WebM to WMV Converter

Step-by-step guide to converting WebM videos to WMV using free tools like FFmpeg and VLC.

Use the WebM to WMV Converter

Choose a Method

Quick Comparison

FFmpegFastest, all platforms
VLCSimplest, GUI
HandBrakeNo native WMV output

Convert with FFmpeg

Recommended

FFmpeg is the fastest and most flexible method. It runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux and produces true WMV files.

1

Install FFmpeg

Download from ffmpeg.org/download.html and add it to your system PATH.

2

Open a terminal

On Windows use Command Prompt or PowerShell. On Mac or Linux open Terminal.

3

Run the conversion command

ffmpeg -i input.webm -c:v wmv2 -b:v 2000k -c:a wmav2 -b:a 128k output.wmv

Replace input.webm and output.wmv with your actual file names.

4

Wait for encoding to finish

FFmpeg shows a progress line. When the prompt returns, your WMV file is ready.

Command Builder

ffmpeg -i input.webm -c:v wmv2 -b:v 2000k -c:a wmav2 -b:a 128k output.wmv

About WebM

  • Container: WebM (.webm)
  • Video codecs: VP8, VP9, AV1
  • Audio codecs: Vorbis, Opus
  • Designed for: Browser streaming
  • Developed by: Google / WebM Project

About WMV

  • Container: ASF (.wmv)
  • Video codecs: WMV1, WMV2, WMV3
  • Audio codecs: WMA, WMA Pro
  • Designed for: Windows playback
  • Developed by: Microsoft

Summary

WebM is an open-source container format designed for the web, while WMV (Windows Media Video) is a Microsoft format widely supported on Windows machines. Converting between them lets you play WebM files in older Windows media players, edit footage in Windows Movie Maker, or share clips with contacts who only have default Windows software. This guide walks you through the most reliable free methods — FFmpeg on the command line and VLC for quick one-off conversions.

How it works

  1. Choose your conversion method: FFmpeg (fastest, command-line) or VLC (simplest GUI).
  2. Install the chosen software — both are free and open-source.
  3. Open your WebM source file in the tool.
  4. Select WMV or ASF as the output container and choose a video bitrate.
  5. Set the output file path and start the conversion.
  6. Verify the resulting WMV plays correctly in Windows Media Player.

Use cases

  • Playing a WebM recording in Windows Media Player without installing extra codecs.
  • Editing web-captured video in legacy Windows video editors.
  • Sending WMV clips to colleagues who work on Windows-only systems.
  • Archiving browser-recorded WebM sessions in a widely compatible format.
  • Converting game clips or screen recordings downloaded as WebM.
  • Batch processing multiple WebM lectures into WMV for a corporate LMS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-06-11 · Reviewed by Nham Vu