WMV (Windows Media Video) is a series of video codecs and a kind of video format developed by Microsoft. It is part of the Windows Media framework and was originally designed for Internet streaming applications.
MOV is one of the most commonly used video formats in video editing software. Developed by Apple, it is used in QuickTime as an MPEG-4 video container format and is compatible with both Macintosh and Windows platforms.
This article shows you how to convert a WMV file to MOV format.
How to Convert WMV to MOV and Vice Versa
Fast steps:
- Choose a video converter (MiniTool Video Converter, CloudConvert, Online-Converter).
- Add the WMV file to the converter.
- Select the output format.
- Start conversion.
1. MiniTool Video Converter
To convert WMV to MOV, MiniTool also provides another tool for you. It is MiniTool Video Converter. It is an all-in-one and free video converter, allowing you to convert audio or video into multiple formats.
Now, we will show you how to convert WMV to MOV with this free video converter.
1. Install the video converter.
Download and install MiniTool Video Converter on your computer.
MiniTool Video ConverterClick to Download100%Clean & Safe
2. Import the WMV file to the program.
In the main interface, choose Convert Video. Then, click the Add Files option, and choose the files you want to convert.
3. Choose the converted file save location.
Expand the Output option and select a folder for the converted file.
4. Choose the output format and resolution.
Click the settings icon to open a new window. Then, switch to Video, choose MOV in the left column, and select the resolutions.
5. Start conversion.
At last, click Convert.
When all steps are finished, you have successfully converted WMV to MOV.
Main Features:
- Support conversion of more than 1000 file formats.
- Support batch file conversion.
- Faster file conversion speed.
This post shows 3 WMV to MOV converters. All the converters are free to use!Click to Tweet
2. CloudConvert
CloudConvert is an online conversion tool that can handle 218 different formats. It allows you to upload your MOV video files from your hard drive, URL, Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, etc.
When converting your video files to WMV format, the output parameters like aspect ratio, codec, bit rate, and resolution can also be adjusted on the webpage before the conversion. However, it only supports up to 25 free conversions per day.
Here is how to use it to convert WMV to MOV:
1. Open CloudConvert.
Visit the CloudConvert site in your web browser.
2. Upload the MOV file.
Click the Select Files button to upload your local MOV file.
3. Choose WMV.
Click the drop-down arrow to select WMV as the output format.
4. Adjust settings.
Click on the gear icon to set the parameters for the output video.
5. Convert the file.
Click the Convert button to start the MOV to WMV conversion.
6. Download the result.
Click the Download icon to save the output file.
Main Features:
- Convert files with no paid.
- Support more than 200 file formats.
- Support batch converts to save time.
- Provide a Chrome plug-in and iOS app.
3. Online-Converter
Online-Convert is another useful solution to convert MOV to WMV online. In addition to converting video files, the site can also be used as an audio converter, image converter, PDF to JPG converter, as well as PDF to Word converter.
With this online MOV to WMV converter, you can add your MOV file from multiple sources. Also, it provides you with more optional settings – change screen size, specify video bitrate, select audio codec, etc.
Here’s how to use this online tool to convert WMV to MOV:
1. Open Online-Convert.
Go to online-convert.com in your browser.
2. Select WMV.
Move the cursor to the Video converter section, click the Select target format drop-down arrow, select Convert to WMV from the list, and then click the Go option.
3. Upload the MOV file.
Click Add Files to upload your MOV file that you’d like to convert. Or you can choose other available methods to add the file.
4. Adjust settings.
Customize the parameters for the output video file if needed.
5. Start conversion.
Click the Start conversion button.
6. Download the file.
Wait a moment and then save the converted file by clicking Download file as ZIP or Download.
Main Features:
- You can import files from PC, Dropbox, Google Drive, or a URL.
- Work on all platforms.
- Customizable video settings like frame per second rate, bit rate, and resolution.
- Comprehensive integration functions.
From the above, we have shown 3 ways to convert WMV to MOV. If you want to convert WMV to MOV or vice versa, you can try these free WMV to MOV converters.
WMV vs MOV: Which One Is Better
What are the differences between WMV and MOV? Let’s compare them based on the following six key differences.
| MOV | WMV | |
| Usage | Editing | Screen Recording |
| Video Quality | Higher Quality | Standard Quality |
| Compression Efficiency | Lower | Higher |
| Compatibility | Cross-Platform | Windows |
| Playback | Broad cross-platform support | Best on Windows |
| Streaming | Best on Apple | Smooth on Windows |
#1 Usage
MOV is generally easier to edit. Many video editing software programs can handle MOV files, especially on macOS. Also, MOV is very convenient for recording on Apple devices. It is also suitable for storing high-quality video, helping to retain more detail in the video.
Tools that can edit WMV are more limited, especially outside of Windows systems. WMV is commonly used for screen recording and simple video capture on Windows computers. Also, WMV's high compression efficiency makes it easy to save.
#2 Video Quality
MOV generally offers better video quality than WMV. MOV supports HD and UHD resolutions, offering excellent clarity and detail. With codecs like ProRes and HEVC, it delivers high-quality video while balancing file size and quality. Its greater color depth and wider color gamut also make it suitable for professional video editing.
WMV provides sufficient quality for everyday use, but its efficient compression results in less refined video quality and limited color depth compared with MOV.
#3 Compression Efficiency
WMV has better compression efficiency than MOV, making it more suitable for online sharing and storage.
WMV is known for its powerful compression capabilities. It can retain video quality as much as possible while reducing file size, which is very helpful for online sharing and storage.
MOV is compatible with a variety of codecs, including H.264, HEVC, and Apple's ProRes. In many cases, it uses a lighter compression level to retain the original video quality. Therefore, MOV’s compression efficiency is lower.
#4 Compatibility
MOV has broader cross-platform support, while WMV plays best on Windows devices.
WMV plays best on Windows devices. While some media players and tools on other systems can open it, compatibility can’t be consistently guaranteed. It may encounter issues, such as import failures or file corruption.
MOV is highly compatible with the Apple ecosystem and is also widely supported by professional video software on Windows. Overall, MOV has broader cross-platform support.
#5 Playback and Streaming
WMV is more suitable for smooth playback and streaming on Windows, while MOV works best on Apple devices.
WMV plays smoothly on Windows without requiring additional codecs. Also, WMV files are small, making them popular for online streaming.
MOV plays best on Apple devices, but is also compatible with mainstream media players on other systems. MOV files can also be streamed, but larger files may require a good network connection.
Bottom Line
Whether WMV to MOV conversion is needed for better editing or broader compatibility, MOV is a strong choice for high-quality video. WMV remains useful for smaller files, Windows playback, and streaming. If you want to convert WMV to MOV, try MiniTool Video Converter on desktop, or CloudConvert in a web browser.
If you have any problems with the MiniTool program, please feel free to contact the official team via support@minitool.com.
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