Converting MKV files to MP4 is easy with apps, and there are plenty on Windows to choose from.
MKV is a multimedia container format that often stores multiple audio and subtitle tracks. However, since it is not as popular as other video file formats, such as MOV and MP4, playing an MKV file can become challenging on a Windows computer.
If your device doesn’t support the MKV format, you can convert it to MP4. It is a common multimedia format supported by almost all devices. Here we show you the best online and offline tools to convert MKV to MP4 in Windows.
VLC is a free, open-source multimedia player that supports almost all audio and video formats, including MKV. If you have VLC installed, you don’t need to convert and play the video. However, if you still need to convert your MKV video, you can do so using the Convert feature in VLC. It's one of the best-hidden features of the VLC media player.
To convert an MKV file to MP4 using the VLC media player, perform the following:
VLC media player timeline will show the conversion progress. Once it finishes, it will save your video to the destination folder.
While the VLC media player offers a handy way to convert videos, the output file can sometimes lose audio during the process. You can fix this problem by using a dedicated video converter.
Download: VLC Media Player
CloudConvert is a multi-format online video converter. It offers both free and premium options and can convert your MKV videos to MP4 in a jiffy. You can upload videos from your local drive and cloud storage accounts such as Google Drive, DropBox, and URL.
You can use the free option to perform up to 25 conversions per day. If you need more, you can subscribe to its conversion minute packages with unlimited file size and five hours of processing time per file.
Here’s how to use CloudConvert:
To delete the video from the CloudConvert server, click the small red X icon next to your video title. All your videos will be deleted permanently within 24 hours.
CloudConvert is easy to use, and the 25 free conversions per day make it an ideal tool for occasional conversions. However, if you have privacy concerns, consider using an offline converter to keep your videos in your local drive.
HandBrake is a free open-source video converter that supports almost all media formats. It is a multi-platform application available on Windows, Mac, and Linux platform.
HandBrake is one of the easiest video converters you can use. For casual conversions, all you have to do is drag and drop the video onto the app, and it will automatically apply the most commonly used container settings. You can then select the destination folder and start encoding to convert the video.
If you need more advanced options, HandBrake has them in abundance. You can change the subtitles, add chapter markers, perform the batch scan, use video filters, and more.
Here’s how to use HandBrake to convert MKV to MP4:
The only downside to using HandBrake is having to download an additional set of .NET tools from Microsoft. Otherwise, it is an excellent open-source video converter utility that can cater to both casual and power users. You can also use it to compress and reduce video file size without losing quality.
Download: HandBrake
Converting your MKV file to MP4 allows you to share and play the video on any video-compatible device. While you may not see any difference in the output size, there is no loss of quality either.
For a quick conversion, you can use the VLC media player. If you need something a little feature-rich, HandBrake offers plenty of customization options, and it’s completely free to use. Then there are a host of online video converters that lets you convert from anywhere and on any device with some limitations.
Tashreef is a developer and works as a technical writer at MakeUseOf. With a bachelor’s degree in Computer Applications, he has over 5 years of experience and covers Microsoft Windows and everything around it. When not looking for a missing semicolon or churning out text, you can find him trying FPS titles or looking for new animated shows and movies.
Join our newsletter for tech tips, reviews, free ebooks, and exclusive deals!