What is a WMV file?
WMV (Windows Media Video) is Microsoft's Windows Media video format, built for Windows Media Player and PowerPoint. It was introduced in 1999 by Microsoft.
What WMV is good at
- Plays in Windows Media Player and older PowerPoint
- Compact files for its era
- Widely accepted by Windows-only workflows
Where WMV falls short
- Poor support on Mac, iOS and Android
- Outdated compression
When to use WMV
- Windows-only environments
- PowerPoint embedding in older Office versions
- Legacy corporate systems
Where WMV files open
WMV files open in Windows Media Player, VLC and most Windows software; limited elsewhere.
WMV compared with MP4
WMV or MP4? WMV is best for Windows-only environments. MP4 is best for uploading to YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and WhatsApp. Convert WMV to MP4 or convert MP4 to WMV.
Frequently asked questions
What is a WMV file?
WMV (Windows Media Video) is Microsoft's Windows Media video format, built for Windows Media Player and PowerPoint. It was introduced in 1999 by Microsoft.
What are the advantages of WMV?
Plays in windows media player and older powerpoint; compact files for its era; widely accepted by windows-only workflows.
What are the drawbacks of WMV?
Poor support on mac, ios and android; outdated compression.
What programs open WMV files?
WMV files open in Windows Media Player, VLC and most Windows software; limited elsewhere.
How do I convert a WMV file?
Choose the WMV converter you need from the list on this page, drop in your file and press Convert. You get your new file in seconds, free and without sign-up.