How to open a .mov file
Quick, free ways to open MOV on any system.
A .mov file is a QuickTime Movie. If double-clicking does nothing, your computer simply does not have an app that reads MOV yet. Here is how to fix that on each operating system, using free software wherever possible.
Open a .mov file step by step
- Confirm the file really is a .mov. Drop it into the WhatFileType file identifier, which reads its signature without uploading anything.
- On Windows, open it with VLC or Media Player (with codecs).
- On Mac, use QuickTime or Final Cut.
- On Linux, try VLC or mpv.
- Still stuck? Convert the .mov to MP4, which opens more widely.
Best apps to open .mov files
Windows
- VLC
- Media Player (with codecs)
- QuickTime for Windows
macOS
- QuickTime
- Final Cut
- VLC
- Safari
Linux
- VLC
- mpv
Web
- Safari, other browsers may need MP4
!
Before you open it: Safe. MOV is a media container.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I open my .mov file?
Almost always because no installed app understands MOV. Install one of the apps above, or convert the file to a format your existing software already reads.
How do I play a MOV on Windows?
Use VLC, which handles MOV out of the box. For the widest compatibility, convert it to MP4.