Video format
The WMV format
WMV is the Windows Media video format from the Windows XP era. Microsoft released Windows Media Video in 1999; it was the default for Windows Movie Maker and PowerPoint video for years.
When to use WMV
Choose WMV only for an old Windows PC or presentation that won’t take anything else.
It is best for old Windows presentations and players, and it opens on Windows Media Player and VLC; not Macs, iPhones, browsers or most websites.
How to open it: Windows Media Player and VLC play WMV files; on a Mac, use VLC.
| Full name | Windows Media Video |
|---|---|
| Extensions | .wmv |
| MIME type | video/x-ms-wmv |
| Introduced | 1999 |
| Compression | Lossy |
| Usually contains | WMV2 or WMV3 video with WMA audio |
| Support | Legacy format |
| Typical size | Larger than MP4 for the same quality |
Good at
- Plays in older Windows software and PowerPoint
Not so good at
- No support on Apple devices or the web
- Larger than MP4 for the same quality
The common mistake
WMV files from old DRM-protected downloads can’t be converted by any tool; only unprotected ones will work.
Questions
What is a WMV file?
WMV (Windows Media Video) is the Windows Media video format from the Windows XP era. Microsoft released Windows Media Video in 1999; it was the default for Windows Movie Maker and PowerPoint video for years.
How do I open a WMV file?
Windows Media Player and VLC play WMV files; on a Mac, use VLC.
How do I convert WMV to another format?
Pick the target on this page, or open the Video Converter, drop the WMV file and choose a format. It converts in your browser, so nothing is uploaded.