Forum Discussion
How to convert mkv to mp4 without losing quality in windows 11?
Hi everyone! I’m not very tech-savvy, and I need some help converting an MKV video file to MP4 on Windows 11. From what I understand, MKV is a good format for quality, but some devices and apps (like my phone or video editor) don‘t support it well.
MP4 seems more compatible, so I'd like to convert mkv to mp4 without losing too much quality. I've looked online, but many guides are too technical or suggest desktop mkv to mp4 converter software. Could someone explain the easiest way to do this for free?
8 Replies
- SamuellasbIron Contributor
There are many video converter apps you can choose but it is really hard to find a good one. For me, An2VID is the best video converter app you can use on a PC or Mac. It can bulk convert mkv to mp4:
https://www.techgizz.com/how-to-convert-mkv-to-mp4
- LucienwIron Contributor
Some people might be hesitant to use HandBreke to convert MKV to MP4 on Windows computer. HandBreke has a lot of options and settings. For users unfamiliar with video encoding, it can seem complicated or intimidating at first. Converting large videos, especially high-quality movies, can take a while. People often prefer quicker solutions or just want to avoid waiting.
If not configured properly, some might worry about losing video or audio quality during conversion, especially if they're not familiar with encoding settings. Some users are unsure if their subtitles, audio tracks, or special features will transfer correctly or if the MP4 container supports everything they need. They might think MP4 isn’t as flexible as MKV or worry about compatibility issues with specific players or devices.
Some prefer dedicated or simpler tools like online converters to convert MKV to MP4, which they find easier to use or faster, even if they might not offer as many options.
- GaokenIron Contributor
FF-mpeg’s video conversion feature is a powerhouse of flexibility and performance, giving you complete control over how your videos are transcoded, remuxed, or re-scaled. At its core, FF-mpeg can read nearly any input format—MKV, MOV, AVI, WebM, and more—and can output to all the major containers and codecs you need, such as MP4 with H.264/H.265 video and AAC audio. Whether you’re simply repackaging streams without re-encoding for lightning-fast “remux” conversions, or fully re-encoding to change resolution, bitrate, or codec, FF-mpeg’s command-line interface lets you script and automate batch mkv to mp4 conversion jobs with precision.
Beyond basic conversion, this free mkv to mp4 converter offers advanced filters for cropping, padding, deinterlacing, frame rate conversion, subtitle embedding, and even complex filter graphs that chain multiple effects in a single command. Its performance is highly tunable via presets (e.g., ultrafast, medium, slow) and quality settings (CRF, bitrate targets), allowing you to balance speed, file size, and visual fidelity. With FF-mpeg installed on Windows (just add its bin folder to your PATH), a single command can transform your video library to virtually any format, making it an indispensable tool for both quick one-offs and large-scale media workflows.
- FrederickkIron Contributor
The increasing concern about converting MKV to MP4 among some users can stem from several factors:
- While many conversion tools aim to preserve quality, some users worry about potential quality degradation or compatibility issues post-conversion, especially if settings aren’t properly configured.
- Certain codecs or features used in MKV files might be proprietary or have licensing restrictions, making users cautious about conversion processes that could violate rights or licensing terms.
- Some users find the conversion process intimidating or technically challenging, fearing they might accidentally corrupt their files or lose data.
- Modern media players and devices increasingly support MKV natively, reducing the perceived need to convert files to MP4, and thus making users more cautious about altering their files unnecessarily.
About converting MKV to MP4 on Windows computer. The growing apprehension is often due to concerns over quality, compatibility, legal issues, security, and the technical complexity of conversion processes, combined with the increasing native support for MKV files across devices.
- SamuellasbIron Contributor
You can't convert mkv to mp4 with Windows Media Player as it is is designed primarily as a media player, not as a transcoding or container-conversion tool. Here's why you can’t convert MKV to MP4 with it:
No Built-In Conversion Engine
WMP doesn’t include any feature to repackage or re-encode video files. It can play formats it has codecs for, but it won’t let you export or save them in a new container or with new codecs.
Limited Container Support
Out of the box, Windows Media Player doesn’t support the MKV (Matroska) container at all—so it can’t even open your source file to begin with. MP4 support is similarly restricted to certain codecs (like H.264 video and AAC audio) via installed Windows codecs.
No Codec Management
Even if WMP could open MKVs via extra codec packs, it still lacks any way to switch video or audio codecs and repack into MP4. Conversion requires a tool that can decode the source streams and then encode them into your desired formats—and WMP simply doesn’t do decoding/encoding workflows.
What to Use Instead
To convert MKV to MP4 on Windows 11, choose a dedicated mkv to mp4 converter all of which can open MKV files, decode the streams, and then either remux or re-encode them into an MP4 container.
- WainkusRobertIron Contributor
Hey! From my experience, converting MKV to MP4 without losing quality is usually pretty safe if you use the right tools and settings. Windows 11 itself doesn’t do the conversion natively, so you’ll need a good third-party app like or FFmpag.
- Now, the danger isn’t huge if you’re careful, but a few things to watch out for:
- Make sure you select the “same quality” or “lossless” options if available. Some MKV to MP4 converters default to compression or re-encoding that can lower quality.
- If your MKV already uses codecs compatible with MP4 (like H.264 or H.265), you can often do a “remux” instead of re-encoding, which is basically just changing the container and keeps the original quality.
- Just in case something goes sideways, keep the original MKV safe.
- Sometimes, if the original video has issues or unusual codecs, conversion might introduce glitches or artifacts.
In my own tinkering, I’ve found that using HandBreke with the “Passthrough” mode for video streams (if supported) minimizes quality loss, and it’s pretty straightforward. But if you’re just converting and want the best quality, the safest bet is to use a tool that allows you to remux instead of re-encode.
- SantiawgoIron Contributor
Here are two reliable, offline ways to convert MKV files to MP4 on Windows 11, each suited to different needs and skill levels.
HandBrake (GUI Re-encoder with Presets)
HandBrake is an open-source graphical encoder that offers presets for devices and web delivery. It’s perfect when you need control over bitrate, resolution, or subtitles.
Install: Download and run the installer from handbrake.fr.
Convert:
- Launch HandBrake and click File to load your MKV.
- Under Format, select MP4.
- Choose a preset (e.g., “Fast 1080p30” or “Web – Small”).
- Optionally adjust video codec (H.264/H.265), quality slider, and audio tracks.
- Click Start Encode.
V1LC Media Player (Quick GUI Conversion)
V1LC isn’t just a player—it can also a powerful mkv to mp4 converter for pc and mac. It's handy for one-off conversions if you already have it installed.
Install: If you don’t have it, grab V1LC from videolan.org.
Convert:
- Open V1LC and go to Media → Convert / Save...
- Click Add and select your MKV file, then Convert / Save.
- In Profile, choose Video – H.264 + MP3 (MP4) or create a custom MP4 profile with AAC audio.
- Set a destination filename ending in .mp4.
- Hit Start. V1LC will transcode and save the MP4.
- StephennenBronze Contributor
Make sure the converter supports the codecs in your MKV file. I once tried converting a high-bitrate 4K movie with an outdated tool, and it choked or gave me a corrupt MP4. Sometimes, the audio and video go out of sync after conversion. I’ve seen this happen when I tried custom settings. To avoid it, stick to default profiles or test a small clip first before converting the whole thing.
Converting MKV to MP4 can sometimes blow up the file size or make it too small. Be mindful of your output settings—don’t just pick the highest quality without considering the size. I learned this the hard way when my MP4 ended up way too big to store on my drive. Always keep your MKV file safe before you start. I’ve accidentally overwritten an original, and then I was bummed. Better safe than sorry, especially if you’re doing batch conversions.
Make sure the process of convertting MKV to MP4 completes fully. Interrupting it midway can corrupt your MP4. I’ve had to redo a few because my PC froze or I closed the app too early. Don’t download sketchy converters from shady sites—they might be bundled with malware.