Digital movies, music, and television shows are incredibly popular. When it launched, iTunes included digital rights management (DRM) on its digital content. This prevented users from using files on any device, relegating playback to iTunes. Although DRM has since been lifted from iTunes music, it's still hampering iTunes videos. Learn how to remove DRM from iTunes movies and TV shows. [Read: 10 Media server software options for multi-device streaming needs]
For this tutorial, you'll need a few prerequisites. First, you'll need iTunes and DRM protected video. Then, you'll need TuneKit for Windows to convert M4V files with DRM to unprotected copies. [Read: How to install Kodi 17 on iOS without jailbreak using Cydia]
How to remove DRM from iTunes movies and remove DRM from iTunes TV shows
In a few simple steps, you'll be ready to watch your DRM-free iTunes videos. Please note that this is intended to show you how to unprotect your videos for personal use. For instance, I have loads of iTunes movies and shows but rather than watch them with iTunes, I'd rather use them on my Plex server and have backups sans DRM. [Read: How to stream iPhone to Amazon Fire TV stick using AirPlay]
1. Download TunesKit DRM media converter
Head over to the TunesKit website and download the DRM media converter. There are several options to pick from. You will need to purchase this.
DRM Media Converter: For removing DRM from iTunes movies and shows. Either Windows or Mac license.
DRM M4V Converter Bundle: Bypass DRM from movies and shows for Windows and Mac.
DRM M4V COverter + Apple Music Converter: Strip DRM from iTunes videos and music.
Spotify Music Converter + DRM M4V Converter: DRM-Free Spotify tracks and iTunes videos.
2. Install TunesKit DRM removal software
Once you've downloaded your preferred DRM removal software, navigate to the directory where you saved the install file. For me, this was my default Downloadsdirectory.
3. Launch DRM M4V Converter
Open Up Tuneskit And It Will Propmt You To Relaunch Itunes
After installation, open up the DRM M4V Converter. This will also open up iTunes.
4. Drag and Drop
Next Up Drag Your Media To The Tuneskit Drm Removal Tool
Now, it's as easy as dragging and dropping. You'll need to ensure your video file is downloaded to your PC before proceeding to remove DRM from iTunes TV shows and movies. Open the directory where you have your video downloaded, drag the file to M4V Converter, and get ready to convert.
Drmed Itunes File, Ready To Be Dragged Into The Tuneskit Interface
5. Pick your options
Select Your Tuneskit Options For Output File Type As Well As Source
Before you make the conversion, choose your format: Lossless MP4 of lossless M4V. Additionally, you may leave the output directory as default or change it to a custom path.
6. Click convert
Hit That Blue Convert Button
Now, it's time for the TunesKit DRM removal action. Click the convert button. This will take a few minutes, so go make a cup of coffee, grab a snack, or take a short walk. Since video encoding is heavily contingent on your CPU, the time it takes for you to remove DRM from iTunes movies and shows varies based on your processor.
TunesKit DRM removal for iTunes movies and TV shows: Final thoughts
If you've got a moderate to large library of iTunes videos, TunesKit DRM removal software is well worth the investment. It's a fantastic way to unprotect iTunes movies and shows for use on any device and with any software. I've used TunesKit to remove DRM from iTunes movies and TV shows so that I can drop those videos on my Plex server or play them using Kodi.
What software do you use to remove DRM from iTunes TV shows and movies?
I am a staff writer at SmartHomeBeginner, and a freelance writer with a focus on tech media. I run Cup Of Moe and have been featured in Electromaker, MakeUseOf, The Penny Hoarder, TechBeacon, Cliqist, Bubbleblabber, DZone, and EpicStream. As an HTPC enthusiast, I'm quite fond of my Plex server and enjoy playing with my Raspberry Pi. When I'm not hammering away at my keyboard, I can be found drinking far too much coffee, running, and listening to vinyl.
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