Developed by Microsoft in 1999, WMV files were once widespread but are now less common, overtaken by formats like MP4. To play WMV on Mac, you can use third-party video players such as Elmedia Player, Switch, OmniPlayer, VLC, Cisdem, or 5KPlayer. Alternatively, converting WMV files to a QuickTime format or using plugins can also work. Each method has its pros and cons, tailored to different needs. For a detailed guide on playing WMV files on Mac, stay tuned for our next post.
Hey everyone! Remember WMV files? They used to be super popular back in the day. Microsoft came up with them in 1999, and they were everywhere for a while. But as Windows Media Player lost its charm and other formats like MP4 took over, WMV kinda slipped into the background.
So now, if you’ve got some old WMV files and you’re trying to play them on a Mac, it can be a bit of a headache. I thought I’d put together a little guide on the best ways to watch WMV files on your Mac without any fuss.
Option 1: Third-party Video Players to Open WMV on Mac
“I made a movie in Windows Movie Maker on a PC but need to play it on a Mac. I was told to save it in QuickTime, but QuickTime won’t recognize .wmv files. Any easy solutions?” —Apple Support Community
Using a media player is the simplest method. Just open your WMV files directly without converting anything. When choosing a player, consider things like:
- Works well with macOS
- Easy navigation
- Plays high-quality vids (4K and 8K)
- No annoying ads
- Smooth playback, no crashes
- Doesn’t hog resources
1. Elmedia Player
Elmedia Player is like a Swiss Army knife for videos on Mac. It handles WMV and pretty much any other format. Plus, you can tweak how it plays back vids to get everything just the way you like it.
You can stream to devices like DLNA, Chromecast, Roku, and Smart TVs, and it even has a built-in search for YouTube and Dailymotion without any ads. Subtitle support is top-notch, too – easy to add and customize.
How to Open .WMV on Mac with Elmedia:
- Download Elmedia from the official website or the App Store.
- Open your files – drag and drop them onto the Elmedia icon, right-click and choose Elmedia, or search through the app.
- Sit back and enjoy your vids.
Pros:
- Huge compatibility range
- Streams to devices like Chromecast and Smart TVs
- Search and play vids from major platforms
- Customize playback settings
Cons:
- Unlock all features with Elmedia PRO upgrade
OS: macOS
Price: Free, PRO upgrade at $19.99
2. Switch Player
Switch Player is more for the pros. If you need to inspect videos frame by frame and get detailed audio and video data, this is your go-to. Ideal for creative pros who need every bit of detail and perfect subtitle adjustments.
How to Play WMV on Mac with Switch:
- Purchase and download Switch from the homepage.
- Install Switch by following the on-screen instructions.
- Open Switch and navigate to your file.
- Watch your video.
Pros:
- Handles lots of file types
- Advanced inspection options
- Fully adjustable subtitles
Cons:
- No streaming options
- No Smart TV hardware compatibility
OS: macOS, Windows
Price: Free trial, prices from $19.95
3. OmniPlayer
OmniPlayer can play WMV files and a ton of other formats. It’s versatile with lots of playback customization, and supports major streaming platforms like YouTube and Vimeo. It also lets you create and manage playlists.
How to Play WMV on Mac with OmniPlayer:
- Download and install OmniPlayer from the homepage.
- Open OmniPlayer.
- Find and open your file using the open function.
- Watch your video.
OS: macOS
Price: Free, with in-app purchases
4. VLC
We all know VLC, right? It’s been around forever and can play almost anything. It’s super user-friendly with heaps of customization options and gets regular updates to keep everything running smoothly.
How to Play WMV on Mac with VLC:
- Download and install VLC from the homepage.
- Find your WMV file.
- Select VLC to play the video.
- Enjoy your content.
Pros:
- Plays a huge range of files
- Lots of playback customization
- Regular updates
Cons:
- Metadata editing is tricky
- Basic interface
OS: macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS
Price: Free
5. Cisdem Video Player
Cisdem is a straightforward player for WMV and other file types. It offers good playback options and a neat screenshot feature to capture your favorite scenes.
How to Play WMV on Mac with Cisdem:
- Download Cisdem from the homepage.
- Locate your video in your files.
- Choose Cisdem for playback.
- Watch your video.
Pros:
- Handles multiple file types
- Easy to use
- Screenshot featureHey everyone!
Cons:
- Free version includes ads.
6. 5KPlayer
This is another cool option I stumbled upon for both Mac and Windows. It even lets you stream via AirPlay and DLNA, and you can download YouTube videos . Just paste the URL and you’re good to go!
How to Play WMV with 5KPlayer:
- Download and install 5KPlayer on your Mac.
- Launch the app and add the WMV file:
- Click the ‘Video’ icon, select the file, and hit ‘Open’.
- Go to ‘File’ > ‘Open video’.
- Drag the video file to the main interface.
Pros:
- Free
- Handles various file types
- Wireless streaming
- Can download online videos
Cons:
- Free version comes with ads
OS: macOS, Windows
Price: Free, one-year subscription for $29.95
Option 2: Convert WMV to a QuickTime Format
If you’re not keen on switching players, converting might be the way to go. Convert .wmv files into formats that QuickTime recognizes. Here’s a conversion tool that might be useful:
UniConverter Desktop Video Converter
This one’s packed with features! It converts WMV without quality loss and offers tons of editing tools.
How to Convert WMV to QuickTime Format:
- Download and install UniConverter.
- Drag and drop files onto the UniConverter icon.
- Pick your preferred format from the list.
- Hit Convert.
- Play your files using your media player of choice.
Pros:
- Loads of editing options
- Handles various formats
- Allows screen recording
- Can compress videos
Cons:
- No built-in player
- No streaming options
- No casting
Online Video Converter
If you don’t want to install anything, this website might help.
How to Convert WMV Online:
- Go to the website and click ‘Open file’, then pick your file.
- Select the output format you need.
- Click ‘Convert’.
- Download the converted file and open it in QuickTime.
Pros:
- Free and no sign-up needed
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Needs an internet connection
- File size limits
- No advanced features
Option 3: Use a Plugin or Add-on Software
For a good while, Perian was the go-to plugin for QuickTime users who needed to play WMV files. While Perian’s no longer updated, the developers suggest using NicePlayer from GitHub as an alternative.
Pros:
- Simple to use
- Free
Cons:
- No longer updated
- Limited editing options
What Is a WMV File?
For those curious, WMV stands for Windows Media Video. It was super popular back when Windows Media Player was all the rage. Since newer formats like .mp4 have taken over, WMV isn’t as common anymore.
Conclusion
QuickTime doesn’t naturally play WMV files, but with the right WMV player for Mac or through conversion, you can easily make it work. Elmedia Player is a top choice, but if you prefer, you can convert WMV files or use a plugin to get the job done.
Feel free to share your thoughts or recommendations below! 