How to convert MKV to WMV
To convert MKV to WMV, upload your MKV file, choose WMV as the output format and press Convert. The finished WMV file is ready to save to your phone or computer in seconds, free, with no watermark and no sign-up. Your file is deleted from our server about 30 minutes after the conversion.
This free online converter turns MKV videos into WMV files in your browser, with no software to install and no watermark. When the video and audio inside your MKV file can be placed in WMV as they are, the streams are copied without re-encoding, which is faster and keeps the original quality. Otherwise the video is re-encoded as Windows Media Video 8 with Windows Media Audio 2.
Reasons to switch from MKV to WMV
- Plays in Windows Media Player and older PowerPoint
- Compact files for its era
- Widely accepted by Windows-only workflows
- Plays on: Windows Media Player, VLC and most Windows software; limited elsewhere
What to expect from this conversion
- Expect a larger file than the MKV original, because WMV is a less efficient format for the same quality.
- WMV output uses Windows Media Video 8, the version that every Windows Media Player understands.
- WMV is a legacy format. Convert to it only when an older player or device requires it, since MKV is better for everyday use.
- The first audio track is kept. Subtitle tracks, extra audio tracks and chapters are not included in the converted file.
MKV vs WMV
| Property | MKV | WMV |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Matroska Video | Windows Media Video |
| Released | 2002, Matroska.org (open standard) | 1999, Microsoft |
| Generation | Modern | Legacy |
| Typical file size | Small | Medium |
| Plays on | VLC, Plex, Kodi, most Android players and modern Windows; limited on iOS and older TVs | Windows Media Player, VLC and most Windows software; limited elsewhere |
| Best for | movie and TV archives with multiple languages; keeping subtitles inside the file | Windows-only environments; PowerPoint embedding in older Office versions |
Steps to convert MKV to WMV
- Drop your MKV video file onto the converter, or click to choose it.
- Check that WMV is selected as the target and adjust the options if you want.
- Press Convert, then download your new WMV file when it finishes.
Tips for the best result
- Leave Fast mode on to keep the original quality whenever the streams can be copied.
- Pick a lower resolution if the file is for a phone or messaging app.
- Use Mute if you only need the picture.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert MKV to WMV?
Upload your MKV file, make sure WMV is the selected target and press Convert. When the progress bar finishes, download the WMV file. No account or software is needed.
Is the MKV to WMV converter free?
Yes. It is free, with no watermark, no sign-up and no daily limit on how many files you convert. The site is supported by ads.
Will I lose quality when converting MKV to WMV?
Not necessarily. If the video and audio streams already fit inside WMV, they are copied without re-encoding, so quality stays identical. If the file has to be re-encoded, the High setting keeps almost all visible detail, while Small trades some detail for a smaller file.
Why is my WMV file larger than the MKV original?
Expect a larger file than the MKV original, because WMV is a less efficient format for the same quality. Choosing a lower quality or resolution reduces the size further.
Which devices can play WMV files?
WMV files play on Windows Media Player, VLC and most Windows software; limited elsewhere.
How large a file can I upload?
You can upload videos up to 500 MB. Files are deleted from the server about 30 minutes after conversion.