If auto-download still fails:

app_Key = "your license key here"

| Cause | Explanation | |-------|-------------| | Internet connection missing | MakeMKV needs online access to retrieve keys. | | Firewall / antivirus blocking | Security software may block MakeMKV’s network access. | | Outdated MakeMKV version | Older versions may have broken key downloaders or expired certificates. | | Temporary server issue | The key database server could be down or overloaded. | | Manual setting disabled | The user turned off “Allow contacting web server for updates / keys”. | | Proxy or VPN interference | Certain networks block or alter the key download request. | | New or obscure disc | No key exists in the database yet. |

If you want, paste the exact log error lines here and I’ll interpret them and recommend the next step.

(Related search suggestions provided.)

Fix: "MakeMKV Automatic HK Downloading is Disabled or Failed"

If you’ve recently opened MakeMKV to rip a new 4K UHD Blu-ray and were greeted by the error message "Automatic HK downloading is disabled or failed," you aren't alone. This specific error prevents the software from decrypting the disc because it can't access the necessary "Hashed Keys" (HK) required for newer titles.

Without these keys, your high-def backup process grinds to a halt. Here is a straightforward guide on why this happens and how to fix it. Why is this happening?

MakeMKV uses a "Hashed Key" system to decrypt the AACS protection on UHD discs. Usually, the software automatically pings a central server to download the latest keys for newly released movies. The error occurs for three main reasons:

Network Restrictions: A firewall or antivirus is blocking MakeMKV from reaching the internet.

Server Downtime: The primary host for the keys is temporarily offline.

Security Settings: Your MakeMKV settings are configured to prevent web access. Step 1: Enable Internet Access in Settings

The most common culprit is that the "Web Access" feature has been toggled off. Open MakeMKV. Go to View > Preferences (or click the wrench icon). Navigate to the General tab. Ensure the box labeled "Allow internet access" is checked. Restart the application and try loading the disc again. Step 2: Manually Update the HK Database

If the automatic downloader is failing due to server issues, you can bypass it by manually providing the keys.

Find a Keyfile: Visit the MakeMKV forums or trusted community repositories to find the _keys.db or the latest hashed key list.

Locate your Data Directory: In MakeMKV, go to Preferences > General and look at the "MakeMKV data directory" path (usually in your Documents or AppData folder).

Place the File: Download the latest keys and drop them into that specific folder.

Restart: Once the file is in the directory, MakeMKV will prioritize the local file over the web download. Step 3: Check Firewall and VPNs

If your settings are correct but it still fails, your system might be "stealth-blocking" the connection.

VPNs: Some VPNs interfere with the specific port MakeMKV uses. Try disconnecting your VPN.

Windows Firewall: Add an exception for makemkv.exe or makemkvcon.exe.

ISP Blocking: In rare cases, certain ISPs block the key server domains. Switching your DNS to Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) often resolves this. Step 4: Use a Custom Key Site

If the default server is down, you can point MakeMKV to a different URL. Go to Preferences > General.

In the "HK data hash URL" field, you can enter a mirror link (often found on the MakeMKV "UHD FAQ" forum thread). Note: Only use URLs from the official forum to avoid malware.

The "Automatic HK downloading is disabled" error is rarely a sign of a broken drive. It is almost always a connectivity or configuration issue. Start by checking your "Allow internet access" box, and if that fails, manually placing a keyfile in your data directory is a foolproof workaround.

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

"Automatic HK downloading is disabled or failed" occurs when the software cannot reach its update servers to download the necessary Hashed Keys (HK) required for decrypting 4K UHD Blu-rays

. This usually happens because the servers are located in regions often blocked by Western ISPs or firewalls. Root Causes Geographic Blocking: The update servers ( hkdata.fairuse.org hkdata.crabdance.com

) are frequently hosted in the Russian Federation. Many modern routers (like ) or ISPs (like Comcast/Xfinity ) block traffic from this region by default. DNS Issues:

Some DNS providers, such as Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), may occasionally have trouble resolving these specific domains. Disabled Settings:

You may have accidentally disabled "Enable internet access" in the program's general settings. Server Downtime:

Occasionally, the central server itself may be temporarily offline for maintenance. Primary Solutions 1. Use a VPN The most effective fix is to use a

). This bypasses ISP-level blocks and geographic firewalls. Connect to a server in a different country and restart MakeMKV. 2. Disable Router Geo-Blocking Automatic HK download disabled or failed - www.makemkv.com

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

Troubleshooting "MakeMKV Automatic H.265 Downloading is Disabled or Failed" Error: A Comprehensive Guide

MakeMKV is a popular software tool used to rip and convert Blu-ray and DVD discs into digital files. One of its notable features is the automatic downloading of H.265 (HEVC) encoders, which enables users to create high-quality video files with efficient compression. However, some users have reported encountering an error message stating "MakeMKV Automatic H.265 Downloading is Disabled or Failed." In this article, we will explore the possible causes of this issue and provide step-by-step troubleshooting guides to help you resolve it.

Understanding the Error Message

The error message "MakeMKV Automatic H.265 Downloading is Disabled or Failed" typically appears when MakeMKV is unable to download the H.265 encoder automatically. This can happen due to various reasons, including:

Troubleshooting Steps

To resolve the "MakeMKV Automatic H.265 Downloading is Disabled or Failed" error, try the following troubleshooting steps:

The error "Automatic HK downloading is disabled or failed" is rarely a hardware failure. In 95% of cases, it is caused by:

By systematically working through the 7 methods above – especially updating the software, re-entering the beta key, and checking your firewall – you will resolve the issue within minutes.

If the disc is brand new, patience is key. Submit a dump file and check the forums. The MakeMKV community is active and responsive.

Remember: MakeMKV remains one of the most reliable disc decryption tools available. This error is a small obstacle, not a dead end.

Still stuck? Post your log file to the official MakeMKV Forum along with the disc title and region. Include the phrase "HK downloading failed" in your subject line for faster help.

Last updated: 2025. Information applies to MakeMKV v1.17.x and later.

The error message "Automatic HK downloading is disabled or failed" in MakeMKV indicates that the software cannot retrieve the Hashed Keys (HK) required to decrypt a specific disc from its central servers. This issue typically arises when ripping newer Blu-ray or 4K UHD discs that are not yet included in the local database. Primary Causes

Regional/Geographic Blocking: The HK servers are often located in regions (such as Russia) that are blocked by certain ISPs, corporate firewalls, or government filters.

Network Interference: Features like "GeoIP blocking" on routers or advanced DNS configurations (e.g., specific Cloudflare settings) can prevent MakeMKV from reaching the necessary domains like hkdata.fairuse.org or hkdata.crabdance.com.

Software Configuration: The "Enable internet access" option under View > Preferences > General may be unchecked, explicitly disabling the feature.

ISP Security: Some ISPs identify the HK download as a security risk and block the host device's access to the server. Solutions and Workarounds 1. Enable Internet Access Ensure that MakeMKV has permission to contact its servers: Go to View > Preferences.

Under the General tab, check the box for "Allow contacting web server for updates" (or "Enable internet access"). 2. Use a VPN

The most effective way to bypass ISP-level or geographic blocking is to use a VPN. 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

"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" usually occurs because your network, ISP, or firewall is blocking the connection to the MakeMKV update servers, which are often hosted in regions (like Russia) that trigger security filters. Common Fixes

Use a VPN: This is the most effective solution for bypassing ISP-level blocks.

Change DNS Settings: Avoid using Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) for this specific task, as it sometimes interferes with these downloads.

Check Preferences: Ensure that "Allow contacting web server for updates" is checked under View > Preferences > General.

Router Filters: If you use advanced hardware like Ubiquiti, check if GeoIP blocking for the Russian Federation is active. Manual Workaround

If automatic downloads continue to fail, you can manually place the required data file in your MakeMKV data directory:

Download the file: Obtain sdf.dat.gz manually from official sources or trusted community mirrors. Locate your Data Directory: Windows: C:\Users\[YourUsername]\.MakeMKV Mac/Linux: /home/[YourUsername]/.MakeMKV

Install the file: Copy the downloaded file into that folder. MakeMKV should recognize and "consume" the file the next time it starts. Advanced Troubleshooting

If the host cannot be resolved, you can force the connection by adding the following line to your system's hosts file:185.84.108.20 hkdata.fairuse.org hkdata.crabdance.com Automatic HK download disabled or failed - www.makemkv.com

MakeMKV requires an active internet connection only for key retrieval. The ripping process itself works offline.

Try these solutions in order.

Error Message:
Automatic HK downloading is disabled or failed

Affects: MakeMKV (optical disc ripping software)
Commonly seen when: Opening a Blu-ray disc that requires an HK (Host Key) update to unlock AACS encryption.

If the disc is brand new (released within 24-48 hours), the decryption keys may not be in the public database yet.

What to do:

To submit a dump: