.wmvWhat is WMV?
Windows Media Video
Microsoft's Windows Media Video — native to Windows, limited elsewhere
- Container
- Advanced Systems Format (ASF)
- Video codec
- VC-1 (WMV3), WMV2, WMV1
- Audio codec
- WMA (Windows Media Audio)
- File extension
- .wmv, .asf
WMV (Windows Media Video) is a video compression format developed by Microsoft, designed for the Windows Media framework. It is the default output format of Windows Movie Maker (now retired) and has been used in corporate training videos, Windows desktop software, and SharePoint deployments. WMV plays natively in Windows Media Player on any Windows PC without additional software.
Outside the Windows ecosystem, WMV support is inconsistent. Mac and Linux systems require additional codecs to play WMV files, and most mobile devices cannot play them natively. Social media platforms do not accept WMV for uploading. For modern use, converting WMV to MP4 is the standard approach — it dramatically improves compatibility while reducing file size.
Technical Specifications
| Container | Advanced Systems Format (ASF) |
| Video codec | VC-1 (WMV3), WMV2, WMV1 |
| Audio codec | WMA (Windows Media Audio) |
| File extension | .wmv, .asf |
| MIME type | video/x-ms-wmv |
| DRM support | Yes — Windows Media DRM |
| Platform origin | Microsoft (1996) |
Advantages & Limitations
Advantages
- Plays natively in Windows Media Player — no codec needed
- Good compression for Windows-only workflows
- Supported by corporate Windows infrastructure (SharePoint, etc.)
- VC-1 codec produces reasonable quality at low bitrates
Limitations
- Not natively supported on Mac, Linux, or mobile
- Not accepted for upload by YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram
- Large file sizes compared to H.264 MP4
- Windows Movie Maker (the main WMV creator) was retired by Microsoft
Common Use Cases
- Legacy Windows corporate training videos
- SharePoint and Microsoft 365 embedded video
- Windows-only kiosk and presentation systems
- Digitising old Windows Movie Maker projects
Compatible Software & Platforms
WMV is natively supported by:
Convert WMV Files — Free Online Tools
Convert from WMV
Convert to WMV
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a WMV file?
A WMV file is a video file using the Windows Media Video format. WMV (Windows Media Video) is a video compression format developed by Microsoft, designed for the Windows Media framework.
What programs open WMV files?
WMV files are supported by: Windows Media Player, VLC (cross-platform), SharePoint, Microsoft Office, Premiere Pro, and most modern media players and editors.
What are WMV files used for?
Common uses include: Legacy Windows corporate training videos; SharePoint and Microsoft 365 embedded video; Windows-only kiosk and presentation systems.
WMV vs MP4: what is the difference?
MP4 is cross-platform and universally supported — WMV is Windows-only. WMV is typically chosen for legacy windows corporate training videos, while MP4 is preferred for uploading to youtube, tiktok, instagram, and vimeo.
How do I convert a WMV file?
Convert WMV files online for free at MediaFormatter. Upload your file, choose a target format, and download the result — no installation or sign-up needed.