WMV File Extension

What is WMV file?

Windows Media Video is what the .WMA extension stands for. The file format is useful in compressing the video based format that was developed by the Microsoft Corporation for streaming applications online. Most of the movies and videos that are available online are in the .WMA file format. Such kind of file format enables larger files to be easily converted into a small sized files and still protects the video quality within the file.

This is useful in keeping the size of the file manageable without affecting its picture quality. While the .WMV file format is played, it essentially decompressed as the file is played back on the system.

Programs which support WMV file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 4 operating systems that support WMV files. Files with WMV suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

Updated: 06/18/2023

How to open file with WMV extension?

Problems with accessing WMV may be due to various reasons. Fortunately, most common problems with WMV files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Download and install Windows Media Player

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports WMV files installed on the system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing Windows Media Player or different compatible program, such as Winamp, PowerDVD, PowerDirector. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support WMV files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit Windows Media Player website and download the installer.

Step 2. Update Windows Media Player to the latest version

If you already have Windows Media Player installed on your systems and WMV files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. If you have an older version of Windows Media Player installed, it may not support WMV format. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Windows Media Player.

Step 3. Associate Windows Media Video Format files with Windows Media Player

After installing Windows Media Player (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open WMV files. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Change the default application in Windows

• Right-click the WMV file and choose Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Windows Media Player is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open WMV files and clicking OK.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• Right-click the WMV file and select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with WMV extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Check the WMV for errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the WMV file is valid. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. The WMV may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

Should it happed that the WMV is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Scan the WMV file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the WMV file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

Did you receive the WMV file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. It could happen the the download process of file with WMV extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Windows Media Video Format file again.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Windows Media Player

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support WMV files. Close all running programs and try opening the WMV file.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Windows Media Video Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle WMV files.

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