How to Download CCTV Footage from Hikvision DVR to Pendrive

Amarjeet

|

Published: 17/05/23

|

Modified: 02/10/25

Download CCTV footage from Hikvision DVR to a PenDrive is very easy, we can complete it in a few steps. You just have to follow the steps mentioned below, and the CCTV footage of the hikvision dvr will be in your pen drive. before that, we should know Why there is a need to export cctv footage to a pen drive.

Exporting CCTV footage to a pen drive can be useful for several reasons:

  • Backup: CCTV Camera footage is often recorded and stored on a DVR (Digital Video Recorder) or NVR (Network Video Recorder). Exporting the footage to a pen drive provides an additional backup, ensuring that the footage is preserved in case of system failure or damage to the DVR/NVR.
  • Evidence preservation: CCTV footage can serve as crucial evidence in various situations, such as criminal investigations, accidents, or disputes. By exporting the footage to a pen drive, it can be securely stored and easily handed over to law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, or other relevant parties.
  • Sharing and distribution: In some cases, it may be necessary to share CCTV footage with other parties who do not have direct access to the surveillance system. By exporting the footage to a pen drive, it can be conveniently shared and distributed to authorized individuals or organizations.
  • Offline viewing: CCTV footage exported to a pen drive can be viewed on computers or other devices without requiring a direct connection to the surveillance system. This allows for offline reviewing, analysis, and archiving of the footage.
  • Storage limitations: DVRs and NVRs have limited storage capacity, and the continuous recording of footage can fill up the available storage space. By exporting the footage to a pen drive, it frees up storage on the surveillance system, ensuring continuous recording without interruption.

Download CCTV Footage from Hikvision DVR to Pendrive

Step 1: Log in to the DVR

Enter your login credentials, including the username and password, to access the DVR’s interface. If you haven’t changed the default login credentials, you can find them in the DVR’s manual or contact the system administrator.

Step 2: Connect the Pen Drive

Insert the pen drive into one of the available USB ports on the Hikvision DVR. Ensure that a pen drive is formatted correctly and has enough storage space to accommodate the footage you want to download.

Step 3: Find the File Management Menu

Once logged in, navigate to the “File Management” that will be shown in Uper-Bar in the 3rd number and click on it.

Download CCTV Footage from Hikvision DVR to Pendrive

Step 4: Select the Camera Channel

If your DVR has multiple cctv camera channels, select the specific camera channel or channels from which you want to download the footage. Click on the “Search” button, Now CCTV footage list will open.

Download CCTV Footage from Hikvision DVR

Step 5: Choose the Date and Time

In the File Management Window, select the date and time for which you want to download the CCTV footage. You can usually choose a specific date and then use the timeline or input boxes to select the desired time range.

Step 6: Select the cctv footage

Select all CCTV footage by clicking on “Select All” and then click on the “Export” button.

Export cctv footage

A pop-up will open where you can select “Video and Log” or “Player” and then click on the “OK” button.

download cctv footage from hikvision dvr to usb drive

Step 7: Specify the Download Destination and File Format

A new Pop-up will open here. You have to select the CCTV Footage file Destination (Pen Drive) and select the CCTV Footage File format in which you want to download, and then click on the “OK” button. The cctv footage will start downloading as soon as you click on the OK button.

How to Export CCTV Footage from HIKVISION's New DVR to Pen Drive

Step 8: Check the Download Status

To check the Downloading Status, click on the Backup icon as shown in the image below.

Download CCTV Footage from HIKVISION's New DVR to Pen Drive

When the download is complete, safely remove the pen drive from the USB port of the DVR. The CCTV footage you wanted to take from Hikvision’s DVR to a Pendrive is now in your pen drive.

Tips for Smooth Export

  1. Format the pen drive before use for best compatibility.
  2. Use MP4 format if possible — it plays on most media players.
  3. If exported in DAV format, use Hikvision’s VSPlayer to play the files.
  4. Always keep extra copies of important videos.
  5. Use a large capacity pen drive (32GB or more) for longer clips.

Troubleshooting: Common Problems

Problem 1: Pen drive not detected

  • Ensure it is correctly formatted (FAT32 recommended).
  • Try another USB port or another pen drive.

Problem 2: Export not starting

  • Check if the pen drive has enough free space.
  • Restart the DVR and try again.

Problem 3: Files not playing on PC

  • If files are in .dav format, use Hikvision VSPlayer or convert them to MP4.

Problem 4: DVR hangs during export

  • Try exporting shorter clips instead of long hours.

Conclusion

Exporting CCTV footage from a Hikvision DVR to a pen drive is simple and effective. With just a few steps — login, connect USB, select camera, choose date/time, and export — you can back up important recordings quickly.

This method is perfect for:

  • Keeping extra backup copies
  • Sharing evidence with authorities
  • Freeing up DVR storage space

Always remember to check the file format, keep multiple copies, and use official Hikvision VSPlayer for playback if required.

By following this guide, you can safely transfer your CCTV recordings to a pen drive and keep your data secure for future use.

Read Also:

Amarjeet

I am the founder and lead author of cctvhelpdesk.net. I bring 14 years of professional electronic security experience to every guide I write.My background includes 10 years as a Senior Service Engineer—installing, troubleshooting, and repairing CCTV, alarm, and access control systems in the field—plus 4 years managing a CCTV IT Helpdesk. This unique combination of hands-on and technical support experience allows me to explain complex surveillance and software topics in simple, easy-to-follow language. My goal is to help you secure your home and business with confidence.

Related Post

CCTV Encode Settings

Amarjeet

|

Published: 26/10/25

|

Modified: 26/10/25

CCTV Encode Settings: Resolution, Bitrate & FPS Guide

CCTV camera showing black and white

Amarjeet

|

Published: 24/10/25

|

Modified: 24/10/25

CCTV Camera showing Black and White image/video? How to fix it

Leave a Comment