What is a .WMV file?
A .WMV file is a type of video file that is primarily used on Windows computers. The "WMV" stands for Windows Media Video, which is a format developed by Microsoft. This format is part of the Microsoft Advanced Systems Format (ASF) and uses compression to make the video files smaller, which is helpful for saving space on your computer or when you need to transmit them over the internet.
WMV files are versatile and can contain different types of video content such as short animations, video clips, episodes of TV shows, or full-length movies. They are capable of supporting high-definition (HD) video, which means they can provide a very clear picture quality. Additionally, WMV files can be encrypted, which means they can be protected to prevent unauthorized use, often in combination with Digital Rights Management (DRM) systems. This makes them a common choice for distributing video content that needs to be secured.
There are several programs that can open WMV files. Some of the most popular include: 1. **VideoLAN VLC media player** - This is a free, open-source media player that can handle a wide variety of video formats, including WMV. It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
2. **Microsoft Windows Media Player** - This media player is included with the Windows operating system and is specifically designed to work with WMV files among other formats.
3. **Microsoft Movies & TV** - Another program from Microsoft, available on Windows, that can play WMV files.
4. **HandBrake** - This is a free and open-source video transcoder that can convert WMV files to other formats.
5. **Kodi** - A free and open-source media player application that can play WMV files.
6. **CyberLink PowerDVD** and **CyberLink PowerDirector** - These are commercial software options for playing and editing WMV files, respectively.
7. **File Viewer Plus** - Available from the Microsoft Store, this is a versatile file viewer that can open WMV files among many other file types.
8. **Nullsoft Winamp** - Historically popular as a media player that can handle WMV files.
9. **Mobile Apps** - Various applications on iOS and Android, such as VLC for Mobile, MX Player, and OPlayer, also support playing WMV files.
10. **Web and Cloud Services** - Google Drive can play WMV files directly in the web browser, making it
Verification
Our goal is to help people find the most up-to-date information about file extensions for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS. We researched over 10,000 file extensions and their respective programs that open those files. If you want to suggest edits or updates about .WMV file formats, example files, or programs that are compatible. Please contact us.