WMV to WMA Converter

Online tool to convert WMV into WMA format

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Settings

The codec to encode the audio track. Codec "Without reencoding" copies the audio stream from the input file into output without re-encoding if possible.
Set the constant bitrate for the audio track. Leaving this setting to "Auto" will automatically choose a bitrate to achieve a decent quality based on the source audio.
Set the number of audio channels. This setting is most useful when downmixing channels (e.g., from 5.1 to stereo).

wmv

WMV (Windows Media Video) is a family of video codecs and associated file format developed by Microsoft, first introduced in 1999 as part of the Windows Media framework. The format encompasses several codec generations, from the original WMV 7 through WMV 9 (also standardized as VC-1 by SMPTE under the 421M specification). WMV files are typically contained within the ASF (Advanced Systems Format) wrapper and use the .wmv extension to indicate video content. WMV 9/VC-1 achieved compression efficiency comparable to early H.264 implementations, delivering good visual quality at moderate bit rates and earning adoption for HD DVD and Blu-ray disc content as an approved codec. The format was deeply integrated into the Windows operating system, Windows Media Player, and server-side streaming infrastructure, making it a natural choice for enterprise media delivery, corporate training videos, and Windows-centric web content throughout the 2000s. WMV supports features including interlaced video, multiple bit rate encoding for adaptive streaming, and digital rights management through Windows Media DRM. The Silverlight platform also used WMV as its primary video format for rich internet applications and streaming services. While the industry has largely moved to H.264 and HEVC for most applications, WMV remains present in legacy enterprise content management systems, archived media libraries, and workflows tied to the Windows Media ecosystem.
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wma

WMA (Windows Media Audio) is a family of proprietary audio codecs developed by Microsoft and first released in 1999 as part of the Windows Media framework. Created to compete with MP3 and AAC, WMA Standard uses perceptual coding to deliver what Microsoft claimed was near-CD quality at bitrates as low as 64 kbps — roughly half the data rate MP3 typically needed for comparable results. The codec family grew to include WMA Professional for surround sound and high-resolution audio, WMA Lossless for bit-perfect archival compression, and WMA Voice optimized for spoken content at very low bitrates. Deep integration with Windows, Windows Media Player, and the Zune ecosystem gave WMA a strong distribution advantage throughout the 2000s, and digital rights management (DRM) support made it attractive to online music stores of that era. Encoding and decoding are handled natively by Windows, requiring no third-party software for playback on any Windows machine. Cross-platform support has improved through libraries like FFmpeg and GStreamer, though WMA remains less universally compatible than MP3 or AAC on non-Microsoft devices. The format still appears in legacy media libraries, though newer codecs have largely taken its place for streaming and portable use.
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Format Bridge

Convert WMV to WMA in a few clicks — overcome compatibility barriers and access your audio content anywhere.

Secure Processing

All uploads are handled over encrypted connections. Source files are deleted immediately, output files within 24 hours.

No Local Resources Needed

Conversion is handled by our cloud infrastructure. Your device is free while WMV transforms into WMA.

How to convert WMV to WMA

1

Select files from Computer, Google Drive, Dropbox, URL or by dragging it on the page.

2

Choose wma or any other format you need as a result (more than 200 formats supported)

3

Let the file convert and you can download your wma file right afterwards

About formats

WMV (Windows Media Video) is a family of video codecs and associated file format developed by Microsoft, first introduced in 1999 as part of the Windows Media framework. The format encompasses several codec generations, from the original WMV 7 through WMV 9 (also standardized as VC-1 by SMPTE under the 421M specification). WMV files are typically contained within the ASF (Advanced Systems Format) wrapper and use the .wmv extension to indicate video content. WMV 9/VC-1 achieved compression efficiency comparable to early H.264 implementations, delivering good visual quality at moderate bit rates and earning adoption for HD DVD and Blu-ray disc content as an approved codec. The format was deeply integrated into the Windows operating system, Windows Media Player, and server-side streaming infrastructure, making it a natural choice for enterprise media delivery, corporate training videos, and Windows-centric web content throughout the 2000s. WMV supports features including interlaced video, multiple bit rate encoding for adaptive streaming, and digital rights management through Windows Media DRM. The Silverlight platform also used WMV as its primary video format for rich internet applications and streaming services. While the industry has largely moved to H.264 and HEVC for most applications, WMV remains present in legacy enterprise content management systems, archived media libraries, and workflows tied to the Windows Media ecosystem.
Developer: Microsoft
Initial release: 1999
WMA (Windows Media Audio) is a family of proprietary audio codecs developed by Microsoft and first released in 1999 as part of the Windows Media framework. Created to compete with MP3 and AAC, WMA Standard uses perceptual coding to deliver what Microsoft claimed was near-CD quality at bitrates as low as 64 kbps — roughly half the data rate MP3 typically needed for comparable results. The codec family grew to include WMA Professional for surround sound and high-resolution audio, WMA Lossless for bit-perfect archival compression, and WMA Voice optimized for spoken content at very low bitrates. Deep integration with Windows, Windows Media Player, and the Zune ecosystem gave WMA a strong distribution advantage throughout the 2000s, and digital rights management (DRM) support made it attractive to online music stores of that era. Encoding and decoding are handled natively by Windows, requiring no third-party software for playback on any Windows machine. Cross-platform support has improved through libraries like FFmpeg and GStreamer, though WMA remains less universally compatible than MP3 or AAC on non-Microsoft devices. The format still appears in legacy media libraries, though newer codecs have largely taken its place for streaming and portable use.
Initial release: 1999

Frequently Asked Questions

Why convert WMV to WMA?

Converting WMV to WMA solves poor Mac, Linux, and mobile device support. WMA provides good compression for Windows users for a better experience overall.

How do I open a WMA file?

Open WMA with Windows Media Player natively, plus VLC on any platform. Most handle the format without any extra plugins or codecs.

Does the conversion work on mobile?

It does. Convertio.tools works in any modern mobile browser — upload your WMV, convert to WMA, and download directly on your phone.

Can I adjust the output bitrate?

Yes — set the desired bitrate before converting. Lower bitrates produce smaller files, while higher bitrates preserve more audio detail.

How long does the conversion take?

Conversion speed depends on the WMV file size and chosen quality settings. Most files process within seconds to a couple of minutes.

What devices can play WMA?

WMA playback requires compatible software on your desktop or laptop. Check the recommended apps above to find the right player for your system.

WMV to WMA Quality Rating

4.8 (404 votes)
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