What happens when you convert WMV to AVI
| Inside a typical WMV | WMV 8 or WMV 9 video with WMA audio |
|---|---|
| Copy without re-encoding | Rarely: the codecs are not compatible, so the video is re-encoded |
| When re-encoded | MPEG-4 Part 2 video with MP3 audio |
| Opens in | Windows Media Player and VLC; phones and browsers usually do not |
Sizes are typical values; your files will vary with content and settings.
WMV Windows Media Video
WMV is Microsoft's Windows Media video format, common in older Windows recordings and presentations.
WMV converterAVI Audio Video Interleave
AVI is Microsoft's 1992 video container. It is still found in old camera footage, DVD rips and legacy Windows software.
AVI converterHow to use the WMV to AVI Converter
- 1
Choose a WMV file or drop it onto the page.
- 2
Review the video options. The defaults suit most files.
- 3
Click Convert and download your AVI when processing finishes.
Why convert WMV to AVI?
WMV files come from Windows Movie Maker, older Windows cameras and corporate video archives. Macs, phones and browsers rarely play WMV. Choose AVI for older players, TVs with a USB port and legacy Windows software.
Frequently asked questions
Will the AVI lose quality?
Both formats are lossy, so converting re-encodes the data once more. Using a high quality setting keeps the generational loss very small. Avoid converting the same file back and forth repeatedly.
Does converting WMV to AVI re-encode the video?
Rarely: the codecs are not compatible, so the video is re-encoded. A typical WMV contains WMV 8 or WMV 9 video with WMA audio. Otherwise the result is MPEG-4 Part 2 with MP3 audio.
Questions about privacy, file-size limits or conversion speed are answered in the general FAQ.