How to open a .wmv file
Quick, free ways to open WMV on any system.
A .wmv file is a Windows Media Video. If double-clicking does nothing, your computer simply does not have an app that reads WMV yet. Here is how to fix that on each operating system, using free software wherever possible.
Open a .wmv file step by step
- Confirm the file really is a .wmv. Drop it into the WhatFileType file identifier, which reads its signature without uploading anything.
- On Windows, open it with Media Player or VLC.
- On Mac, use VLC.
- On Linux, try VLC or mpv.
- Still stuck? Convert the .wmv to MP4, which opens more widely.
Best apps to open .wmv files
Windows
- Media Player
- VLC
macOS
- VLC
Linux
- VLC
- mpv
Web
- Not natively, convert first
!
Before you open it: Generally safe, but older WMV files could reference external DRM licences. Play local files with VLC to avoid surprises.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I open my .wmv file?
Almost always because no installed app understands WMV. Install one of the apps above, or convert the file to a format your existing software already reads.
How do I play a WMV on a Mac?
Use VLC. Apple's own players do not support WMV, so converting to MP4 is the easiest long-term fix.