Epubor

How to Deal with the New Kindle Update?

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Important notice:

Amazon may secretly update Kindle for PC to version 2.4.1 or higher, even if 'Automatically install updates' is disabled. This update can prevent the removal of Kindle DRM.

Solution:
• For Windows users: Download Kindle for PC version 2.4.0 and re-download your Kindle books to remove DRM.
• For Mac users: Download Kindle for Mac version 1.40 and re-download your Kindle books to remove DRM.
For additional help, you can refer to this guide on removing Kindle DRM.

Ultimate Solution:
If you own a Kindle e-ink device, you can download your Kindle books through the 'Download &Transfer via USB' option on the Amazon website. This method provides AZW3 files, which can be decrypted using Epubor Ultimate.

The only reason why some people prefer to run the older version of Kindle for PC/Mac (1.17 and lower) is that they want to get rid of the new KFX format files which can’t be decrypted by any DRM Removal. Fortunately, there are several methods for either avoiding or handling the KFX format. Here are the top three solutions to help you deal with the new Kindle update and remove Kindle DRM effortlessly.

how to deal with new kindle update

If your Kindle for PC/Mac is forced to update to the latest version, you can perform the following steps:

Method 1: Disable KFX Support in Kindle for PC/Mac

Using the command line to disable KFX that works with the latest version of Kindle for PC/Mac is the easiest solution without neither downgrading Kindle desktop app nor using Kindle e-ink device. Most importantly, it works on all operation systems, including the MacOS Catalina.

Step 1Download the latest Kindle app on your computer.

Currently, the latest version is version 1.32.

If you have already registered the latest Kindle app on your computer, deregister it first and sign in again.

If your Kindle app is not the latest version, you can download version 1.32 Kindle for PC here and register it.

Do not start downloading Kindle books. And make sure there are zero files under the Downloaded column in your Kindle library.

make sure no kindle books downloaded

Step 2Run the command line.

Exit Kindle for PC/Mac first, then run the command line. Below is the instruction on how to use the command line on Windows computer and Mac respectively.

For Windows users, download this zip containing the Kindle.cmd file to your Windows computer, then unzip and run the Kindle.cmd file.

Notice: Running the kindle.cmd file will execute Kindle app automatically.

run command line on windows

For Mac users, open a terminal window by typing terminal after clicking the magnifier icon on the upper right corner of the screen, then copy and paste this command line: sudo chmod -x /Applications/Kindle.app/Contents/MacOS/renderer-test to the terminal window for disabling KFX support. Next, hit the Enter key, input your power-on password, and hit the Enter key one more time to run the command line.

run the command line successfully

The command line solution will no longer work on version 1.32 and later Kindle for Mac. For macOS users, please follow this detailed step-by-step guide to remove Kindle DRM instead.

Step 3Start downloading Kindle books with the latest Kindle app

Open Kindle for PC/Mac, find the book you want to download, right-click its book cover, and select Download in the pop-up window.

right click to download

For Mac users, do not download Kindle books by double-clicking the book cover and remember not to open the book after successfully downloading, or you won’t be able to remove Kindle DRM.

Note 2 You can undo the terminal command by running this command line in your terminal window: sudo chmod +x /Applications/Kindle.app/Contents/MacOS/renderer-test.

Note 3 If the book requires both the latest version of Kindle for PC/Mac and KFX support, then there is currently no solution available.

Step 4Install the most powerful DRM Removal to your computer -- Epubor Ultimate

Download Epubor Ultimate for Free
   

Step 5Remove Kindle DRM

Launch Epubor Ultimate, click the Kindle tab in the left navigation bar to load all of your Kindle books that are already downloaded to the software. Then drag them to the right blank window to remove DRM automatically.

decrypt kindle books downloaded via newer version kindle

If your Kindle books do not appear under the Kindle tab, you need to go to settings >> Kindle >> Click Set to default directory >> OK. Then all of your Kindle books will show up on the left side panel of Epubor Ultimate.

click set to default directory

You will notice that the majority of Kindle books downloaded in this way are already DRM free. And you can locate the DRM free files by clicking the book folder icon on the lower right corner of the software.

Method 2: Downgrade automatically to an Older Version of Kindle for PC/Mac

There is an alternate method of blocking the use of KFX, which is downgrading Kindle for PC/Mac.

Older Kindle for PC/Mac, like version 1.17 and lower, can be installed to work around this problem for most users. (This is a 32-bit program and so it is not compatible with macOS Catalina.) For macOS Catalina users, you can crack Kindle DRM by using the command line or Kindle e-ink device, see Method 1 & Method 3.

Step 1Install Epubor Ultimate to your computer.

Download Epubor Ultimate for Free

   

Run Epubor Ultimate, click the Kindle tab in the left sidebar. You will notice a message reminding you to downgrade Kindle for PC/Mac to version 1.17 to make Epubor Ultimate work. Just click the Download link to start the auto downgrade.

auto downgrade

Note: After installing the older version Kindle for PC/Mac to your computer, it will uncheck the option to auto-update for you.

Step 2Sign-in to your Amazon account.

Launch Kindle for PC/Mac, you need to re-sign into your Amazon account. After logging in to your account, you might be asked if you want to update to the new version, always choose Skip this version to reject it.

Step 3Re-download Kindle books with the older version Kindle for PC/Mac.

Step 4Remove Kindle DRM.

Launch Epubor Ultimate, click the Kindle tab in the left navigation bar to load Kindle books to the software. Then add them to the right blank window to remove Kindle DRM.

decrypt kindle books downloaded via older version kindle

Step 5Convert DRM free Kindle books to .epub/.mobi/.azw3/.pdf if you want to view Kindle books on other readers(like calibre).

When the decryption complete, choose .epub/.mobi/.azw3/.pdf as the output folder in the drop-down menu at the bottom of the software. Last but not the least, press the Convert button to start the conversion.

convert kindle books

You can find the converted Kindle book by clicking Succeeded or the book folder icon on the lower right corner of the software.

Method 3: Use Kindle e-ink Device

If you have a Kindle e-ink device registered to your Amazon account, you will have the option of downloading books directly from Amazon website instead of using Kindle for PC/Mac.

Step 1From the Amazon website access Account & Lists >> Content and Devices.

Step 2Find a book you want to remove DRM and press the More actions button to the right side of that book.

Step 3Choose Download & transfer via USB in the drop-down menu.

select download and transfer via usb

Step 4Tick the name of your registered Kindle e-ink device in the pop-up window and press the Download button.

select kindle e ink device registered under your amazon account

Soon your Kindle book will start downloading to your computer. And all of them will be saved as .azw3 files.

Step 5Install the most powerful DRM Removal to your computer--Epubor Ultimate.

Download Epubor Ultimate for Free
   

Step 6Plug in your Kindle e-ink device to your computer.

You will not be able to remove Kindle DRM if you forget to plug in your Kindle e-ink device.

Update: Since April 2023, Epubor Ultimate supports Kindle Fire tablets as well. And Epubor software can automatically detect the serial number by just plugging your Kindle Fire device into your computer. Of course, you can also enter the serial number manually by going to Settings > Kindle > Enter the serial number > OK, next, you are able to remove DRM from your AZW3 files downloaded via USB.

Step 7Remove Kindle DRM.

Run Epubor Ultimate, drag and drop the .azw3 files from your computer to the software to remove Kindle DRM. As shown, not all books are encrypted. Decrypted word will show up to the right of those Kindle books with DRM protection after the decryption. And you can find DRM free files by clicking Decrypted or the book folder icon on the lower right corner of the software.

decrypt kindle books downloaded from amazon website

author

crafts informative articles on eBooks and eReaders, uncovering optimal methods to enhance your eBook reading experience, and eagerly shares her findings with you.

60 Comments
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10/31/2020 12:42:53

I went searching myself for this this week and I found that method two and three did not work at least not for me. I have not tried method one yet.

I did however go to the website and went to content and downloaded there and then converted.

Just thought I would share that option for others. Thanks!

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11/2/2020 10:22:13
Thank you for your comments. Can you please tell us is there any error message when you using method 1 and 2? We've tested these methods listed in this article. They are all working fine.
Also, if you have any better method, please kindly share it here.
Have  a nice day.
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10/31/2020 17:40:00

Thanks very much Hillary and the whole Epubor team!

Method 1 worked great on my mac.

I was disappointed when I saw a couple of months ago that the latest Kindle update had thwarted Epubor, but I optimistic that you'd crack that soon, which you have.

I use Epubor mainly for academic books relevant to my work. I listen to many of them (commuting, walking etc.) using a text to voice app which is really good, but that app needs pdfs, not stupid restricted DRMed files. I don't hand the pdfs out, I don't upload them for pirating, all I need is to turn the books I spend money on to be in the format I can most easily actually read them.

So thanks again Epubor, love your work!

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11/1/2020 04:00:18
what text to voice app do you use?
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01/23/2022 11:23:58
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reply
11/2/2020 10:17:57
You are welcome. We are glad to be helpful. Have a nice day.
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11/2/2020 02:15:31
So I tried this as I have purchased from you a few moths ago Epubor KCR Converter which then stopped working.  However, it appears that you now want me to BUY your Epubor Ultimate in order for this to work on Catalina 10.15 is that correct?
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11/2/2020 10:20:14
Thank you for using our software. We are sincerely sorry about the kcr converter. This is mainly because the kindle cloud reader doesn't support ebook download.
Anyway, if you have purchased kcr converter, please contact our customer support (support@epubor.com) to request the software exchange. They can help you change you license to Ultimate.
Any more problem, please feel free to contact us. Have a nice day.
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11/7/2020 22:24:39
Thank you but they still charged me.. just offered a discount.
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11/9/2020 10:28:05
That's because epubor ultimate is much expensive than Epubor kcr converter.
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11/15/2020 02:16:53
I'm extremely disappointed in the inability of Epubor's Ultimate to convert a new Amazon Kindle book into pdf format using your Ultimate version software. In addition, your provided fixes are convoluted and time consuming and I failed to convert the book, regardless. Your software has worked well in the past, but now I am forced to find another software that can resolve this issue. I realize it's challenging to keep up with Amazons software changes, and that's why I'll look elsewhere for another company. I've used your software for years, but now it's time to look elsewhere for solutions.
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11/16/2020 09:12:46
Thank you for your comments. But all the methods in this article is tested. If you can not convert your kindle books, you can contact customer team to get further assistance.
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11/19/2020 22:50:10
Please let us know which one you find. Will jump aboard that train too.
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11/19/2020 22:49:10
I'm following step one and in front of my password I'm getting a key icon which doesn't allow me to input my password. What do?
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01/23/2022 14:17:13
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06/13/2021 19:18:23

Hello !

How do we disable KFX?

The zip file URL is invalid as mentioned in Method 1

Method 1: Disable KFX Support in Kindle for PC/Mac

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06/15/2021 15:19:34
Thank you for your feedback. We've updated this url, please try to download it again.
Any more problem, please feel free to contact us.
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07/10/2021 06:54:49
Hi, I downloaded the Zip file for Method 1, but it did nothing for me. I then tried Method 2, downloaded the older version of Kindle fine, but then when I tried to sign into Amazon, the curse would constantly go into a "refresh" mode and not allow me to type any texts in the User's name or password fields. PLEASE HELP!
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07/10/2021 09:36:26
I also had the constantly updating on user email in the older version. You can't type in the box because it refreshes too fast. I also ran the command file and it didn't work for me either. The Kindle library is in the default directory by your program evidently couldn't find them. A Note, I have the current version of Epubdor Ultimate/
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07/11/2021 11:38:13
This is exactly what's now happening to me. I thought I was doing something wrong, so I'm glad to hear it's not just me.
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07/25/2021 18:53:57
I encountered the same issue with method 1. Seems like win10 and the old amazon kindle app has some incompatibility. i tried running in win 7 compatibility mode and it also doesn't work.
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07/26/2021 09:21:14
Can you please screenshot and send them to support@epubor.com? We will help you check this issue.
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07/11/2021 11:59:03
Method 1 did nothing for me...
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07/12/2021 10:32:54
Thank for contacting us. We are sincerely sorry for this issue. But we've checked this method and ensure it is still working. Our customer support (support@epubor.com) also contacted you about this issue. Please check your email box regularly.
Any more problem, please feel free to contact us.
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07/17/2021 18:56:11

Method 1 is quite challenging, you need to enter the Kindle Serial Number in the DrDRM Plugin and some sort of key, but both didn't finally make it work for me.

Method 3 was brilliant, a bit of a nuissance that I had to download all my 190 eBooks indivdually from the Amazon content page, but copying into Calibre, converting to ePub and uploading to my ReMarkable 2 worked like a flash. Cool. Thanks for all the hints!

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07/19/2021 11:24:43
Thank you for your feedback. Glad this article can help you.
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07/22/2021 17:03:29
Method #1 does not work because as soon as you start the Kindle Program, it fixes the change, and thus "isKRFDRendererSupported"="false" is changed back to "isKRFDRendererSupported"="true". You can change the registry key while the Kindle app is running, and that will work, but if the book requires the new version of Kindle to download, then it does not matter--you will NOT be able to download the book.
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07/26/2021 09:16:51
Thank you for sharing your experience. But the command is still working at our side.
And usually, the textbook and some books ( very few) will require the latest version of kindle app.
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07/26/2021 14:44:33

Hi Everyone, I manage to get it all working and well.

First, download epubor ultimate and set-up and get a license to support the company! :) I am using Epubor ultimate 3.0.13.719 at the time of this writing.

Second, download Kindle for PC (win-10, i tried it with ver 1.32.0(6119)) and register with my amazon account as per guide above. you can refresh and see your books, but please don't download any books.

Then download kfx_begone command prompt tool - https://epubor.com/how-to-deal-with-the-new-kindle-update.html#method1
- VERY IMPORTANT TO NOTE:
a) make sure kindle app is closed before running the tool. Reason being, the tool will execute Kindle app in a peculiar method, and allow you to download the ebooks you purchased.
b) run command prompt with/as administrator mode
c) i ran it, with lots of error messages, but eventually, the kindle app loads and the command prompt batch process paused. It typically require 20-40 seconds before it pauses and kindle app loads.

Once kindle app is launched using the command prompt launch method, you can download the books you want to unlock DRM.

Then finally, launch epubor ultimate, go to kindle tab, and drag the books you want to free DRM.

that's it!

I spent hours figuring things out, i thought the old kindle app refresh (auto-downgrade) was related to my Win10, ran Virtualbox VM and nope, its not related to PC, rather its the Amazon sign-in page that has been 'changed'.

hope this helps you guys! now i can free up DRM on my kindle books and read with Google Books! Yeay!!!

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08/20/2021 07:30:35

Thanks for the kindle.cmd file. One thing I discovered is that this file assumes you've installed the Kindle PC program in an administrator account. If you install the Kindle PC program in a non-administrator account, which you should be using if you're on the web, the kindle.cmd file doesn't work. It looks for a Kindle program that's not there. Once I installed everything in my administrator account, everything worked properly, but it means I have to log-in to that account if I want to use Epubor Ultimate to remove DRM from Kindle ebooks.

Most people run Windows from the account they set up when they first get their computers. That account is usually an Administrator account. Ideally they should create a non-administrator account and do everything from there. Studies show that you can eliminate up to 94% of all vulnerabilities if you run Windows that way instead of the default way.

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03/13/2022 14:47:53
This is still working great in March 2022, many thanks.
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04/22/2022 22:07:48
I tried the command for Mac Terminal but it doesn't work.  I am using Kindle 1.31.
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07/1/2022 08:27:59
So far this is a convoluted mess. First Kindle needs a downgrade, instructions are for Windows users only, then the drag and drop doesn't work. It says "Go to settings" but settings don't exist on the Mac version. $55 and it's so far an amateurish attempt at Freeware you are charging a lot of money for!
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01/6/2023 00:02:58
Hi, would epubor work on the new kindle update of 2023.1.3?
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01/7/2023 02:15:13

Yes!

Use method 3!

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01/13/2023 20:15:11
Hi, would method 1 work on the new kindle update of 2023.1.3?
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01/16/2023 11:42:35
There is still another way to remove drm from this kind of kindle books if you have any kindle eink device registered with your amazon account. Please download the kindle books via "Download and transfer via usb" and then remove kindle drm with Epubor Ultimate. Here is the detailed guide: https://www.epubor.com/how-to-remove-drm-from-kindle-kfx-ebooks.html#meth4
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02/8/2023 10:23:09

Kindle v 1.32 (the one epubor wants me to downgrade to) will not work :( It says the kndle app needs an update to even download the book. I followed all instructions and installed script files and it will not remove it at all :(

Tried the Mac and win version of epubor FYI.

Guess Amazon figured out how to stop you guys :(
Any fix in the works? or is the only way now the USB method with an actual Kindle device?
Thanks!
Matt

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02/13/2023 12:05:37
For the new released kindle books, the only way is using download and transfer via usb.
We are now working on this issue. Once there is a solution, we will let you know.
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02/13/2023 12:40:28
I tried #1 and #2 but neither method worked.
With #1, I still receive a pop-up from Kindle asking to upgrade in order to DL the book.
With #2, after DL'ing the book, Epubor still gives me a pop-up which says it cannot decode KFX format. I do have screen shots of each of the error pop-up screens, but I don't know how to post them here.  
I do not have a kindle device, so #3 won't work for me.
I have a Kobo H20 and I love it and do not want to be forced against my will to change! It really pisses me off! I hate Apple and I hate Amazon and all of those other businesses that think they own things after I pay for them! The damn book is mine and I should be able to read it on any device I want. I really need to get this figured out. I paid for the Epubor software and now it is useless.
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03/10/2023 05:48:27
I have reported this issue several times. On Monday I received directions to install the new version and use the .cmd file but still not working. I do not have an elink device. Hopefull this will get fixed soon. I have been waiting since early January.
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03/13/2023 16:16:49
we are still working on this issue. Once there is a solution, we will let you know.
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05/19/2023 00:45:13

Still having issues. It has been about 2 1/2 months. Any status? Waiting patiently.

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05/22/2023 14:23:49

Hello,
In this case, I recommend our new product Kindle Converter to decrypt and convert the Kindle books published in 2023. please learn more here:

https://www.epubor.com/kindle-converter.html
User guide: https://www.epubor.com/kindle-converter-user-guide.html

If there are any other questions, please feel free to contact us.

Best regards,
Epubor team

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04/14/2023 03:13:01
It's been a month since your last response on the Kindle update problem and nothing has been done. It's especially troubling to those of us who ponied up for the "lifetime Epubor Ultimate" access. Where are you at this point on the Kindle update?
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04/17/2023 11:54:04
Hello,
This new Kindle update problem is a little bit complicated. We're trying our best to find the best solution, don't worry, once we solve this problem, we'll inform you via email. Thank you so much.
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04/16/2023 01:25:56
I haven't been able to get method 1, 2, or 3 working on PC (I don't have a Mac). Is there no solution at this time?
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04/17/2023 11:47:09
Hello,
Thanks for contacting me. Did you use the latest Epubor Ultimate version? Could you please describe what problems you have when you try these three methods and send a screenshot of the errors via support@epubor.com, we're willing to help you solve this problem. Thank you.
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04/21/2023 06:36:16
Are we any closer to cracking the new kindle KFX format? I'm sure you get this question every day lol...
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04/21/2023 06:34:49
We are all hoping for a miraculous update to crack the new Kindle KFX. Hoping good news can be shared soon. I prefer reading my books in PDF format.
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04/22/2023 19:52:12
I've been using Epubor Ultimate Mac for many years (I think 10 years+) Kindle is constantly changing the DRM like a cat and mouse game. I hope we can get Ebubor working with 2023 Kindle releases!
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04/23/2023 10:03:30
Thanks for your support. We're working on the issue of Kindle releases of 2023.If there any other questions, please feel free to contact us via support@epubor.com.
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04/26/2023 04:53:34
Just to open a new book on Kindle 1.3.2 and it said I had to upgrade to the latest Kindle in order to download.  Still works for other books though.
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05/1/2023 13:22:47
That first option worked amazingly have tried books downloaded from 1 to 3 of jan and all of them worked. thank you for this one
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05/4/2023 09:56:30
Hello,
Thanks for your comment. I'm glad that this article can help you!
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05/2/2023 23:16:20

The above info is out of date.
The latest version of download for PC is 1.40.65535, and the new book download format is .mbp

I am hesitant to download this new version.  Does the KFX killer approach work with this new version & format?

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05/4/2023 10:26:27

Hello,
Thanks for your comment. MBP files just contain the e-book notes, and they don't contain the e-book itself. If you can download the books with an mbp file, please find the file of the book itself in the folder, then remove DRM and convert the format to what you need.

If there are any other questions, please feel free to contact us.
Best regards,
Epubor Team

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09/2/2023 16:28:44
Removing DRM from Amazon Books is not possible if using Epubor simply because if you are using early versions of the kindle app on your PC that allow DRM to be bypassed, then the protected file will not download at all. Amazon checks your version of the Kindle App, before it enables the download.If early, no download, and no drm removal with Epubor.If you download a later version of the kindle app for pc, you can download your book, but Epubor will not remove its DRM. That Epubor is still selling their app is a SCAM.They know about this issue, and advised me about trying the other methods, when they all failed they basically shrugged their shoulders and said that's too bad. Epubor was fine during it's time, which has been passed for some time. It's obsolete mate; as pretty much all the amazon books I have tried in the last few months have this issue.
So do not buy EPUBOR.
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09/4/2023 09:59:35

Hello, thanks for your comment.

Don't worry, we have great progress on this issue, and the next new version of Epubor Ultimate will let you decrypt your new 2023 Kindle books downloaded via the latest version of the Kindle app. But I'm not sure when it will be released, please wait with patience.

For the ebooks published in 2023, it requires the latest Kindle app to download them, here are 2 solutions to solve this problem:


1.If you have any Kindle device (Kindle Fire or Kindle e-ink device) registered with your Amazon account.

Please download the Kindle books via "download and transfer via USB" and then remove kindle drm with epubor ultimate.

Here is the detailed guide: https://www.epubor.com/how-to-remove-drm-from-kindle-kfx-ebooks.html#meth4


2.If you don't have Kindle device, I suggest you use our Kindle Converter software. And you can test your books with the trial version, which allows you to decrypt 3 books for free. Here is the user guide:

https://epubor.com/kindle-converter-user-guide.html

Any other questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us via support@epubor.com.
Best regards,
Epubor Team

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10/2/2024 15:01:41
There are 2 problems:
1. Now whenever kindle for pc appln. is opened, it updates automatically to version 2.4.1 even if you have not opted for auto-upload. This version doesn't allow DRM removal. Hence, one has to repeatedly uninstall version 2.4.1 and install version 2.4.0 whenever DRM removal is required,.
2. The option of Download and Transfer via USB is not available for Kindle Unlimited.
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