What is the difference between WMV and MOV?

WMV (Windows Media Video) is a Microsoft proprietary format built around the Windows Media framework. It uses VC-1 or WMV3 video codecs and Windows Media Audio (WMA). MOV is Apple's QuickTime container that supports H.264, H.265, ProRes, and AAC. WMV files open natively on Windows but require third-party codecs or apps on macOS. MOV files open natively on every Apple device and app.

Can I convert WMV to MOV without losing quality?

If your WMV file happens to contain H.264 video (rare but possible), FFmpeg can rewrap it into MOV using -c copy with zero re-encoding and zero quality loss. Most WMV files use WMV3 or VC-1 video, which must be re-encoded to H.264 — some quality is lost in that process. Use -crf 18 in FFmpeg for near-lossless output.

Why can't this tool convert WMV directly in the browser?

WMV uses Microsoft's proprietary VC-1/WMV3 codec, which has no WebAssembly decoder available in browsers. The file inspector uses the browser's built-in File API and runs entirely on your device with no uploads. For actual conversion, FFmpeg on your desktop handles WMV decoding natively and is free.

Is my video file uploaded anywhere?

No. The file inspector uses URL.createObjectURL() from the browser File API. Your video file never leaves your device — there is no upload, no server processing, and no tracking of any kind.

Does FFmpeg support WMV decoding?

Yes. FFmpeg includes the wmv3 and vc1 decoders, so it can decode nearly all WMV files out of the box. The standard install from ffmpeg.org, Homebrew (brew install ffmpeg), or winget (winget install ffmpeg) includes WMV support without any extra steps.

Which codec should I target for the MOV output?

For maximum Apple compatibility, use H.264 video (libx264) with AAC audio. H.264 MOV files open natively in every Apple app and play on all iPhones and iPads. For professional post-production workflows where quality is critical, use Apple ProRes (prores_ks) — note that ProRes files are much larger than H.264.

WMV to MOV Converter

Name: WMV to MOV Converter
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Learn how to convert WMV video files to MOV (QuickTime) format using free tools like FFmpeg, HandBrake, and VLC, with step-by-step command references.

Video File Inspector

Select any video file to read its metadata — 100% client-side, nothing uploaded.

Click to choose a video file WMV, MOV, MP4, AVI, MKV…

WMV vs. MOV — Format Comparison

Know what you are converting and why

Feature	WMV	MOV
Developer	Microsoft (Windows Media)	Apple (QuickTime)
Video codec	WMV3, VC-1 (proprietary)	H.264, H.265, ProRes, AAC
Audio codec	WMA (proprietary)	AAC, MP3, ALAC
Platform	Windows native, poor macOS	macOS, iOS native
DRM support	Yes (can block conversion)	Optional (FairPlay)
Apple editing	Not supported (needs conversion)	Native (Final Cut, iMovie)
Streaming	Windows Media Services only	HTTP Live Streaming (HLS)

FFmpeg (Recommended — full codec control)

Free, cross-platform, most flexible

FFmpeg decodes WMV/VC-1 natively and re-encodes to H.264 or ProRes in a MOV container. Click Copy on any command to paste it into your terminal.

Re-encode to H.264 + AAC (universal Apple compatibility)

ffmpeg -i input.wmv -c:v libx264 -crf 18 -preset slow -c:a aac -b:a 192k output.mov

Smaller file size (higher compression)

ffmpeg -i input.wmv -c:v libx264 -crf 26 -preset fast -c:a aac -b:a 128k output.mov

Apple ProRes (professional quality, large file)

ffmpeg -i input.wmv -c:v prores_ks -profile:v 3 -c:a pcm_s16le output.mov

Install FFmpeg

# macOS (Homebrew)
brew install ffmpeg

# Windows (winget)
winget install ffmpeg

# Ubuntu / Debian
sudo apt install ffmpeg

Use -crf 18 for near-lossless quality (larger file) or -crf 28 for smaller file with more compression. Lower CRF = higher quality.

WMV files protected by DRM (Digital Rights Management) cannot be converted by FFmpeg or any third-party tool — only the authorized player can decode them. Most WMV files created from cameras, screen recorders, or editors are DRM-free.

HandBrake (GUI — quality-focused encoding)

Free, Windows / Mac / Linux

Note: HandBrake outputs MP4 and MKV natively. For MOV output, use HandBrake to produce an MP4, then use FFmpeg to rewrap it: ffmpeg -i output.mp4 -c copy final.mov

Download and open HandBrake from handbrake.fr.
Drag your WMV file onto the HandBrake window to load it as the source.
In the Summary tab, set Format to MP4.
Choose a preset such as Fast 1080p30 and adjust quality with the RF slider (RF 18–22 for good quality).
Set a destination file path with an .mp4 extension and click Start Encode.
Run ffmpeg -i output.mp4 -c copy final.mov to rewrap to MOV with no further quality loss.

VLC Media Player (GUI — no command line)

Free, Windows / Mac / Linux

Open VLC and go to Media → Convert / Save.
Click Add, select your WMV file, then click Convert / Save.
Click the Edit selected profile wrench icon next to the Profile drop-down.
In the Encapsulation tab, select QuickTime / MOV.
In the Video codec tab, choose H.264 for best Apple compatibility.
Set the destination file with a .mov extension and click Start.

VLC re-encodes the video and writes the MOV output to your chosen destination path.

Command copied!

Summary