HandBrake Download: Get the Free Video Transcoder Safely

The official HandBrake downloads page is on handbrake.fr. At the time of writing the current version is HandBrake 1.11.2. The page states plainly that handbrake.fr, the HandBrake project on GitHub and Flathub are the only official places to download HandBrake. It also warns that while many unofficial mirrors carry legitimate copies, some do not, and reminds users that HandBrake is free software that does not require an account and runs entirely on your own computer.

That last point is a useful scam filter. If a site asks you to sign up, pay, or upload your videos to "HandBrake online", it is not the HandBrake project. The official documentation describes HandBrake as an open-source video transcoder that everyone can use to make videos for free.

The downloads page offers these builds:

• Windows, Intel or AMD x64 processors: an .exe installer or a .zip package. The installer suits most people; the zip is a portable copy.
• Windows, Qualcomm/ARM64 processors: a separate .exe installer and .zip package for Windows on ARM laptops.
• macOS: one Universal download for both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs, listed for macOS 10.13 and later.
• Linux: the Flatpak on Flathub, plus a downloadable Flatpak bundle and a QuickSync plug-in.

There is also a command-line version for scripting and batch jobs, and links to the source code and older releases. Not sure whether your PC is x64 or ARM? Settings, System, About shows the "System type". Our 32-bit vs 64-bit guide explains what the labels mean.

The official system requirements page is more demanding than many people expect, because video encoding is heavy work:

• Windows: HandBrake requires the Microsoft .NET Desktop Runtime 10.0.x. Windows 11 is supported; Windows 10 (version 1909 or later) is listed as deprecated, meaning it may work with limitations but is no longer supported.
• macOS: macOS 26 Tahoe, 15 Sequoia and 14 Sonoma are supported; older versions back to 10.13 are deprecated.
• Processor: the minimum formally supported hardware is AMD Ryzen, Threadripper or Epyc, Intel Core 9th generation or newer, or Apple Silicon M1 and newer.
• Memory: 16 GB for standard and high definition video, and 32 GB for 4K.
• Storage and display: 150 MB for the app and at least a 1280x960 display.

The documentation adds that HandBrake may run on weaker hardware but that this is not recommended. If HandBrake will not start on Windows, a missing .NET Desktop Runtime is the most common cause. Install it only from Microsoft's own .NET download site, which the HandBrake documentation links, and pick the Desktop Runtime for your processor type.

1. Download the installer for your processor from handbrake.fr and run it. If Windows SmartScreen appears, confirm the source first; our SmartScreen guide explains the prompt.
2. If HandBrake asks for the .NET Desktop Runtime, install it from Microsoft and start HandBrake again.
3. Open HandBrake and drag in a video file, or use Open Source to pick one.
4. Choose a preset. The built-in presets are tailored for common devices and uses; a general preset such as Fast 1080p30 is a sensible starting point for phones and laptops.
5. Check the output format (MP4 is the most compatible) and choose where to save the file.
6. Click Start Encode. Encoding time depends on the length of the video, the preset and your hardware.

To shrink a file further, raise the Constant Quality number slightly on the Video tab or lower the resolution on the Dimensions tab, then compare the result. The HandBrake documentation includes a Preview feature that lets you test settings on a short clip before encoding the whole video.

HandBrake creates MP4, MKV or WebM files. According to its documentation, it relies on well-known open-source encoders, including x264, x265 and SVT-AV1, together with the FFmpeg libraries. In plain terms, that gives you three main video codecs to choose from:

• H.264 (x264): the most compatible choice. Almost every phone, TV, browser and editing program plays it. Pick this when you are not sure what the viewer has.
• H.265 / HEVC (x265): similar quality at a smaller file size, but encoding is slower and some older devices and browsers cannot play it.
• AV1 (SVT-AV1): a modern, royalty-free codec with strong compression, best for newer devices and web use.

For the container, MP4 is the safest option for sharing and for phones. MKV is flexible and can hold several audio tracks and subtitles, which suits a home media library. If your graphics card supports it, HandBrake can also use hardware encoders such as NVIDIA NVENC, Intel Quick Sync Video or AMD VCN, which are much faster, although software encoders usually give slightly better quality at the same size. Our video converter guide explains containers and codecs in more detail.

Knowing the limits saves a lot of frustration. According to the official About page, HandBrake does not combine multiple clips into one, does not pass video through without converting it, and does not create Blu-ray, AVCHD or DVD discs. For joining or trimming clips, use a video editor such as those in our video editor guide.

HandBrake also does not defeat or circumvent copy protection of any kind and does not work with DRM-protected files, including protected content from streaming services and many commercial DVDs and Blu-rays. The documentation reminds users not to copy material they do not own or have the right to copy. If a download site promises a HandBrake version that "removes protection", that alone is a reason to avoid it.

HandBrake from handbrake.fr, GitHub or Flathub is safe. The downloads page links checksums for checking integrity and OpenPGP signatures for checking authenticity, both mirrored on the project's GitHub wiki. Our guide to verifying downloaded files shows how to use them.

How does it compare with other free tools? VLC is primarily a player; it can convert files, but with far fewer quality controls. FFmpeg, which HandBrake itself builds on, is a command-line toolkit that can do almost anything with video but has a steep learning curve. HandBrake sits in between: a visual app with sensible presets and deep settings when you need them. For recording your screen first and converting afterwards, pair it with OBS Studio.