If you rip DVDs or Blu-rays regularly with MakeMKV and use a hardware key database (keydbcfg) to manage AACS/BD+ keys, this guide explains what keydbcfg is, why it matters, how to set it up, and best practices to keep your rips working smoothly and reliably.
With the rise of LibreDrive and the incredible speed of MakeMKV’s native decryption, keydbcfg is no longer a necessity for most users. However, it remains a vital fallback tool for archivists, offline users, and those dealing with niche foreign discs.
By understanding how to manually integrate the KEYDB configuration, you transform MakeMKV from a standard ripper into an unstoppable decryption machine. It ensures that physical media you own remains accessible in your digital library forever.
Next Steps:
.MakeMKV folder as keys_hashed.txt.Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes. Users are responsible for complying with their local copyright laws.
is a decryption database primarily used by media players like to play encrypted Blu-ray discs. While
has its own internal decryption engine, it can use this external database as a fallback or for disc analysis. Report: Integration and Management File Function keydbcfg makemkv
: It contains thousands of VUK (Volume Unique Keys) and Unit Keys required to bypass AACS protection on Blu-ray discs. MakeMKV Behavior
: When a disc is loaded, MakeMKV first attempts to use its built-in keys. If it fails, it searches for
in its data directory to locate a matching entry for the disc's ID. Default File Locations C:\Users\[YourUsername]\.MakeMKV\ C:\ProgramData\aacs\ ~/.MakeMKV/ ~/.config/aacs/ ~/Library/Preferences/aacs/ Key Operations Updating the Database
: Because new Blu-ray releases use updated AACS versions, the
file must be updated regularly. Users typically use third-party tools like SamuriHL’s update tool to automate these downloads. Generating Reports (Dumps) : If a disc cannot be decrypted despite having a , MakeMKV generates a TGZ dump file directory. This file should be sent to the MakeMKV support email so they can add support for that specific disc version.
For more detailed troubleshooting and the latest key databases, check out these community resources: Configuration Guide Key Databases Setup & Directories MakeMKV Forum How to Use keydbcfg with MakeMKV: A Practical
provides the most current instructions on where to place your keydb.cfg for different operating systems.
Detailed dump file locations and upload procedures are documented on the MakeMKV support pages Finding Keys
The central repository for the key database is often found via vlc-bluray.whoknowsmy.name , which hosts standard cfg files. Community-maintained gists, such as this GitHub Gist , provide scripts to automate the database update process. Are you trying to fix a specific error code
(like "The volume key is unknown") for a new Blu-ray release? Where do I upload dump files? - www.makemkv.com
primarily uses its own internal hashed keys, it can use a file as a fallback to decrypt Blu-ray and 4K UHD discs if those keys are missing or the MakeMKV servers 1. Download the Database File You can obtain a updated file from community-maintained sources. FindVUK Online Database is the most common repository for these files. Download the "English" version for the best compatibility. 2. Locate Your Data Directory MakeMKV looks for this file in its MakeMKV Data Directory . To find yours: Open MakeMKV and go to Preferences Look for the MakeMKV data directory %USERPROFILE%\.MakeMKV ~/Library/MakeMKV ~/.MakeMKV ~/.config/aacs/ 3. Install and Rename the File Copy the downloaded into the data directory identified above.
(all uppercase) to ensure the software recognizes it correctly. Restart MakeMKV to apply the changes. Linux Mint Troubleshooting keydb.cfg - www.makemkv.com Download the latest KEYDB
The keydb.cfg file is a community-maintained database used by MakeMKV and other media software to decrypt Blu-ray and 4K UHD discs. While MakeMKV primarily uses its own "hashed keys" system that updates automatically, the keydb.cfg file acts as a vital secondary source for decryption keys—especially for new releases or when MakeMKV's internal servers are inaccessible. What is KeyDB.cfg?
The keydb.cfg file is a standardized text file that contains decryption keys for thousands of Blu-ray and UHD titles. It includes specific identifiers like Disc IDs and Volume Unique Keys (VUKs), which software uses to bypass AACS protection.
Hashed Keys vs. KeyDB: MakeMKV typically downloads "hashed keys" automatically when you open a disc. However, keydb.cfg allows you to manually provide keys for discs not yet in the official MakeMKV database.
UHD Support: For 4K UHD discs, keydb.cfg is particularly useful if you have a "friendly" drive and want to rip a brand-new title before the developer adds it. Where to Download KeyDB.cfg
The most common source for this file is the FindVUK Online Database, a community resource where users upload keys from their own discs.
Use cases:
makemkvcon.MakeMKV does not automatically look for an external KEYDB.cfg. You must tell it where to look.
KEYDB.cfg file directly into the MakeMKV data directory.
C:\Users\[YourName]\.MakeMKV\~/.MakeMKV/~/.MakeMKV/KeyDB is an open-source, high-performance NoSQL database that is compatible with Redis. It is designed to be fast, scalable, and easy to use. KeyDB supports many of the same data structures and commands as Redis, making it a popular choice for developers who need a robust database solution without the cost or constraints of traditional relational databases.