Ultimate UHD Drives Flashing Guide Updated 2026

[ben_uk]

Drive Information
OS device name: F:
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE WH16NS40
Revision: 1.04
Serial number: KLZK5U91720
Firmware date: 2119-01-04 13:48
Bus encryption flags: 17
Highest AACS version: 63

LibreDrive Information
Status: Possible, not yet enabled
Drive platform: MT1959

Hello, so I have got a WH16NS40 and it is installed (I presume you dont need an actual driver and the Windows driver is ok?).

Above is the info from makemkv.

I have a few questions because I am a little confused about what is needed to flash this drive. So I visited the first post a few times and looked at the links, I looked in the All You Need Firmware Pack and I didnt see a firmware listed for the WH16NS40, I only saw one for the WH16NS60, so is this the one I should use for the NS40?

Secondly, what is the flasher I need please?

Lastly, I have no idea what DE Firmware and MK Firmware is?

I kinda need a baby steps guide, one that assumes you know nothing.

Thanks, Ben

[Billycar11]

Drive Information
OS device name: F:
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE WH16NS40
Revision: 1.04
Serial number: KLZK5U91720
Firmware date: 2119-01-04 13:48
Bus encryption flags: 17
Highest AACS version: 63

LibreDrive Information
Status: Possible, not yet enabled
Drive platform: MT1959

Hello, so I have got a WH16NS40 and it is installed (I presume you dont need an actual driver and the Windows driver is ok?).

Above is the info from makemkv.

I have a few questions because I am a little confused about what is needed to flash this drive. So I visited the first post a few times and looked at the links, I looked in the All You Need Firmware Pack and I didnt see a firmware listed for the WH16NS40, I only saw one for the WH16NS60, so is this the one I should use for the NS40?

Secondly, what is the flasher I need please?

Lastly, I have no idea what DE Firmware and MK Firmware is?

I kinda need a baby steps guide, one that assumes you know nothing.

Thanks, Ben

From first post and I links to sdf tool and my video how to use makemkvs built in flasher you can use either sdf tool is easier.


Recommended Firmware to flash for MakeMKV:
WH16NS60 on any Firmware directly to > WH16NS60 1.02MK

WH14NS40 on any Firmware directly to > WH16NS60 1.02MK

WH16NS40 on any Firmware directly to > WH16NS60 1.02MK

And if you don't feel like doing any of that get an automated flasher from me or Marty for $25

[d00zah]

I have a few questions because I am a little confused about what is needed to flash this drive. So I visited the first post a few times and looked at the links, I looked in the All You Need Firmware Pack and I didnt see a firmware listed for the WH16NS40, I only saw one for the WH16NS60, so is this the one I should use for the NS40?

The 1st post in this thread remains the definitive guide...

Recommended Firmware to flash for MakeMKV:

WH16NS40 on any Firmware directly to > WH16NS60 1.02MK (All You Need Firmware Pack)

Secondly, what is the flasher I need please?

Unlocked Flashers, Downgrade Enabled Firmware and MK Firmware:

SDFtool Flasher
(includes instructions)

Lastly, I have no idea what DE Firmware and MK Firmware is?

DE = Downgrade Enabled FW

MK = Patched FW from Mike (author of MakeMKV)

[ben_uk]

Ok thanks for the replies.

So in otherwords if I use the sdftool flasher and then this firmware from the all in one pack (HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_WH16NS60-1.02-NM00100-211810291936.bin) thats all that should be needed?

[d00zah]

Ok thanks for the replies.

So in otherwords if I use the sdftool flasher and then this firmware from the all in one pack (HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_WH16NS60-1.02-NM00100-211810291936.bin) thats all that should be needed?

That's it.

[ben_uk]

Thanks for all your help. Flashed and seems to be working ok.

[Sam_Lowry]

I bought a LG BU40N (1.04 from December 2020) and a Vantec NST-510S3-BK. If I have understood everything correctly, I first flash HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_BU40N-1.04-NM00500-212005061142.bin.

Should I restart the PC then?

Then I flash DE_LG_BU40N_1.00.bin.

I know that 1.00-DE is the original and 1.xx-MK the firmware that has been modified for MakeMKV. But what are the practical differences between 1.00-DE, 1.01-MK, 1.02-MK, 1.03-MK and 1.04-MK?

In the very, very early days of Windows, there was a cdrom.sys driver for a short time, with which you could copy wav files directly in Explorer. Is something like that possible with MakeMKV or LibreDriveIO?

Thanks for the umpteenth answer to the same questions.

[NGS428]

Hello,
I purchased the following drive (info from Make MKV and last 2 lines are from the top of the drive). I read the first post and others, just confirming a few things.

Drive Information
OS device name: \Device\CdRom0
Current profile: BD-ROM
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE WH14NS40
Revision: 1.05
Serial number: KLZKAMF3241
Firmware date: 2120-05-06 14:44
Bus encryption flags: 17
Highest AACS version: 62

LibreDrive Information
Status: Possible (with patched firmware)
Drive platform: MT1959
Harware support: Yes
Firmware support: No
Firmware type: Original (patched version available)
Firmware version: 1.05
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)

Manufactured: October 2020
SVC Code: NS50

Based on post 1:
1. Make sure your Drive was built after 2015 - Yes, October 2020
2. Drive Platform MT1959<Most important - Yes, MT1959
3. SVC NS50+ LG only - Yes, NS50

Question:

• Recommended firmware to flash on WH14NS40 on any Firmware directly to > WH16NS60 1.02MK. When I go to viewtopic.php?f=19&t=19113 the latest firmware for the WH14NS40 is the HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_WH14NS40-NS50-1.05-NM00900-212005061444.bin. It is 1.05, not 1.02..

• What is the difference between the "The all you need firmware pack:" with this one HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_WH16NS60-1.02-NM00100-211810291936.bin and the MK version which looks to be the one I mentioned above HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_WH14NS40-NS50-1.05-NM00900-212005061444.bin? The all you need version is the DE version and the other is the MK version it looks like. MK version enable libre drive support, 4k capability. DE just enables you to do downgrades? I assume I should use the MK version since I want Libre Drive and UHD, not sure when DE will be useful? I see it says "This is a good option to downgrade a firmware and get back the features that were available in previous versions, when previous firmware versions are available." Seems like the MK version gets you the features we are looking for.

• Also, I assume my current firmware is encrypted based on it being 1.05, so I will need to check the "enc" option in the GUI SDF tool. Please confirm.

My USB to SATA adapter is: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GL ... UTF8&psc=1
Amazon says it is a Unitek ‎93-Y-1039-US. This is the most common Unitek one, I used it to flash a previous drive. Is this compatible? I am currently using it to run the drive and rip discs. It looks very similar to the approved Y-1099 https://www.amazon.com/Unitek-Adapter-C ... ast_sto_dp
EDIT: MartyMcNuts replied that it will work to another user on Thu Aug 27, 2020 6:48 pm
Hello guys. Im new at this forum.
I would like confirm that Unitek Y-1039 work with makemkv and flashing. I have Asus BW-16D1HT flashed by Asus tool via this adapter. In my country Unitek Y-1099 is not available.
MartyMcNut: Yes it does.


If all is good above, just use the GUI SDF tool ("enc" option on) and flash the latest MK version HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_WH14NS40-NS50-1.05-NM00900-212005061444.bin? That is it?

[MartyMcNuts]

Hello,
I purchased the following drive (info from Make MKV and last 2 lines are from the top of the drive). I read the first post and others, just confirming a few things.

Drive Information
OS device name: \Device\CdRom0
Current profile: BD-ROM
Manufacturer: HL-DT-ST
Product: BD-RE WH14NS40
Revision: 1.05
Serial number: KLZKAMF3241
Firmware date: 2120-05-06 14:44
Bus encryption flags: 17
Highest AACS version: 62

LibreDrive Information
Status: Possible (with patched firmware)
Drive platform: MT1959
Harware support: Yes
Firmware support: No
Firmware type: Original (patched version available)
Firmware version: 1.05
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)

Manufactured: October 2020
SVC Code: NS50

Based on post 1:
1. Make sure your Drive was built after 2015 - Yes, October 2020
2. Drive Platform MT1959<Most important - Yes, MT1959
3. SVC NS50+ LG only - Yes, NS50

Question:

• Recommended firmware to flash on WH14NS40 on any Firmware directly to > WH16NS60 1.02MK. When I go to viewtopic.php?f=19&t=19113 the latest firmware for the WH14NS40 is the HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_WH14NS40-NS50-1.05-NM00900-212005061444.bin. It is 1.05, not 1.02..

• What is the difference between the "The all you need firmware pack:" with this one HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_WH16NS60-1.02-NM00100-211810291936.bin and the MK version which looks to be the one I mentioned above HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_WH14NS40-NS50-1.05-NM00900-212005061444.bin? The all you need version is the DE version and the other is the MK version it looks like. MK version enable libre drive support, 4k capability. DE just enables you to do downgrades? I assume I should use the MK version since I want Libre Drive and UHD, not sure when DE will be useful? I see it says "This is a good option to downgrade a firmware and get back the features that were available in previous versions, when previous firmware versions are available." Seems like the MK version gets you the features we are looking for.

• Also, I assume my current firmware is encrypted based on it being 1.05, so I will need to check the "enc" option in the GUI SDF tool. Please confirm.

My USB to SATA adapter is: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GL ... UTF8&psc=1
Amazon says it is a Unitek ‎93-Y-1039-US. This is the most common Unitek one, I used it to flash a previous drive. Is this compatible? I am currently using it to run the drive and rip discs. It looks very similar to the approved Y-1099 https://www.amazon.com/Unitek-Adapter-C ... ast_sto_dp
EDIT: MartyMcNuts replied that it will work to another user on Thu Aug 27, 2020 6:48 pm
Hello guys. Im new at this forum.
I would like confirm that Unitek Y-1039 work with makemkv and flashing. I have Asus BW-16D1HT flashed by Asus tool via this adapter. In my country Unitek Y-1099 is not available.
MartyMcNut: Yes it does.


If all is good above, just use the GUI SDF tool ("enc" option on) and flash the latest MK version HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_WH14NS40-NS50-1.05-NM00900-212005061444.bin? That is it?

I think you misread. The recommended firmware for your drive is WH16NS60 1.02-MK, not NS40.

Yes, you use enc the first time you flash and yes, the Unitek 1039 should work just fine.

[NGS428]

I think you misread. The recommended firmware for your drive is WH16NS60 1.02-MK, not NS40.

Yes, you use enc the first time you flash and yes, the Unitek 1039 should work just fine.

Marty, thanks for the reply. I see that now in the first post. I assumed that info may have not been updated since when I downloaded the MK firmware pack, "HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_WH16NS60-1.02-NM00100-211810291936.bin" was located in the "old" folder.

HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_WH16NS60-1.03-NM00600-212005081010.bin is in the current "WH16NS60" folder.

And the WH16NS60 and the WH14NS40 are the same drive, just different firmware? Just curious how I can flash one to the other.

[MartyMcNuts]

I think you misread. The recommended firmware for your drive is WH16NS60 1.02-MK, not NS40.

Yes, you use enc the first time you flash and yes, the Unitek 1039 should work just fine.

Marty, thanks for the reply. I see that now in the first post. I assumed that info may have not been updated since when I downloaded the MK firmware pack, "HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_WH16NS60-1.02-NM00100-211810291936.bin" was located in the "old" folder.

HL-DT-ST-BD-RE_WH16NS60-1.03-NM00600-212005081010.bin is in the current "WH16NS60" folder.

And the WH16NS60 and the WH14NS40 are the same drive, just different firmware? Just curious how I can flash one to the other.

No, WH16NS60 1.02-MK is the recommended firmware. 1.03 is crap.

No, they share most of the hardware it is just the NS60 is an official UHD drive (and has an AACS 2 chip) but the firmware reads faster and removes the sleep bug.

[MrRom92]

Hi everyone! Sorry if I’m a complete idiot but I’m having some difficulty understanding the process and the differences between all the firmwares. I just installed a WH16NS60 in a new PC and am trying to get this drive flashed, along with just generally getting all the other fun new-PC stuff set up as well...

My drive is on the 1.03 firmware. I am not sure what is necessary to flash this. I tried using MartyMcNuts’ modified flasher as I am much more comfortable with a GUI than CLI. But I keep getting an error #5. I can only assume I’m doing something wrong.


Also, what is the preferred FW for this drive and why? I see conflicting posts, unless I’m completely misunderstanding. Some people say the official 1.00 FW is the best. Some people say 1.02 is preferred. I’m not sure that I really understand it all…

[MrRom92]

Update to the above: I think I finally figured it out, and was apparently able to downgrade the firmware. Have yet to test it out with a rip though. I went down to 1.0 because to my understanding this was the last/only official firmware that allowed for UHD ripping before they patched it. That said, I still see some advocate for 1.02 instead so if anyone can tell me more about that, and it would be beneficial, maybe it’s not too late for me to flash to the other FW

[Freshman98]

I've got a problem to downgrade my BU40N with Firmware 1.04. When I run the the ASUS FW Changer and try to downgrade to 1.04MK it says "Updating Failure #5". Can anyone help me?

[d00zah]

The last 2 posters reference, had you carefully read the 1st post in this thread (Billycar11 works diligently to keep it current) , starting from encrypted FWs. This requires flashing w/ either Mike's command line tool, or the SDFtool Flasher, w/ the 'enc' option selected.