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.wmv

Windows Media Video

Commonly known as WMV

Microsoft’s proprietary video container with tight integration into Windows Media ecosystem. developed by Microsoft and released in 1999, it has become a standard for Corporate archives, Windows-based streaming.

Key Features

  • Good compression efficiency
  • DRM support
  • Native to Windows tools

Limitations

  • Limited macOS/Linux support
  • Patented codecs
  • Needs conversion for web delivery

When to use WMV?

The WMV format is ideal for Corporate archives, Windows-based streaming. Its MIME type is video/x-ms-wmv.

How to open .wmv files

  1. macOS: Use native Preview/Quick Look or import into professional apps that support WMV.
  2. Windows: Open via Photos, Media Player, or dedicated editors by enabling the relevant codec pack.
  3. Browser: Drag the file into FileConvert to transform it into a universally supported alternative before sharing.

Popular Conversions

Convert WMV to...

WMV to MP4
WMV to WebM
WMV to AVI
WMV to MOV
WMV to MKV
WMV to MP3

Convert to WMV

FAQs about WMV

How do I open a .wmv file?

You can open WMV files with native tools on Mac, Windows, and Linux or convert them for free using FileConvert.

Is WMV still relevant in 2025?

WMV remains essential for Corporate archives thanks to its good compression efficiency benefit.

How do I convert WMV into other formats?

Visit our WMV conversion directory to switch between Windows Media Video and 200+ alternatives without uploading files.