Dirty or scratched discs can cause read errors that MakeMKV misinterprets as key failures. Clean the disc with a microfiber cloth.
When MakeMKV rips a Blu‑ray or UHD disc, it often needs a small piece of decryption data called an HK (Host Key / Hashed Key).
These keys are downloaded automatically from an online database.
The message “Automatic HK downloading is disabled or failed” means:
Without a valid HK, the program cannot decrypt the disc, and the rip will fail.
Common reasons include:
When you encounter the error "Automatic HK downloading is disabled or failed,"
MakeMKV cannot connect to its decryption key server to download the hashed keys (HK) required for your specific disc
. This is most common when ripping UHD/4K Blu-rays, as these discs frequently require updated data not found in the initial software installation. Common Causes ISP or Router Blocking: Many ISPs (like ) or advanced routers (such as
) block the MakeMKV key servers because they are hosted in regions like Russia. DNS Issues:
Some DNS providers, including Cloudflare, may occasionally fail to resolve the key server addresses. Software Settings:
The "Enable internet access" option might be unchecked in the application’s preferences. How to Fix the Error 1. Enable Internet Access in MakeMKV
First, ensure the software is actually allowed to go online: Open MakeMKV and go to View > Preferences Check the box for "Enable internet access." Restart the application and try the disc again. 2. Use a VPN or Mobile Hotspot
Since the most frequent cause is network-level blocking, bypassing your home network often solves the problem instantly. Automatic HK downloading is disabled or failed. Jun 3, 2568 BE —
Understanding the "MakeMKV Automatic HK Downloading is Disabled or Failed" Error
If you’ve encountered the message "Automatic HK downloading is disabled or failed" while using MakeMKV, you aren't alone. This specific error relates to the software's ability to decrypt UHD (4K) Blu-ray discs. To understand how to fix it, you first need to understand what "HK" is and why the download fails. What is "HK"?
In the context of MakeMKV, HK stands for Hashed Keys. These are small data files required to decrypt the AACS 2.0 protection found on UHD Blu-rays. Unlike standard Blu-rays, where the software can often calculate the keys locally, UHD discs require a specific key that matches the "hash" of that particular disc version. MakeMKV is designed to automatically ping a central server to download these keys when it encounters a new disc. Why the Error Occurs
There are three primary reasons why this automated process fails:
Internet/Firewall Restrictions: The most common culprit. Your Windows Firewall, macOS security settings, or a third-party antivirus might be blocking MakeMKV from reaching the internet. makemkv automatic hk downloading is disabled or failed
Server Downtime: The hashed key server is maintained by a small community. Occasionally, the server may go offline for maintenance or due to high traffic, causing the "failed" status.
Software Settings: The "Automatic" feature might be manually disabled in the preferences, or the "Data Directory" where keys are stored is set to a folder that MakeMKV doesn't have "write" permissions for. How to Fix It
1. Enable Internet Access in SettingsOpen MakeMKV and navigate to View -> Preferences -> General. Ensure that the box labeled "Enable internet access" is checked. If it was already checked, uncheck it, hit apply, then re-check it to "reset" the connection.
2. Configure the Data DirectoryIn that same General tab, look at the "MakeMKV data directory." This is where the downloaded _keys.db file is stored.
Ensure this path points to a valid folder (usually in your Documents or AppData).
Make sure your user account has permission to write to this folder.
3. Manual Key IntegrationIf the automatic download continues to fail, you can bypass the system manually:
Find a reputable source for a keys.db file (the MakeMKV forums are the official hub for this).
Download the file and place it manually into the Data Directory identified in Step 2.
Restart MakeMKV; it will now read the keys locally without needing to ping the server. Conclusion
While "Automatic HK downloading is disabled" sounds like a critical failure, it is usually just a communication hiccup. By verifying your internet permissions and ensuring your data directory is correctly mapped, you can get back to archiving your UHD library in minutes.
This error occurs when MakeMKV cannot connect to the server (often located in Russia) to download the necessary decryption keys for 4K UHD or newer Blu-ray discs. Quick Fixes
Use a VPN: Connecting to a VPN is the most effective solution, as many ISPs or routers automatically block the connection to the key server due to geo-blocking or security filters.
Change DNS Settings: Avoid using Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1), as it sometimes interferes with these specific downloads. Try switching to Google DNS (8.8.8.8) instead.
Disable ISP Security: If you use "Xfinity xFi" or similar ISP-provided security apps, you may need to manually "Allow" the connection in the app's security log. Manual Workaround
If automatic downloading remains disabled, you can manually place the required files in your MakeMKV Data Directory (found under View > Preferences > General): Automatic HK download disabled or failed - www.makemkv.com Dirty or scratched discs can cause read errors
"Automatic HK downloading is disabled or failed" occurs when the software cannot reach its external servers to download Hashed Keys (HK)
. These keys are essential for decrypting newer or unsupported Blu-ray and 4K UHD discs. Why the Download Fails
The primary cause is typically a network restriction preventing access to hkdata.fairuse.org , the server where these keys are hosted. ISP Blocking
: Many internet service providers (like Xfinity/Comcast) block this domain because the servers are located in the Russian Federation Firewalls/Antivirus
: Security software or routers with "GeoIP blocking" may automatically drop connections to Russian servers. DNS Issues
: Some DNS providers, including certain configurations of Cloudflare, may struggle to resolve the necessary addresses. Disabled in Settings
: The feature may simply be turned off within the application. Immediate Solutions If you encounter this error, try these fixes in order: Automatic HK download disabled or failed - www.makemkv.com
The error "Automatic HK downloading is disabled or failed" in MakeMKV occurs when the software cannot connect to its update server to download the necessary hash keys to decrypt newer 4K/UHD discs. This is often caused by network-level blocking—such as ISP security features, firewalls, or GeoIP blocking—because the key server is hosted in the Russian Federation. Quick Fixes
Automatic HK download disabled or failed - Page 4 - MakeMKV forums
The error "Automatic HK downloading is disabled or failed" occurs when MakeMKV cannot connect to its hash key (HK) servers to download the latest decryption keys required for new discs, particularly 4K UHD titles
. This is often due to network security settings or geographic blocks, as the primary key servers are hosted in MakeMKV forums Potential Causes Geo-Blocking
: Many routers (like Ubiquiti gear) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) block traffic from the Russian Federation by default for security. MakeMKV forums DNS Filtering
: Sophisticated DNS setups or security functions (e.g., Cloudflare DNS) may inadvertently block the necessary domains. Firewall/Antivirus
: Local security software may flag the connection to the HK data domains as malicious. Incorrect Settings
: Internet access might be manually disabled within the MakeMKV General preferences. MakeMKV forums Recommended Solutions Automatic HK download disabled or failed - www.makemkv.com
The error "Automatic HK downloading is disabled or failed" in MakeMKV occurs when the software cannot reach its key server to download the Hashed Keys (HK) required to decrypt newer discs, particularly 4K UHD titles. This is often due to network-level blocking of the server, which is located in a region frequently flagged by security software or ISPs. Common Fixes Automatic SDF/HK downloading is disabled or failed messages Without a valid HK, the program cannot decrypt
Here’s a concise write-up explaining the error "MakeMKV automatic HK downloading is disabled or failed", its causes, and how to resolve it.
Visit the MakeMKV forum to see if others report HK download issues — the server may be temporarily down.
| Problem | Immediate Fix | |---------|----------------| | No internet | Connect online | | Firewall block | Allow MakeMKV in firewall | | Auto download disabled | Enable in Preferences → General | | Old version | Update to latest | | New disc | Wait or manually add hashedkeys | | Server down | Try again later or use VPN |
Final note: The error is almost always network‑ or configuration‑related, not a disc defect. Following the steps above resolves it in >95% of cases. If the disc is extremely new, patience (or manual key addition) is the only solution.
The "Automatic HK downloading is disabled or failed" error occurs when MakeMKV cannot download the Hash Key (HK) table required to decrypt a specific disc. This frequently happens with 4K UHD Blu-rays when the necessary decryption key isn't already stored in your local database. Primary Causes for Failure
Geo-IP Blocking: The HK servers (e.g., hkdata.fairuse.org) are often hosted in the Russian Federation. Many ISPs, firewalls, and routers (like Ubiquiti or Unifi gear) automatically block traffic from this region for security reasons.
DNS Issues: Your ISP's DNS may fail to resolve the specific domains used for these downloads.
Software Restrictions: Antivirus or "threat protection" software may flag the download as suspicious and block it.
Configuration: The "Allow contacting web server for updates" option may be unchecked in MakeMKV's settings. Verified Workarounds
Reviewers and users on the MakeMKV Forum suggest the following fixes: Automatic HK download disabled or failed - www.makemkv.com
Feature: Automatic HKEY Download Retry and Fallback
Description: MakeMKV's automatic HKEY downloading feature allows users to access the latest Blu-ray and DVD decryption keys. However, in some cases, this feature may fail or be disabled. To address this issue, we propose a new feature that provides a retry mechanism and a fallback solution to ensure seamless access to HKEY downloads.
Feature Details:
Benefits:
Implementation:
Testing and Quality Assurance:
By implementing this feature, MakeMKV users will have a more robust and reliable experience when it comes to accessing Blu-ray and DVD decryption keys.