What is .wmv?
.wmv (Windows Media Video) is a series of video codecs and corresponding container formats developed by Microsoft. It was widely used in the Windows ecosystem for streaming and downloaded video during the early 2000s, often wrapped in DRM (Digital Rights Management) for protected content.
This quick guide explains when to use .wmv files, how to open them on any device, and how to share them instantly with FileXhost.
When to use .wmv files
- You are working with legacy Windows content or archives encoded in WMV.
- You need to maintain compatibility with very old Windows media workflows.
- You are dealing with historical training videos, webinars, or downloads created with Windows Media Encoder.
How to open .wmv files
WMV files open natively in Windows Media Player on older versions of Windows and in some third-party players. Modern cross-platform players like VLC can play most WMV files on Windows, macOS, and Linux. For web playback and cross-platform sharing, converting WMV to MP4 is strongly recommended. You can upload .wmv files to FileXhost, but transcoding to MP4 usually provides a better experience.
Algorithm details
WMV is typically stored in an ASF (Advanced Systems Format) container and uses proprietary Microsoft codecs. WMV9 later became the basis for VC-1, a standardized video codec. While efficient for its time, WMV lacks the hardware acceleration and ecosystem support of newer codecs like H.264, H.265, VP9, and AV1.
Browser & platform support
- Desktop: Very limited native support in modern browsers. Most browsers will download WMV rather than play it inline without plugins.
- Mobile: Generally unsupported in mobile browsers; playback usually requires a dedicated app or conversion.
- OS: Historically well-supported on Windows; support on macOS and Linux is primarily via VLC and similar players.
Format comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Ecosystem | Deeply tied to legacy Windows and Windows Media technologies. |
| Compatibility | Poor compatibility with modern browsers and non-Windows devices compared to MP4. |
| DRM | Frequently used with DRM for protected content, which can complicate playback and conversion. |
| Efficiency | Outclassed by modern codecs in terms of quality-per-bitrate and hardware support. |
How to create wmv files
- Legacy Tools: Windows Media Encoder, Expression Encoder, older screen capture and webinar tools.
- Authoring Software: Some older Windows-based editing suites and DVD authoring tools.
How to convert wmv files
- FileXhost: Upload WMV for hosting, but convert to MP4 locally for smooth browser playback.
- Desktop: HandBrake, VLC, Any Video Converter (WMV to MP4, MKV, etc.).
- CLI: FFmpeg (ffmpeg -i input.wmv output.mp4).
Advantages & disadvantages
Advantages
- Well-supported in older Windows environments
- Historically popular for streaming and downloadable video on Windows
- Playable today with modern players like VLC
Disadvantages
- Poor support in modern browsers and mobile devices
- Proprietary and largely superseded by open or standardized formats
- Often tied to DRM, limiting portability and conversion
- Lower efficiency and hardware support compared to H.264/HEVC/AV1
Tools & software
Players
Windows Media Player (legacy), VLC, MPC-HC, KMPlayer
Converters
HandBrake, FFmpeg, Format Factory, Any Video Converter
Editors
Older versions of Windows Movie Maker and some legacy NLEs
Frequently asked questions
Why won't my WMV file play on my Mac or phone?
WMV relies on Microsoft-specific codecs that many non-Windows platforms do not support natively. Installing VLC or converting the file to MP4 usually solves the problem.
Is WMV better than MP4?
No for modern use. MP4 with H.264/H.265 offers better compatibility, hardware acceleration, and streaming support. WMV is mainly useful when dealing with legacy content.
Can I remove DRM from a WMV file?
If a WMV file is DRM-protected, you typically need valid licenses and authorized software to play it. Removing DRM may violate terms of service or local laws, so it is not recommended.
Should I still use WMV for new projects?
No. For new work, prefer MP4 (H.264/H.265) or WebM/AV1 for web video. WMV is best treated as a legacy format that you migrate away from over time.
Technical specs
- File type
- Video
- Extension
- .wmv
- MIME type
- video/x-ms-wmv
- Compression
- Lossy
- Max file size on FileXhost
- Up to 25 MB per file on the free plan and up to 1 GB on Pro FileXhost accounts.
Share .wmv files instantly
Upload your .wmv file to FileXhost to get a clean, shareable URL in seconds. View the file in a modern browser, protect access with optional settings, and let others download it without any confusing ads or cluttered file pages.
Upload .wmv file