makemkvcon.exe

MakeMKV Command Line Utility

Application ProcessSafeMKV Tool

CPU Usage

2-15%

Memory

40-120 MB

Location

C:\Program Files\MakeMKV

Publisher

MakeMKV Ltd.

Quick Answer

makemkvcon.exe is safe. It's MakeMKV's command-line utility used to rip discs into MKV containers. It is typically invoked from scripts or batch jobs to automate ripping workflows.

Is it a Virus?

✔ NO - Safe

Must be in C:\Program Files\MakeMKV\makemkvcon.exe

Can I Disable?

✔ YES - It will stop ripping tasks until re-enabled

Disabling makemkvcon.exe will stop any active or scripted ripping tasks

What is makemkvcon.exe?

makemkvcon.exe is the command-line interface for MakeMKV. It runs without a graphical user interface and is used to read Blu-ray/DVD discs or disc images, extract selected titles, and output MKV files. Administrators and power users leverage it in automated ripping pipelines and batch tasks.

Using the MakeMKV engine, makemkvcon.exe demuxes and remuxes selected titles from a disc or image into MKV files without reencoding, preserving original quality. It supports drive selection, title filtering, and output naming via command-line options.

Quick Fact: The MakeMKV engine behind makemkvcon.exe allows batch processing across multiple drives and titles without a GUI, enabling script-driven workflows.

Types of Makemkvcon Processes

Command-Line Process: Executes MakeMKV routines from scripts or terminal windows (1 instance per run)
Drive Access Process: Reads optical drive content and disc metadata
Demux/Remux Process: Handles extraction of video, audio, and subtitle streams into MKV containers
Output/Option Handling: Applies title filtering, language selection, and output naming via command-line options
Utility/Helper Process: Manages auxiliary tasks like logging and error reporting during a rip

Is makemkvcon.exe Safe?

Yes, makemkvcon.exe is safe when downloaded from makemkv.com or official releases and matches a valid digital signature. Do not use modified binaries from untrusted sources.

Is makemkvcon.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real makemkvcon.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware can masquerade under similar names to mislead users.

How to Tell if makemkvcon.exe is Legitimate or Malware

File Location:: Must be in C:\Program Files\MakeMKV\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\MakeMKV\. Any makemkvcon.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
Digital Signature:: Right-click makemkvcon.exe -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show a valid certificate from MakeMKV Ltd..
Resource Usage:: During ripping, CPU usage may spike; memory usage can rise to a few hundred MB depending on the title. Idle usage should be minimal.
Behavior:: Makemkvcon.exe should only run when ripping tasks are initiated by MakeMKV GUI or an automated script. Unexpected background runs warrant review.

Red Flags: If makemkvcon.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\Roaming, or System32), runs when no ripping is active, has no valid digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan your system with antivirus software. Beware of similarly-named files such as "makemkvcon64.exe" or "makemkvcon-old.exe" from untrusted sources.

Why Is makemkvcon.exe Running on My PC?

makemkvcon.exe runs when you start a MakeMKV rip via the GUI, a script, or an automated workflow. When active, it processes discs or images and outputs MKV files according to the provided options.

Reasons it's running:

Active Ripping Task: A MakeMKV rip is in progress; makemkvcon.exe is performing the demux/remux operations for the selected titles.
Background Script or Batch Job: A script or automation workflow invokes makemkvcon.exe to handle queued ripping tasks.
Startup or Tray Launch: MakeMKV or a helper script is configured to start makemkvcon.exe when Windows starts or when a drive is detected.
Drive Detection: An inserted disc triggers makemkvcon.exe to enumerate titles and prepare for ripping.
Queued Jobs or Retry Attempts: A previous rip did not complete; makemkvcon.exe may remain active to finish or retry tasks.

Can I Disable or Remove makemkvcon.exe?

Yes, you can disable makemkvcon.exe. If you do not use the MakeMKV command-line utility, you can disable it to stop any rip tasks. You can also uninstall MakeMKV or disable related scripts.

How to Stop makemkvcon.exe

End Active Ripping Tasks: Open Task Manager, locate makemkvcon.exe, and End Task to stop current operations.
Close GUI or Stop Scripts: Close MakeMKV GUI and disable any scripts that invoke makemkvcon.exe.
Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable MakeMKV or related launcher
Disable Background Execution: If using a wrapper service or scheduled task, disable the task or service.
Stop Automation: Remove or disable any automation that calls makemkvcon.exe without user action.

How to Uninstall Makemkvcon (MakeMKV)

✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → MakeMKV → Uninstall
✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → MakeMKV → Uninstall
✔ If desired, replace with a GUI-based workflow using MakeMKV GUI or another ripper

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If makemkvcon.exe is consuming excessive resources:

Common Causes & Solutions

Concurrent Rip Jobs: Run fewer simultaneous makemkvcon.exe processes; stagger batch operations.
Large or High-Quality Rips: Limit selected titles, disable unnecessary streams, and use a lower output quality for testing.
Background Scripts: Review scheduled tasks or batch files that invoke makemkvcon.exe and disable duplicates.
Outdated MakeMKV Version: Update to the latest release from makemkv.com to fix known performance issues.
Malware masquerading as makemkvcon.exe: Run full antivirus/malware scans and verify the executable is located under C:\Program Files\MakeMKV\
Hardware Acceleration or Drive Issues: Disable unnecessary hardware acceleration options in MakeMKV settings and check drive health.

Quick Fixes:
1. Check which titles are being ripped in the MakeMKV GUI or logs to identify resource-heavy tasks
2. Limit parallel rips by queuing tasks or running fewer concurrent jobs
3. Update MakeMKV to the latest version from makemkv.com
4. Use title filtering and disable audio/subtitle streams you do not need
5. Ensure no malware is masquerading as makemkvcon.exe and scan the system if unusual activity occurs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is makemkvcon.exe a virus?

Yes, makemkvcon.exe is not a virus when obtained from makemkv.com and it carries a MakeMKV digital signature. Always verify the path is inside C:\Program Files\MakeMKV and that the Digital Signature matches MakeMKV Ltd.

Can makemkvcon.exe run without a GUI?

makemkvcon.exe can run in the background or be driven by a script. It does not require a GUI and is designed for automated ripping tasks.

Where is makemkvcon.exe located?

You can locate makemkvcon.exe in C:\Program Files\MakeMKV. If you installed MakeMKV in a different directory, adjust accordingly, but ensure the executable is present in the MakeMKV folder.

How do I update makemkvcon.exe?

To update the CLI, download the latest MakeMKV release from makemkv.com and install the updater; the makemkvcon.exe binary will be refreshed with the new version.

How do I stop makemkvcon.exe from running?

If you need to stop using the CLI, you can end the process in Task Manager or uninstall MakeMKV via Settings. Your saved ripping scripts will no longer run unless re-enabled.

How can I reduce makemkvcon.exe resource usage?

makemkvcon.exe is designed for ripping tasks. To reduce resource use, limit titles, disable unnecessary streams, and consider running rips one at a time or with longer intervals.