HandBrake is an excellent open-source DVD/BD encoder/decoder with two main advantages;
First, it is absolutely free, and, second, it can be modified with additional libraries and resources to the point of becoming a fully professional program. But at the same time, some of its processes, like encoding, may crash or fail unexpectedly.
The aforementioned error might result in corrupted files, an unresponsive program or computer, or, worse, a complete system failure that might require a technician to fix.
Therefore, it comes as no surprise that one of the questions asked on Quora, Github, and Reddit, is what to do when HandBrake’s encoding process fails or crashes.
In this article, we will focus on what we can do when HandBrake fails to encode a video file or crashes during the process. We scoured the internet and this is what we came up with.
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What is encoding in HandBrake
To begin with, we should explain what encoding is.
Encoding is akin to translating. All data, including videos, exists and is read by devices in the form of codes. Encoding is the act of taking such codes and rewriting them so that they are understood by other/ more devices.
Solutions to fix failed/crashed encoding
What do we do when HandBrake encoding fails/crashes? Here are 10 solutions for you, try them on your Handbrake and get the issue fixed right away.
1.Convert our files to MP4
HandBrake is capable of decoding several video and audio formats. Be that as it may, sometimes container formats like MKV may include audio that HandBrake cannot handle. In this case, HandBrake encoding will fail.
Converting our files to MP4 before encoding them with HandBrake ought to solve this issue, as MP4 doesn’t contain anything else in a different format.
2.Adjust HandBrake’s CPU usage
HandBrake tends to use up a lot of a computer’s resources if set up incorrectly. This is especially pronounced on older machines that don’t have that much CPU, to begin with. If that happens, the encoding process may fail or, worse, the computer itself may crash.
That can be done by lowering HandBrake’s affinity (a.k.a. How many cores of a CPU it is allowed to use)
- For Win 10 computers, right-click anywhere on your desktop. Alternatively, press “ctrl-alt-del” at the same time and select the “Task Manager” from the menu that will pop up.
- From the Task Manager, find HandBrake in the processes tab.
- Right-click on HandBrake’s process and select the “affinity” option.
- You can decide how many cores HandBrake will use in the next screen.
- Press “OK” and you are done.
3.Use a preset with lower resolution
Preset quality affects how much strain is placed on the GPU (The graphics card). Higher quality presets like 1080p could overload your GPU, especially if it is an older model, and cause it to crash.
To avoid that, and if quality is not a concern or you know your computer cannot handle the strain, select a preset with a lower resolution. (e.g. 720p.)
4.Restart the process
It may seem simple, but, sometimes, a minor error that may occur during encoding could create all sorts of mayhem.
To remedy that, all you have to do is start anew. Thankfully, runtime errors do not happen that often.
5.Restart the app
On the previous stream of thought, a runtime error may cause the app itself to crash.
Closing HandBrake and loading it up again cleans up the cache (short-term storage where all errors and the like are saved).
6.Restart the PC
While this is the first answer you get for any IT-related issue, it is also the easiest way to fix things. A minor bug, error, or just something that didn’t boot up correctly, could cause HandBrake encoding to fail or crash.
So, you may be able to solve the issue by restarting your computer.
7.Disable your firewall
Firewalls can protect our computer from malware but they also prevent some programs from running properly. This is an issue particularly pronounced in open-source applications like handbrake that usually do not have all the safety protocols and certificates in order.
By disabling your firewall or setting HandBrake as an exception, you will be able to prevent such issues.
How to disable the firewall on Win 10
Just like above, we are using Win 10 but the process for Win 7 is very similar.
- Go to the Control Panel.
- Select “System and Security“.
- Pick “Windows Firewall“.
- Select “Turn Windows Firewall on or off“.
- Turn off Windows Firewall (not recommended).
- Click on “OK” to save the changes.
8.Use a nightly version
Nightly versions of HandBrake are commonly known as beta or “experimental” versions. Those are versions that are still being worked on. These can be quite volatile in the sense that they may cause more issues than they’ll solve.
However, if nothing else works, an experimental version may be the answer to your particular situation. Especially if you are a bit more familiar with such software.
9.Check to see if you are trying to encode a DRM-protected video
HandBrake cannot bypass DRM mechanisms (coy-protection systems) in its original, unmodified version. That means that any attempt to encode videos from a protected source will result in failure.
To resolve this issue, all you have to do is either find an unprotected source or install additional libraries that will enable HandBrake to bypass any DRM. (Here is an example on how to install a library for CSS.)
10.Encode in x264 codec
The X265 codec may be too heavy for some computers to handle. If this is the case with yours too, you can prevent any crashes or failures by setting HandBrake to encode in x264 instead.
You will get lower-quality videos but a more stable process.
To do that: Go to the “Video” tab and change the codec at the “Video Codec” drop-down menu.
Alternative Use Tipard Blu-ray Converter
If none of the above fixes works for you, you may want to consider an alternative solution. One that is not as prone to crashing as HandBrake and that has a support line even if something goes wrong, which is very unlikely.
What you do need is one of the most stable Rippers on the market.
Tipard Blu-ray Converter
What makes Tipard Blu-ray Converter unique is that, unlike other converters, it offers versatility, speed, and high-quality results in an extremely user-friendly interface.
Power and speed
Versatility
Ease of use
Now, we’re ready to begin.
Steps to rip DVD and Blu-ray with Tipard
Step 1: Download and install Tipard Blu-ray converter.
Launch it after installation.
Step 2: Import the BD/DVD movie disc to Tipard Blu-ray Converter.
- Insert your BD/DVD movie disc into your computer’s disc tray.
- Select the Ripper tab and click on “Load Blu-ray”-“Load Blu-ray Disc” or “Load DVD”-“Load DVD Disc” on the upper left corner of the interface.
- Alternatively, click on the big blue plus symbol in the centre of the interface to load the inserted BD/DVD movie disc directly.
Tipard should load up the disc’s contents in a few seconds.
Step 3: Prepare your videos for ripping.
You can fully customise your video at this step.
- Select which parts of the movie you want in your file by clicking on the orange “Full Title List” button. You can preview the clips before selecting them.
- Choose, remove or add audio and subtitle tracks from the two drop-down menus.
- Edit or trim the video by clicking on the edit (star) and cut (scissors) buttons.
- On the far right of the loaded file, click on the drop-down menu to select the output format.
- Selecting the lossless option will get you a one-to-one copy of the source material.
Step 4: Complete the conversion.
Click on the “Rip All” button on the bottom right and you will have your PS4-compatible video in minutes.
You will have a ripped file in a matter of minutes.
Conclusion
HandBrake is a great open-source ripper with endless potential. However, it is prone to issues like encoding fails and crashes. In this article, we have listed ten easy solutions that you can try if you encounter issues with your HandBrake.