What is DVDFab Passkey and should you use it? It is a commercial background utility from DVDFab that removes copy protection from DVDs and Blu-ray discs so other software can read them. Circumventing copy protection is illegal in many countries, including the US and EU, even for discs you own.
Disc protection coverage
Passkey is designed to remove disc protections so the content can be read by compatible software. It covers standard DVDs, Blu-rays and 4K UHD discs, plus Blu-rays recorded from TV broadcasts (BDAV).
After Passkey handles a disc, playback and disc-copying tools can access its content. The program is intended to work alongside those tools, providing access to the disc they need to read.
How does Passkey fit into a disc workflow?
Passkey works in the background as a disc is accessed, so its decryption happens before a player or another disc utility reads the content. This suits workflows where an existing application handles playback or copying, while Passkey takes care of the disc protection.
- Passkey runs in the background rather than as a player.
- Playback or copying is done by other programs.
- Some UHD features depend on specific optical drive models.
Broadcast recordings and UHD drives
Changing optical-drive firmware can void the warranty or make the drive unusable. A free Passkey Lite edition with fewer features is also offered.
Pros
- Handles DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K UHD disc protections
- Supports BDAV and 4K BDAV broadcast recordings
- Free Lite edition available
Cons
- Circumventing copy protection is illegal in many countries
- Needs a permanent internet connection
- Drive firmware changes can void warranties
System requirements: Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Windows 11 · 64-bit only · Intel i3 or higher · 4 GB RAM or higher · 40 GB free disk space or above · Live Internet connection required
What kinds of discs does DVDFab Passkey handle?
DVDs, Blu-rays, 4K UHD Blu-rays and Blu-rays recorded from broadcasts.
Does Passkey play or copy the disc itself?
No. It runs in the background; playing or copying is done by other programs.
Is using Passkey legal?
Removing copy protection is illegal in many countries, including the US and EU, even for personal backups of discs you own. Check your local law.