Short answer: the free VLC media player you already use to watch videos can also convert them, change MKV to MP4, extract audio to MP3, and more, all offline and free, no extra software or sketchy converter sites needed. Here is how to use VLC's built-in Convert feature and keep good quality.
How to convert a video in VLC
- Open VLC and go to Media > Convert / Save (Ctrl+R).
- Click Add and select your video file, then click Convert / Save.
- Choose a Profile (the output format), e.g. "Video, H.264 + MP3 (MP4)" for a widely-compatible MP4.
- Set the destination filename (add the correct extension like .mp4).
- Click Start. VLC converts the file; the progress shows on the playback bar.
Common conversions
| Goal | Profile to pick |
|---|---|
| MKV to MP4 | Video H.264 + MP3 (MP4) |
| Extract audio to MP3 | Audio - MP3 |
| For a specific device | A matching device profile |
Keep the quality up
Click the wrench/edit icon next to the profile to adjust the bitrate and resolution. Higher bitrate keeps more quality (bigger file); lowering it saves space. For a simple format change (like MKV to MP4 with the same codec), you can often keep quality nearly identical.
Why VLC beats online converters
- Private: it converts on your PC; your video never uploads to a stranger's server.
- No size limits like free online tools impose.
- No malware or fake buttons that plague converter websites.
- You already have it, no new install.
The non-obvious tip: for a pure format change, "remux" instead of re-encode
If you only need to change the container (say MKV to MP4) and the codecs are already compatible, re-encoding wastes time and slightly degrades quality. A tool that remuxes (repackages without re-encoding) is instant and lossless. VLC re-encodes by default; for large libraries, a dedicated remux tool is faster. But for a quick one-off conversion, VLC is perfectly good and already on your machine.
Frequently asked questions
Can VLC convert video files?
Yes. Use Media > Convert/Save, add your file, pick an output profile like MP4, set the filename, and click Start. It converts offline and free.
How do I convert MKV to MP4 in VLC?
In Convert/Save, add the MKV, choose the 'Video H.264 + MP3 (MP4)' profile, name the output with a .mp4 extension, and start the conversion.
Can VLC extract audio from a video?
Yes. In Convert/Save, pick an audio profile like 'Audio - MP3' to save just the audio track as an MP3 file.
Why use VLC instead of an online converter?
VLC converts on your PC so files stay private, has no size limits, avoids the malware and fake buttons on converter sites, and is already installed.
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