Skip to main content

How to convert MKV to MP4

While it’s not as popular as MOV or even FLAC files, you might occasionally encounter an MKV, or Matroska, file. When you’re dealing with subtitles on an audio or video track, an MKV file can come in handy.

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

5 minutes

What You Need

  • Internet connection

  • A PC

  • A web browser

When it’s time to convert an MKV file into something your device will support, like an MP4 file, it’s important to make sure you follow these steps to prevent any data loss.

The CloudConvert desktop website.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

CloudConvert

The best way to convert an MKV file to an MP4 file is by using an online service. There are plenty to choose from, but we think CloudConvert is the best. It’s simple and supports a wide variety of file formats. It’s a hosted service, so you’ll have to upload your video files to their server. You may have privacy concerns, and if you do, you can simply use software to edit them on your own device.

Otherwise, you have the choice to immediately delete your file as soon as it converts. Just select the X icon next to the Download button to do so. Be warned that it can take up to 24 hours, but your videos should be deleted from their servers permanently.

Here's how to use CloudConvert:

Step 1: Go to the CloudConvert homepage and click Select file to choose a file from your computer. If you select the Drop-down arrow within the Select file button, you can choose from files you keep in Google Drive, Dropbox, or other storage options.

Step 2: Select the Arrow next to Convert to and then choose MP4 from the video formats list. Select the Convert button to start the process.

The MKV to MP4 Converter on CloudConvert's website.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Step 3: The conversion doesn’t take too long, and you know the process is done when the option to download appears. (CloudConvert may automatically playback your newly converted video for you, so that you can see if the conversion went well before you download the new file.)

Select the green Download button to download your new video. Once you download your MP4 file, you can use it on any compatible device or platform.

Online-convert.com's MKV to MP4 converter

Another online converter option we like is Online-convert.com's MKV to MP4 converter. It's just as easy to use as CloudConvert. Here's how to use it:

Step 1: Open up your web browser and go to the Online-convert.com's MKV to MP4 converter website.

The MKV to MP4 converter from Online-convert.com.
screenshot/Anita George / Digital Trends

Step 2: Select the Choose file button to pick a file from your PC. Or you can select the Down arrow to the right of Choose file for more upload options, such as: Dropbox, Google Drive, or uploading from a URL.

Step 3: Once your MKV file is uploaded, you can either immediately select the green Start button to begin your conversion or adjust the optional settings below and then select Start.

(These optional settings include picking a preset, changing the screen size, adjusting the bitrate, or even trimming the video.)

Step 4: Once your MKV file is converted to MP4, you'll be presented with the Done page, which features several ways to save your new MP4 file, including uploading your file to a cloud storage service or downloading your file to your PC.

To download your file, select the green Download button. Your new file should immediately appear in your PC's Downloads folder.

Editors' Recommendations

Kizito Katawonga
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kizzy brings four decades of gaming, technology, design and geek culture to Digital Trends. He writes about games and the…
How to convert your VHS tapes to DVD, Blu-ray, or digital
VHS tape lifestyle DVD burner combo deck

While DVD and Blu-ray dominate today's world, VHS tapes ruled supreme in the '80s and '90s. It wasn't uncommon for families to document birthday parties, holidays, sporting events, and other big moments in life with their handheld camcorder, recording the footage onto a trusty VHS tape. Unfortunately, playing those VHS tapes is challenging nowadays, as it's unlikely that you still have your old VHS player (or that it's even still in working condition).

That means you'll need to look into converting your VHS tapes to DVD, Blu-ray, or digital formats to take a trip down memory lane. Even if you're not interested in checking out the footage today, it makes sense to get the film converted – after all, those VHS tapes are slowly deteriorating, and if they go bad, all that footage will be forever lost.

Read more
How to build a PC from scratch: A beginner’s guide for building your own desktop computer
Installing RAM in a desktop PC.

Building a PC from scratch might seem like a daunting task. From motherboards and CPUs to GPUs and cooling systems, there are a lot of moving pieces to consider. But despite all these fancy components, building a desktop computer is surprisingly simple. In fact, if you know how to handle a screwdriver and aren't afraid of connecting a few cables, it's possible for beginners to build a PC that's powerful enough to handle even the most demanding games and software.

Read more
How to install Windows on a Chromebook
The HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook rear view showing lid and logo.

The Google Chromebook is an excellent alternative to traditional PC setups, but some users may miss the look and feel of a Windows machine. If you’re the proud owner of a Chromebook, and yearn for the Microsoft OS experience, you’re in luck. Using a few simple tools, a couple of installs, and some patience, it’s actually not too difficult to get Windows 11 or 10 onto a Chromebook.

Read more