What happens when you convert WMV to MKV
| Inside a typical WMV | WMV 8 or WMV 9 video with WMA audio |
|---|---|
| Copy without re-encoding | Yes, almost always: MKV accepts any codec, so streams are copied in seconds |
| When re-encoded | H.264 video with AAC audio |
| Extra tracks | Your file's first video and audio track are kept |
| Opens in | VLC, mpv, Plex and most smart TVs; browsers, iPhones and editors often 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 converterMKV Matroska Video
MKV is an open container that can hold almost any codec plus multiple audio tracks and subtitles. It is popular for archived films and series.
MKV converterHow to use the WMV to MKV 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 MKV when processing finishes.
Why convert WMV to MKV?
WMV files come from Windows Movie Maker, older Windows cameras and corporate video archives. Macs, phones and browsers rarely play WMV. Choose MKV to repackage video without re-encoding, since it accepts any codec.
Frequently asked questions
Will the MKV 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 MKV re-encode the video?
Yes, almost always: MKV accepts any codec, so streams are copied in seconds. A typical WMV contains WMV 8 or WMV 9 video with WMA audio. Otherwise the result is H.264 with AAC audio.
Questions about privacy, file-size limits or conversion speed are answered in the general FAQ.