Suppose you have just downloaded a certain video and it is in MP4 format, but your Windows device or software works best with WMV format. This requires converting MP4 to WMV. Devices with older Windows software or applications tend to have this issue when trying to play or edit a video. Furthermore, users face this issue when trying to share videos plagued with large file sizes. Since WMV is a Microsoft format, its compatibility with Windows applications is much better. Fortunately, converting MP4 to WMV is straightforward. Whether you want to use desktop software or an online converter, you are in luck. This document is a reliable step-by-step guide on the best methods available.
Part 1. MP4 or WMV: A Quick Comparison
Here is a neat comparison table for MP4 vs WMV:
| Feature | MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14) | WMV (Windows Media Video) |
| Developer | Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) | Microsoft |
| Compatibility | Universally supported across almost all devices, platforms, and media players. | Primarily optimized for Windows and Microsoft devices; limited support on non-Windows platforms. |
| Compression | Uses advanced compression (H.264, H.265, AAC) with high efficiency. | Uses Microsoft’s proprietary codecs with strong compression. |
| File Size | Generally smaller without losing much quality. | Often smaller than MP4 due to heavy compression, but may lose more quality. |
| Quality | Retains higher quality at larger sizes. | Quality may degrade with too much compression. |
| Streaming | Widely used for online streaming (YouTube, social media, etc.). | Less common in streaming platforms. |
| Best Use | Versatile choice for video sharing, editing, and cross-platform playback. | Suitable for Windows users who need smaller file sizes for storage or email attachments. |
Part 2. How to Convert MP4 to WMV on Windows 11/10
1. AVAide MP4 Converter
If you want to maintain the best quality, AVAide MP4 Converter is one of the best converters available to convert MP4 files to WMV files. AVAide MP4 Converter is fully customizable and supports multiple file formats, making it an essential tool for Windows 11 and 10 users.
- Supports conversion of MP4 to WMV and vice versa.
- Maintains high output quality even after conversion.
- Offers batch conversion to save time when handling multiple files.
- Allows customization of codecs, bitrates, frame rates, and aspect ratios.
- Built-in editing tools to cut, crop, trim, and add effects before conversion.
Secure Download
Step 1First, you will need to download the AVAide MP4 converter from the internet and install the software on your Windows 11/10 computer.
Step 2On the main interface, select the Add Files option to upload your files to the application.
Step 3Select the MP4 files and, from the Output Format dropdown menu, select WMV under the Video tab.
Step 4You can apply effects, trims, and crops using the Edit button to your videos before rendering.
Step 5Choose a file destination. To start the conversion of MP4 to WMV, click Convert All.
Step 6You can go to the output folder and use Windows Media Player to access the converted WMV file.
2. VLC Media Player
VLC stands for VideoLAN Player and is one of the best free open source programs, with support to play and convert videos. You can convert MP4 files to WMV files directly, and no additional codecs are needed.
Step 1Download and Install VLC Media Player on your Windows 11/10 PC.
Step 2Once the software is opened, click on Media and select Convert/Save from the dropdown.
Step 3Upload the MP4 file and then, once again, click the Convert/Save button.
Step 4In the Profile list, select WMV as the output format.
Step 5Set the destination file path and click Start to begin the conversion.
Part 3. How to Transcode MP4 to WMV Online with No Installation
1. AVAide Free Video Converter Online
AVAide Free Video Converter Online is a fully browser-based free tool that allows you to convert MP4 videos to WMV format without downloading or installing any software. It does not get easier than this! It is fully functional on Windows, Mac, and even Linux systems.
Key Features:
• 100% free to use with no registration or hidden charges.
• Converts MP4 to WMV and other popular formats quickly.
• Batch conversion support with no file limits.
• High-quality output, including support for HD videos (up to 1080p).
• Safe and private, no watermarks, no ads, and no personal data collected.
Step 1Open your browser on Windows 11/10 and access the AVAide Free Video Converter Online webpage.
Step 2Click on Add Your Files and select the MP4 file that you want to convert.
Step 3Select Output and choose the format as WMV.
Step 4Click on Convert to finalize and wait for a little while for the transcoding to be done.
Step 5You can now download the WMV file directly to your computer.
2. Online-Convert
Online-Convert is another popular free web-based file converter that allows for MP4 to WMV transcoding. Online-Convert allows for plenty of other features, such as modifying the video by adjusting the resolution, backgrounds, or even preparing clips for use in a Google Slides video format presentation.
Step 1Open your browser and search for the Online-Convert website.
Step 2The Video Converter section allows you to convert to WMV what you want to do.
Step 3Retrieve your video file in MP4 format and upload it from your computer or directly from your drive.
Step 4You can now tweak or adjust the video in its settings, like resolution and quality.
Step 5To download the file in WMV format, click Start Conversion and wait for the conversion to finish.
Part 4. How to Play Your New WMV File
The shortest route to access your new WMV file would be through Windows Media Player, which is the default downloader in Windows 11 and 10.
Windows Media Player (WMP) is the multimedia software designed by Microsoft to play audio and video files, and also to manage music and movie collections. As WMV is a Windows proprietary format, WMP does not need any extra add-ons or codecs. This means that you can double-click the file and WMP will play your file instantly.
Step 1Go to the file explorer and see if your converted file is there.
Step 2Open the file and right-click and select Open with > Windows Media Player.
Step 3Your video will begin playing instantly.
Can Windows Media Player Convert MP4 to WMV?
Windows Media Player specializes in playing WMV files and cannot convert MP4 files to WMV. File converting requires dedicated video converters such as AVAide MP4 Converter, AVAide Free Converter Online, or other 3rd party software like VLC, Convertio, or even a frame rate converter when adjustments to playback smoothness are needed.
Employing the most accurate MP4 to WMV converter ensures Windows devices and applications have compatibility with uninterrupted playback with gracefully smooth transitions throughout. No matter if you decide to use the advanced desktop software AVAide MP4 converter or the very efficient online AVAide Free Converter, you are guaranteed a reliable and straightforward experience.
A multifunctional MP4 converter to convert any video format to MP4 with high output quality.
