Handbrake Won't Start Encoding / Stops Encoding Issue Solved

You can use Handbrake to convert both DVDs and videos to MP4 or MKV formats. However, errors occur frequently during the encoding. For example, you may encounter errors like "Handbrake freezes while encoding after the latest Windows update", "handbrake stops encoding early", "Handbrake not ripping entire DVD movie". In this post, we're going to fix two main problems in DVD and video encoding, namely: Handbrake won't start encoding and Handbrake doesn't finish encoding.

Part 1. Handbrake Not Encoding/Stops Encoding Errors

Many users have recently reported persistent problems when using HandBrake for video encoding, especially following recent Windows updates. Common issues include the program freezing immediately after clicking "Start Encode," jobs getting stuck at 0.00%, or failing to start.

• I'm having trouble with Handbrake freezing after the latest Windows Update. It's hanging after clicking start encode, frozen.
• Handbrake is now having issue with converting my MOV file. I set everything up and I click on Start, it won't start the encoding.
• Handbrake encoding is stuck at 0.00%. The job stops at the encoding point and just updates the screen with 0.00%.
• They system clipboard is currently unavailable. You will not be able to use the clipboard until it is unlocked.
• Handbrake was unable to start. Handbrake encoding support has been disabled as it is a common cause of start-up issues.
• Handbrake won't rip entire DVD, it only stops at the half way...

These problems are often linked to HandBrake's reliance on the .NET Framework, process isolation conflicts, corrupted temporary files, or NVENC hardware sessions not releasing properly after system crashes. In short, system updates, hardware or driver inconsistencies, and HandBrake’s process management mechanisms are frequently at the root of these encoding failures.

Part 2. General Fixes to Handbrake Won't Start or Stops Encoding

It's hard to say why Handbrake freezes while encoding, Handbrake stops encoding early or Handbrake won't start encoding but if you love Handbrake very much and insist use Handbrake, below we'll summarize some solutions to Handbrake won't start encoding or stops encoding early without exporting a whole video.

1. Disable process isolation Click preferences > advanced, scroll and uncheck "Run each queued job in a separate worker process" option.
2. Restart HandBrake: Quit any ongoing encoding, close HandBrake, then reopen the program and try encoding again. This can resolve minor temporary freezes.
3. Restart your computer: Rebooting clears locked resources, resets NVENC sessions, and refreshes system memory, which may fix encoding hangs.
4. Check system security software: Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus, as they may block local ports (127.0.0.1) that HandBrake uses for process communication.
5. Reinstall HandBrake: Uninstall HandBrake completely, then download and install the latest version. This can resolve corrupted files or settings causing freezes.
6. Update .NET Framework: Ensure the latest version of Microsoft .NET Framework is installed, since HandBrake relies on it for process isolation and GUI operations.
7. Monitor hardware load: Older CPUs or systems under heavy load may overheat during encoding. Close other applications and check CPU/GPU temperatures to avoid throttling or freezes.
8. Verify source files: If encoding stops at the same point, the video file or DVD may be corrupted. Check the integrity of your files before encoding.
9. Handle DVD copy protection: Need to mention that Handbrake can't rip DVDs with copy protections and can't help you scan the right DVD main title. Use third-party tools like VLC or libdvdcss to identify the correct title for encoding.
10. Manual DVD extraction: If libdvdcss is installed but DVD encoding stops midway, copy the DVD contents (AUDIO_TS and VIDEO_TS folders) to your computer and then import them into HandBrake.
11. Fix libdvdcss issues: If Handbrake libdvdcss is not working, HandBrake cannot read protected DVDs. Reinstall libdvdcss to restore functionality.

Part 3. Solve Handbrake Won't Start Encoding or Stops Encoding Once for All

Handbrake is a converter, not a ripper. If your Handbraks still won't start encoding or stops encoding after you try all the fixes above, here is the non-brainer fix for you. Try a more powerful DVD ripper or video converter, you can avoid Handbrake not encoding errors permanently.

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