open the USB drive, then copy and paste DVD files to the USB drive.

Method 3: Transfer DVD to USB with Home Movie Transer Service

If you want to transfer DVD to USB without computer, you can pick a home movie transfer service near you to do the job. These services typically involve sending your DVD to the service provider, who will then convert the data to a digital format and save it onto a USB drive. There are many such services on the market. Let me introduce a few services here.

Walmart Photo

Walmart Photo lets you copy DVD to USB from YesDVD, Walmart DVD, DVD, CD, VCD, and MiniDVD. A digital copy of your ordered items which is stored in your MemoryCloud account. This is open to you for 60 days in which you can view and download the digital copy to your computer, smartphone, or tablet, and you can order additional DVDs or USBs. A digital copy charges $12.96 for the first 30 minutes and $5.46 for each additional 30 minutes. An additional DVD copy charges $3.96 while an additional USB copy charges $12.96.

It's easy to move DVD to USB. You simply need to create order online, send in your media (drop off at a Walmart store or use UPS provided shipping label), wait for the media to digitize, and receive your digital copy, original media, and additional USB or DVD copy.

CVS Photo

CVS Photo supports various types of DVDs, including YesDVD, CVS YesDVD, DVD, CD, VCD, and MiniDVD. It offers DVD, Blu-ray, or USB, and a digital copy of your ordered items which is stored in your MemoryCloud account. This is open to you for 60 days in which you can view and download the digital copy to your computer, smartphone, or tablet. A DVD copy charges $25.99 for 90 minutes from 1 device, a Blu-ray copy charges $33.99 for 90 minutes from 1 device, while a USB copy charges $34.99 for 90 minutes from 1 device.

You simply need to create order online, bring your media to your local CVS Photo Center, wait for the media to digitize, and receive your DVD, Blu-ray, or USB, digital copy, and original media.

Forever Studios

It accepts DVD, CD, Data & Mini Disks, SD, CF & Micro cards, USB flash drives, and data storage disks. What you get from it include Forever Safe USB, a Forever Cloud link, or a DVD set. $15 per DVD for the digitizing service. Additionally, you need to pay  $29 per USB drive.

To transfer DVD to USB, enter the quantity of media items you would like to transfer and how you’d like to receive your digital media back, send your media, wait for the media to transfer, and receive your USB copy.

However, it is important to note that not all Walmart Photo, CVS Photo, and Forever Studios locations may offer DVD to USB transfer services. Additionally, pricing and turnaround time for these services can vary depending on the specific store or studio location. It is recommended that you contact your local Walmart Photo, CVS Photo, or Forever Studios location to inquire about their specific DVD to USB transfer services, pricing, and turnaround time.

FAQs

1. How to copy DVD to USB on Windows 7/8/10/11?

WinX DVD Ripper is compatible with Windows 7/8/10/11. You can download and install the free DVD to USB converter software and follow the steps mentioned above to copy the DVD on Windows 7/8/10/11.

If you want to copy a non-protected DVD to USB on Windows 7/8/10/11 and don't mind the copy is a DVD folder, you can follow these steps:

1. Insert the DVD you want to copy into your computer's DVD drive.
2. Connect the USB drive to your computer's USB port.
3. Open the File Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E.
4. Navigate to your DVD drive and right-click on it.
5. Select "Copy" or press Ctrl+C on your keyboard.
6. Navigate to your USB drive in the File Explorer and right-click inside the folder where you want to copy the DVD files.
7. Select "Paste" or press Ctrl+V on your keyboard.
8. Wait for the transfer to complete.

2. How to copy DVD to USB with VLC?

VLC is not only a media player but also a DVD ripper. It can help convert a DVD to a USB flash drive in MPEG, MP4, AVI, Divx, ASF, WMV, FLV, etc. To copy a DVD to USB stick with VLC, you simply need to select Add > Convert / Save > Profile, select an output format and click Start to rip. Note that VLC can only help with non-encrypted DVDs. Read our guide on how to rip DVDs with VLC.

3. What format do you need to copy DVD to USB to play on TV?

If you want to rip a movie DVD to USB for later playing on TV, you should make sure the format of the DVD rip file is supported by your TV. For example, below are some of the general video formats supported by most common TVs.

• Apple TV: H.264 video in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov.
• Roku TV: H.264/HEVC in MP4, MOV, M4V, MKV and VP9 in WebM.
• Sony TV: MP4, MPEG, Xvid, DivX, WMV, OGG, 3GP, MOV, FLV, MVC.
• Samsung TV: AVI, MKV, ASF, MP4, MOV, WMV, 3GP, MPG, MPEG, TS, M2TS, MTS, DivX, WebM, etc.
• LG TV: MP4, MOV, M4V, MKV, VOB, MPG, AVI, WMV, ASF, etc.

If you use WinX DVD Ripper, you can rip the DVD to any of the formats in USB based on your TV model. You can also scroll down the output list to TV Video where you can find some TV output presets.

4. How to play DVD movie through USB?

• On a TV: Insert the USB drive into your TV's USB port. Use your TV's remote to navigate the input sources, select the USB drive, and then choose the video file you wish to watch. Keep in mind that some TVs have specific supported video file formats, so it's a good idea to consult your TV's manual for compatibility information.
• On a Smartphone (with USB Type-C): If you are using a USB drive with a Type-C connector, you can directly plug it into your compatible smartphone to watch the movie. Navigate to your phone's file manager or a video player app to access and play the video file on the USB drive.

5. How to fix DVD movies not playing on TV via USB?

It's important to note that not all TVs support USB playback, so you should check your TV's user manual or specifications to see if it supports USB playback. Here are some suggestions:

1. Check the ports on the TV and make sure there is no dusty or faulty USB port.
2. Make sure the USB drive is in the correct format. For example, some QLED and SUHD TVs support FAT, exFAT, and NTFS file systems while some full HD TVs support NTFS, FAT16, and FAT32. And VIZIO TV supports a USB flash drive that is formatted in either FAT or FAT32.
3. If you're using the FAT32 USB drive, make sure the DVD movies ripped for the USB are not larger than 4GB.
4. Make sure the converted DVD movies on the USB are in a video format compatible with your TV. Generally, MP4 is your best bet.
5. When the USB drive contains many files and folders, the TVs may have problems displaying and accessing all the files. For example, if the USB drive has more than 4000 files, a Full HD TV may have problems opening the files and folders.

6. What USB format do you need?

Before you copy a DVD to a USB flash drive, make sure you're using the correct USB. For example, if you want to make intact copies of your DVD collection on a USB drive in ISO image, DVD folder, or VOB, the DVD copies will have large file sizes. To be specific, one single DVD copy is almost the same size as the original disc, which is more than 4.5GB. So you can't use FAT32 USB as it supports 4GB only for a single file.

To transfer DVDs to a USB stick when the size is greater than 4GB, here are some suggestions: use NTFS on Windows PC and HFS+ on Macs. To copy DVDs to USB to play on a TV, use exFAT.

7. Why is the DVD to USB transferring speed so slow?

After you convert DVDs to USB digital formats, it's very annoying if it takes a long time to transfer the DVD movies to a USB flash drive. It's extremely a headache when you have converted a large DVD collection. Will USB 3.0 flash drive transfer videos faster than USB 2.0? Yes, the USB 3.0 device offers transfer speeds of up to 10 times what you get in a comparable USB 2.0 drive. However, when you connect a USB flash drive to a device, the data transfer speed will be limited by the slowest of the connected devices.

8. Are there any other DVD to USB services available?

For those who don't want to install a third-party program, there are online services to help. Search on Google, there are a lot of options. Take the first DVD to USB transfer as an example, it can save DVD videos on a USB stick in MP4 format. You can either buy the USB from it or use your own USB. It takes $15 to convert a DVD, which is expensive. And you will have to wait for the shipping. Other services are similar and most of them charge you per DVD.

9. How to convert a flash drive to a DVD?

If you want to go the opposite way to transfer video to DVD from USB, iPhone, Android, or other devices, you will need a DVD burning program for the task. WinX DVD Author is a free application that will easily burn MP4, MKV, AVI, VOB, FLV, MOV, ISO, and other videos from your USB drive to a DVD disc.

10. How to Copy a Bootable DVD to USB

Some people want to make a bootable USB drive out of a DVD storing Windows installation file. To do this, you first need to create ISO image file from the Windows installation DVD and then burn the ISO file to a USB drive. To be specific, you can first download and install ImgBurn on your PC, select Create image files from disc, insert the DVD that stores the Windows installation file and select it as the source DVD, then choose a destination to store the newly created ISO file, and click the DVD to ISO button to start the process.

Afterwards, you can create bootable USB following the steps: download and launch Rufus after which you can select your target USB device, choose the ISO file you just created and click the SELECT button under Boot selection, choose the partition scheme and select BIOS/UEFI, depending on the target machine where you want to install Windows, enter a name for the USB so you know what it contains once the burning is done under Format Options, and finally, click on READY and your bootable USB will be ready in a few minutes.

11. Can I rip a DVD straight to a USB from a DVD player?

Generally, no. Most DVD players’ USB ports are designed only for playing media files (like videos, photos, or music) from a USB drive, not for copying DVDs. To rip a DVD to a USB drive, you usually need a computer with a DVD drive. Tools like WinX DVD Ripper can read the DVD on your computer and save the content to a USB drive.

Disclaimer: Digiarty Software does not advocate ripping/copying copy-protected DVDs for any commercial purpose and suggests referring to the DVD copyright laws in your countries before doing so.