FormatDrop
How-To Guide

How to Convert AVI to WMV

WMV is Microsoft's legacy video format — primarily relevant for Windows-specific enterprise workflows, SharePoint, and legacy corporate video systems. Converting AVI to WMV is less common than converting the other way, but needed when a Windows-specific system requires WMV input. FFmpeg handles this conversion on all platforms.

Open AVI to WMV Converter

Step-by-step instructions

  1. 1

    Convert with FFmpeg

    FFmpeg: `ffmpeg -i input.avi -c:v wmv2 -b:v 2000k -c:a wmav2 -b:a 160k output.wmv`. For VC-1 (higher quality WMV): `ffmpeg -i input.avi -c:v vc1 -b:v 2000k -c:a wmav2 output.wmv`. The bitrate (-b:v) controls quality — higher = better. 1500–3000 kbps is typical for standard definition WMV.

    Go to converter
  2. 2

    Use Windows Movie Maker (Windows 7/8)

    If you have Windows Movie Maker (Windows 7/8), import the AVI, then File → Save Movie → choose a Windows Media Video preset. Movie Maker is the most Windows-native way to produce WMV files. Windows 10/11 don't include Movie Maker by default — use FFmpeg instead.

  3. 3

    Convert using VLC

    Open VLC → Media → Convert/Save → Add the AVI → Click Convert/Save. In the Profile dropdown, select or create a WMV profile. Set the output filename with .wmv extension. Click Start. VLC's WMV encoding is basic but functional for compatibility purposes.

  4. 4

    Verify the WMV plays in Windows Media Player

    Open the WMV in Windows Media Player to confirm it plays correctly. Check video quality and audio sync. If the target is a SharePoint or Windows enterprise system, test playback in that system specifically. DRM cannot be added to WMV files via FFmpeg — for DRM-protected WMV, Windows-specific tools are required.

Why convert AVI to WMV?

When Windows-specific systems require WMV input, FFmpeg provides a clean AVI-to-WMV conversion path on any platform. Always prefer MP4 for general distribution — WMV is only necessary for specific legacy Windows workflows.

Your files never leave your device

FormatDrop runs the conversion engine entirely inside your browser using WebAssembly. No file upload. No server. Nothing stored. You can verify this by opening DevTools → Network tab and watching: zero upload requests.

Frequently asked questions

Why would I convert AVI to WMV?
Primarily for enterprise or legacy Windows systems that specifically require WMV — some SharePoint deployments, older LMS platforms, corporate training systems, and Windows Media Services. For general use, converting AVI to MP4 is almost always preferable.
Is WMV better quality than AVI?
Not inherently — both are containers, and quality depends on the codec. AVI files often use MPEG-4 Part 2 (DivX, Xvid); WMV uses VC-1 or WMV2/WMV3. Modern H.264 MP4 outperforms both at lower bitrates. WMV's main advantage is Windows ecosystem integration, not video quality.
Can I convert AVI to WMV on Mac?
Yes — FFmpeg is cross-platform: `ffmpeg -i input.avi -c:v wmv2 -b:v 2000k -c:a wmav2 output.wmv`. Install FFmpeg via Homebrew: `brew install ffmpeg`. The WMV output is compatible with Windows Media Player, though WMV plays natively only on Windows (macOS requires VLC or other third-party players).
Convert AVI to WMV Now — Free

No account. No upload. Works in any browser.

More guides

How to Convert HEIC to JPGHow to Convert PNG to PDFHow to Convert MOV to MP4How to Convert WebP to JPG