Ultimate UHD Drives Flashing Guide Updated 2026

[MartyMcNuts]

Will your Verbatim 43888 work with MacOS 15?

Yes but just know it will likely need to be flashed as all the pioneer ones are gone

The pioneer ones, such as the ones from asmcom, don't need flashing, correct?

Billy's, mine and Asmcom's are already flashed/prepared/tested for UHD readability and are libredrive enabled, ready to go.

[dragonstar0828]

Looking for the firmware files for a plain old WH16NS40, i.e. not the NS50 flavor, can anyone point me in the right direction?

There's not on in "The all you need firmware pack" or "mk-firmware-pack-20200720" which is all I've been able to find so far.

Anyone have a download link for me?


drc

[dragonstar0828]

Follow up...

I think the file I'm looking for is 1.03-MK.bin but not 100% sure.


drc

[Billycar11]

Looking for the firmware files for a plain old WH16NS40, i.e. not the NS50 flavor, can anyone point me in the right direction?

There's not on in "The all you need firmware pack" or "mk-firmware-pack-20200720" which is all I've been able to find so far.

Anyone have a download link for me?


drc

Do not flash that drive it will die

[dragonstar0828]

Hey everyone, I think I got it all working as the drive is an NS50 flavor after all.

All's well that ends well.


drc

[forman]

I bought a Archgon Premium Aluminum External USB 3.0 UHD 4K Blu-Ray Writer Super Drive for PC and Mac and having a hard time flashing it. I tried SDF tool flasher.
I did try some of the instructions in page one of this thread. Can the Archgon be flashed?

[Billycar11]

I bought a Archgon Premium Aluminum External USB 3.0 UHD 4K Blu-Ray Writer Super Drive for PC and Mac and having a hard time flashing it. I tried SDF tool flasher.
I did try some of the instructions in page one of this thread. Can the Archgon be flashed?

likely yes post the drive info

[forman]

Drive Information
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE BU40N
Revision: 1.02
Serial number: MODOC5B1526
Firmware date: 2120-12-01 17:16
Bus encryption flags: 1F
Highest AACS version: 77

LibreDrive Information
Status: Possible (with patched firmware)
Drive platform: MT1959
Harware support: Yes
Firmware support: No
Firmware type: Original (patched version available)
Firmware version: 1.02
DVD all regions: Possible (with patched firmware)
BD raw data read: Possible (with patched firmware)
BD raw metadata read: Possible (with patched firmware)
Unrestricted read speed: Possible (with patched firmware)

[Billycar11]

Drive Information
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE BU40N
Revision: 1.02
Serial number: MODOC5B1526
Firmware date: 2120-12-01 17:16
Bus encryption flags: 1F
Highest AACS version: 77

LibreDrive Information
Status: Possible (with patched firmware)
Drive platform: MT1959
Harware support: Yes
Firmware support: No
Firmware type: Original (patched version available)
Firmware version: 1.02
DVD all regions: Possible (with patched firmware)
BD raw data read: Possible (with patched firmware)
BD raw metadata read: Possible (with patched firmware)
Unrestricted read speed: Possible (with patched firmware)

Yeah it can be flashed see guide or email me or Marty for an automated flash kit

[mossman1120]

Sorry if this is a stupid question but I just want to confirm that if I am able to source a new WH16NS40 that I can still flash that drive to work? I understand that getting a Pioneer drive would be better but in lieu of that can I use the WH16NS40? Thanks.

[Billycar11]

Sorry if this is a stupid question but I just want to confirm that if I am able to source a new WH16NS40 that I can still flash that drive to work? I understand that getting a Pioneer drive would be better but in lieu of that can I use the WH16NS40? Thanks.

yes all mt1959 lg drives can be flashed including those rebranded by asus

[Aggies92]

I think I've followed the instructions and it appears everything is kosher, but I'm still getting the following error:

Can't read AACS VID from disc - most likely current AACS host certificate is revoked by your drive
Saved AACS dump file as D:/Movies/MKB20_v76_Top_Gun-_Maverick_609F.tgz
LibreDrive compatible drive is required to open this disc - video can't be decrypted.
Failed to open disc

Here is my MakeMKV Info:

Drive Information
OS device name: \Device\CdRom1
Current profile: BD-ROM
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE BP60NB10
Revision: 1.02
Serial number: SIM04P4FG1119
Firmware date: 2120-05-07 09:35
Bus encryption flags: 17
Highest AACS version: 76

LibreDrive Information
Status: Enabled
Drive platform: MT1959
Firmware type: Patched (microcode access re-enabled)
Firmware version: 1.02
DVD all regions: Yes
BD raw data read: Yes
BD raw metadata read: Yes
Unrestricted read speed: Yes

Disc Information
Label: TOP_GUN_MAVERICK
Timestamp: 2022-08-18 10:22:47
Protection: AACS2.0/C v76
Data capacity: 90.20 Gb
Disc type: BD-ROM UHD
Number of layers: 3
Bus encryption flags: 80

I've tried several different discs, all with the same results. I have internet enabled in the settings and am running as an administrator.

Any help or tips would be greatly appreciated!

[Billycar11]

I think I've followed the instructions and it appears everything is kosher, but I'm still getting the following error:

Can't read AACS VID from disc - most likely current AACS host certificate is revoked by your drive
Saved AACS dump file as D:/Movies/MKB20_v76_Top_Gun-_Maverick_609F.tgz
LibreDrive compatible drive is required to open this disc - video can't be decrypted.
Failed to open disc

Here is my MakeMKV Info:

Drive Information
OS device name: \Device\CdRom1
Current profile: BD-ROM
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE BP60NB10
Revision: 1.02
Serial number: SIM04P4FG1119
Firmware date: 2120-05-07 09:35
Bus encryption flags: 17
Highest AACS version: 76

LibreDrive Information
Status: Enabled
Drive platform: MT1959
Firmware type: Patched (microcode access re-enabled)
Firmware version: 1.02
DVD all regions: Yes
BD raw data read: Yes
BD raw metadata read: Yes
Unrestricted read speed: Yes

Disc Information
Label: TOP_GUN_MAVERICK
Timestamp: 2022-08-18 10:22:47
Protection: AACS2.0/C v76
Data capacity: 90.20 Gb
Disc type: BD-ROM UHD
Number of layers: 3
Bus encryption flags: 80

I've tried several different discs, all with the same results. I have internet enabled in the settings and am running as an administrator.

Any help or tips would be greatly appreciated!

You likely have a sdf/key download issue try a vpn

[djdeity]

I'm having issues flashing my drive to handle UHD discs as well. Here's my drive according to MakeMKV 1.8.1 (paid):

Drive Information
OS device name: \Device\CdRom0
Current profile: BD-ROM
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE BU40N
Revision: 1.01
Serial number:
Firmware date: 2119-10-16 10:32
Bus encryption flags: 1F
Highest AACS version: 81

LibreDrive Information
Status: Possible (with patched firmware)
Drive platform: MT1959
Harware support: Yes
Firmware support: No
Firmware type: Original (patched version available)
Firmware version: 1.01
DVD all regions: Possible (with patched firmware)
BD raw data read: Possible (with patched firmware)
BD raw metadata read: Possible (with patched firmware)
Unrestricted read speed: Possible (with patched firmware)

I followed the instructions on the YouTube video, and here's where I got w/ PowerShell:

Windows PowerShell
Copyright (C) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Try the new cross-platform PowerShell https://aka.ms/pscore6

PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> c:
PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> c:
PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> cd..
PS C:\WINDOWS> cd..
PS C:\> cd C:\Program Files (x86)\MakeMKV
x86 : The term 'x86' is not recognized as the name of a cmdlet, function, script file, or operable program. Check the
spelling of the name, or if a path was included, verify that the path is correct and try again.
At line:1 char:22
+ cd C:\Program Files (x86)\MakeMKV
+ ~~~
+ CategoryInfo : ObjectNotFound: (x86:String) [], CommandNotFoundException
+ FullyQualifiedErrorId : CommandNotFoundException

PS C:\> program files (x86)
x86 : The term 'x86' is not recognized as the name of a cmdlet, function, script file, or operable program. Check the
spelling of the name, or if a path was included, verify that the path is correct and try again.
At line:1 char:16
+ program files (x86)
+ ~~~
+ CategoryInfo : ObjectNotFound: (x86:String) [], CommandNotFoundException
+ FullyQualifiedErrorId : CommandNotFoundException

PS C:\> cd "C:\Program Files (x86)\MakeMKV"
PS C:\Program Files (x86)\MakeMKV> makemkvcon64.exe f --all-yes -d C: rawflash enc -i C:\Windows\System32\HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BU40N-1.04-NM00500-212005061142.bin
makemkvcon64.exe : The term 'makemkvcon64.exe' is not recognized as the name of a cmdlet, function, script file, or
operable program. Check the spelling of the name, or if a path was included, verify that the path is correct and try
again.
At line:1 char:1
+ makemkvcon64.exe f --all-yes -d C: rawflash enc -i C:\Windows\System3 ...
+ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
+ CategoryInfo : ObjectNotFound: (makemkvcon64.exe:String) [], CommandNotFoundException
+ FullyQualifiedErrorId : CommandNotFoundException


Suggestion [3,General]: The command makemkvcon64.exe was not found, but does exist in the current location. Windows PowerShell does not load commands from the current location by default. If you trust this command, instead type: ".\makemkvcon64.exe". See "get-help about_Command_Precedence" for more details.
PS C:\Program Files (x86)\MakeMKV> .\makemkvcon64.exe f --all-yes -d C: rawflash enc -i C:\Windows\System32\HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BU40N-1.04-NM00500-212005061142.bin
Drive "C:" not found
PS C:\Program Files (x86)\MakeMKV> .\makemkvcon64.exe f --all-yes -d C: rawflash enc -i C:\Windows\System32\HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BU40N-1.04-NM00500-212005061142.bin
Drive "C:" not found
PS C:\Program Files (x86)\MakeMKV> makemkvcon64.exe f --all-yes -d C: rawflash enc -i C:\Windows\System32\HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BU40N-1.04-NM00500-212005061142.bin
makemkvcon64.exe : The term 'makemkvcon64.exe' is not recognized as the name of a cmdlet, function, script file, or operable program. Check the spelling of the name, or if a path was included, verify that the
path is correct and try again.
At line:1 char:1
+ makemkvcon64.exe f --all-yes -d C: rawflash enc -i C:\Windows\System3 ...
+ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
+ CategoryInfo : ObjectNotFound: (makemkvcon64.exe:String) [], CommandNotFoundException
+ FullyQualifiedErrorId : CommandNotFoundException


Suggestion [3,General]: The command makemkvcon64.exe was not found, but does exist in the current location. Windows PowerShell does not load commands from the current location by default. If you trust this command, instead type: ".\makemkvcon64.exe". See "get-help about_Command_Precedence" for more details.
PS C:\Program Files (x86)\MakeMKV>

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

No matter what I did, PowerShell tells me the C: drive didn't exist when I tried to flash. I'm a bit of a noob myself, but I thought I followed everything perfectly. Appreciate your help.

[dcoke22]

I'm having issues flashing my drive to handle UHD discs as well. Here's my drive according to MakeMKV 1.8.1 (paid):

Drive Information
OS device name: \Device\CdRom0
Current profile: BD-ROM
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE BU40N
Revision: 1.01
Serial number:
Firmware date: 2119-10-16 10:32
Bus encryption flags: 1F
Highest AACS version: 81

LibreDrive Information
Status: Possible (with patched firmware)
Drive platform: MT1959
Harware support: Yes
Firmware support: No
Firmware type: Original (patched version available)
Firmware version: 1.01
DVD all regions: Possible (with patched firmware)
BD raw data read: Possible (with patched firmware)
BD raw metadata read: Possible (with patched firmware)
Unrestricted read speed: Possible (with patched firmware)

I followed the instructions on the YouTube video, and here's where I got w/ PowerShell:

Windows PowerShell
Copyright (C) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Try the new cross-platform PowerShell https://aka.ms/pscore6

PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> c:
PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> c:
PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> cd..
PS C:\WINDOWS> cd..
PS C:\> cd C:\Program Files (x86)\MakeMKV
x86 : The term 'x86' is not recognized as the name of a cmdlet, function, script file, or operable program. Check the
spelling of the name, or if a path was included, verify that the path is correct and try again.
At line:1 char:22
+ cd C:\Program Files (x86)\MakeMKV
+ ~~~
+ CategoryInfo : ObjectNotFound: (x86:String) [], CommandNotFoundException
+ FullyQualifiedErrorId : CommandNotFoundException

PS C:\> program files (x86)
x86 : The term 'x86' is not recognized as the name of a cmdlet, function, script file, or operable program. Check the
spelling of the name, or if a path was included, verify that the path is correct and try again.
At line:1 char:16
+ program files (x86)
+ ~~~
+ CategoryInfo : ObjectNotFound: (x86:String) [], CommandNotFoundException
+ FullyQualifiedErrorId : CommandNotFoundException

PS C:\> cd "C:\Program Files (x86)\MakeMKV"
PS C:\Program Files (x86)\MakeMKV> makemkvcon64.exe f --all-yes -d C: rawflash enc -i C:\Windows\System32\HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BU40N-1.04-NM00500-212005061142.bin
makemkvcon64.exe : The term 'makemkvcon64.exe' is not recognized as the name of a cmdlet, function, script file, or
operable program. Check the spelling of the name, or if a path was included, verify that the path is correct and try
again.
At line:1 char:1
+ makemkvcon64.exe f --all-yes -d C: rawflash enc -i C:\Windows\System3 ...
+ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
+ CategoryInfo : ObjectNotFound: (makemkvcon64.exe:String) [], CommandNotFoundException
+ FullyQualifiedErrorId : CommandNotFoundException


Suggestion [3,General]: The command makemkvcon64.exe was not found, but does exist in the current location. Windows PowerShell does not load commands from the current location by default. If you trust this command, instead type: ".\makemkvcon64.exe". See "get-help about_Command_Precedence" for more details.
PS C:\Program Files (x86)\MakeMKV> .\makemkvcon64.exe f --all-yes -d C: rawflash enc -i C:\Windows\System32\HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BU40N-1.04-NM00500-212005061142.bin
Drive "C:" not found
PS C:\Program Files (x86)\MakeMKV> .\makemkvcon64.exe f --all-yes -d C: rawflash enc -i C:\Windows\System32\HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BU40N-1.04-NM00500-212005061142.bin
Drive "C:" not found
PS C:\Program Files (x86)\MakeMKV> makemkvcon64.exe f --all-yes -d C: rawflash enc -i C:\Windows\System32\HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BU40N-1.04-NM00500-212005061142.bin
makemkvcon64.exe : The term 'makemkvcon64.exe' is not recognized as the name of a cmdlet, function, script file, or operable program. Check the spelling of the name, or if a path was included, verify that the
path is correct and try again.
At line:1 char:1
+ makemkvcon64.exe f --all-yes -d C: rawflash enc -i C:\Windows\System3 ...
+ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
+ CategoryInfo : ObjectNotFound: (makemkvcon64.exe:String) [], CommandNotFoundException
+ FullyQualifiedErrorId : CommandNotFoundException


Suggestion [3,General]: The command makemkvcon64.exe was not found, but does exist in the current location. Windows PowerShell does not load commands from the current location by default. If you trust this command, instead type: ".\makemkvcon64.exe". See "get-help about_Command_Precedence" for more details.
PS C:\Program Files (x86)\MakeMKV>

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

No matter what I did, PowerShell tells me the C: drive didn't exist when I tried to flash. I'm a bit of a noob myself, but I thought I followed everything perfectly. Appreciate your help.

When most people flash LG based drives like yours, they use the SDFtool Flasher and follow the instructions in the Ultimate UHD Drives Flashing Guide, which on your BU40N are "BU40N on any Firmware directly to > BU40N 1.03MK"