In MakeMKV, go to View → Preferences → General. Look for a button like “Download current HK file” or “Update HK” (wording depends on version). Click it. If automatic fails, this manual button sometimes forces a fresh download.
| 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 error "Automatic HK downloading is disabled or failed" in MakeMKV occurs when the software cannot reach its update servers to download "Hashed Keys" (HK) required for decrypting certain Blu-ray or 4K/UHD discs. This typically happens because the disc is too new for your local database and the network request to fetch the new keys was blocked. Common Causes
Geographic Blocking: The MakeMKV key servers are often hosted in the Russian Federation, which can be flagged or blocked by certain ISPs, routers (e.g., Ubiquiti's Geo-IP blocking), or corporate firewalls.
DNS Issues: Some DNS providers, like Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), have been reported to occasionally fail to resolve the necessary hostnames for these specific downloads. makemkv automatic hk downloading is disabled or failed
Preferences Configuration: "Enable Internet access" may be unchecked in View -> Preferences -> General, which prevents the program from even attempting the download.
Interference from Security Software: Some VPNs or antivirus suites with "Web Protection" features may view the connection as a threat and terminate it. Effective Solutions Automatic SDF/HK downloading is disabled or failed messages
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 In MakeMKV, go to View → Preferences → General
: 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
Here are a few options for the write-up, depending on where you intend to post it (e.g., a forum, a bug report, or a technical knowledge base).
MakeMKV is widely considered the gold standard for ripping Blu-ray and DVD discs to MKV format. However, like any software that relies on dynamic encryption keys, it occasionally throws cryptic errors. One of the most frustrating messages users encounter is: Final note: The error is almost always network‑
"Automatic HK downloading is disabled or failed."
This error typically appears when you insert a new Blu-ray disc. It signals that MakeMKV cannot retrieve the necessary Hash Keys (HK) to decrypt the disc. Without these keys, you cannot rip the movie.
This article will explain what this error means, why it happens, and provide seven proven solutions to fix it permanently.
Additional Tips and Solutions
If you've tried all the troubleshooting steps and still encounter the error, consider the following:
Conclusion