Since macOS doesn't come with any software that can play WMV files, if you have got some WMV videos and want to play them on your Mac, you may be wondering how to play WMV on Mac. The good news is that there are many programs can help you convert WMV to Mac friendly MOV, MP4 and M4V format. Meanwhile, there are some free WMV players for Mac that lets you watch WMV videos on Mac for free. Below are several best ways to play WMV videos on Mac (including newly macOS 10.15 Catalina).
Step 1 Import WMV Files to WMV to MOV Converter Mac. Launch Wondershare UniConverter on your Mac after installation, then click on the Add Files button to select WMV files you want to convert to MOV. You can also drag and drop the WMV files to the Convert section directly. Multiple files. Jul 14, 2020 Similarly, Online Convert is one of the best websites to convert WMV files for free online. What will play a WMV file? There are several apps available for Windows, Android, macOS, iPhones, and Linux based devices to play a WMV file. VLC Media Player is available for all environments and can play a WMV file. Jul 03, 2020 Our top choice for playing video files on Mac, Elmedia Player comes with a wide list of supported formats and plenty of other features. This MP4 player Mac-friendly app can easily handle MP4, FLV, AVI, MOV, WMV, MKV, DAT or MP3, among many other formats. It will allow you to play any video file without any errors or extra codec packs.
As we know, QuickTime and iTunes are perfect for playing videos on Mac. However, WMV format is not supported by QuickTime or iTunes. Fortunately, with the help of Aimersoft Video Converter Ultimate, you can easily and quickly convert WMV to QuickTime and iTunes MOV or MP4 with the video quality preserved. It's built-in video player allows you to watch WMV and any other video on Mac without any hassles. Besides, this Mac video converter can also convert WMV and any other popular video format to M4V, MKV, FLV, ASF, AVI, MPG, MTS, TS, etc. Get it now and play WMV videos anywhere you like!
How to Play WMV on Mac Easily
01 Download Aimersoft WMV Player
Click the Free Download button below to install Aimersoft Video Converter Ultimate on your Mac. It is compatbile with macOS 10.6-10.15. Open it. Click the Add Files button to load the WMV on your Mac.
Now the WMV video is displayed in the program as thumbnail. Move your mouse over the thumbnail, and click the Play icon.
02 Play WMV on Mac
Now it's playing WMV on Mac! You can enjoy the full screen by clicking the first icon at the lower-right corner. And it also allows you to take the screenshot of the video.
Part 2. How to Convert WMV to MOV (macOS Official Format)
Well, if you want more than playing WMV on Mac, and want to edit the WMV, you will have to convert WMV to MOV. The following will show you the steps.
![Software To Play Wmv Files On Mac Software To Play Wmv Files On Mac](/uploads/1/2/6/4/126421671/278103243.jpg)
01 Add WMV to Aimersoft Converter
To convert WMV on Mac, simply click Add Files on the left bottom to import the WMV videos to the program. Multiple WMV files can be added and converted at one time.
02 Choose MOV as output format
Then choose video formats and select the preferred video format as output format. You can do it following: Convert all tasks to > Video > MOV > and then choose a resolution.
03 Convert WMV to MOV
The last step is to click on the Convert All button. After a few seconds, you can get the MOV files on the Converted tab.
![Software To Play Wmv Files On Mac Software To Play Wmv Files On Mac](/uploads/1/2/6/4/126421671/707203431.jpg)
Free download Aimersoft Video Converter Ultimate on your Mac. You will have no more troubles with the WMV files any more!
Part 3. Other Tools to Play WMV on Mac
#1. Windows Media Player for Mac
View Wmv Files On Mac
You might be surprised that you can use Windows Media Player to play WMV files on Mac for free. Yeah, there is a Mac version of Windows Media Player. However, there is no upgrade of this Mac app from Microsoft. Install it on your Mac and then you are able to watch your WMV videos on Mac smoothly.
#2. Flip4Mac
Flip4Mac is another program provided by Microsoft that can help you play WMV videos on Mac. It's a Windows Media component for QuickTime. By installing it on your Mac, you can play WMV directly in QuickTime Player. But you may find that Flip4Mac only supports WMV on Mac, any other format like AVI, MKV or FLV are not supported. And WMV playback is also in the basic level, if you want to get a better visual effects, you need to upgrade your Flip4Mac to a pro version at least.
#3. VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player is one of the best free WMV players for Mac. With it, you can play WMV, AVI, MKV, FLV, etc. non-Apple formats on your Mac without any troubles. The only question is that you may need to install some codec packages to make VLC work on WMV. Aimersoft Video Converter Ultimate for Mac helps you bypass these question.
'I just switched to a Mac and I'm having trouble opening certain videos. All software is up to date including QuickTime. Is there a way I can watch my old WMV videos on Mac?'
If you are a Mac user, you will sometimes run into content in WMV format that you may want to play on your Apple device. Unfortunately, Microsoft discontinued Windows Media Player for Mac back in 2006, which means the proprietary codecs of WMV are no longer supported and won't open on Mac OS. Don't worry, here we collect a few easy solutions that help to convert WMV video on Mac.
Part 1. Recommended WMV Converter to Convert WMV on Mac
Without further ado, we'd like to recommend Wondershare UniConverter (originally Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate), with which you can easily and quickly convert WMV to QuickTime compatible formats like MOV, AVI and MP4 on both Mac and Windows system. Furthermore, it not only converts between over 1000 video and audio formats but offers optimized presets allowing you to enjoy WMV videos directly on Mac, iPhone, iPad, or edit it on iMovie and Final Cut Pro.
Wondershare UniConverter (originally Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate)
Your Complete Video Toolbox
- Convert WMV to 1000+ formats, like MOV, AVI, MKV, MP4, etc.
- Convert to optimized preset for almost all of the devices
- 30X faster conversion speed than any conventional converters
- Edit, enhance & personalize your video files
- Burn video to playable DVD with attractive free DVD template
- Download or record videos from video sharing sites
- Versatile toolbox combines fix video metadata, GIF maker, cast video to TV, VR converter and screen recorder
- Stream your videos from Windows or Mac to other devices, including Chromecast, Roku, Apple TV, Xbox 360 or PS3
- Supported OS: Mac OS 10.15 (Catalina), 10.14, 10.13, 10.12, 10.11, 10.10, 10.9, 10.8, 10.7, 10.6, Windows 10/8/7/XP/Vista
Security Verified, 5,942,222 people have downloaded it
How to Convert WMV to Mac Supported Format with Wondershare UniConverter (originally Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate)
First of all, you need to download Wondershare UniConverter (originally Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate) on your Mac, make sure you're downloading the corresponding Mac version. Then launch the decent Mac video converter and follow the steps below.
Step 1 Click the + Add Files in the top-left to import the target WMV video you want to play on Mac, or directly drag and drop it to Wondershare WMV converter for Mac.
Note: Wondershare UniConverter (originally Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate) supports batch conversion, which means you can convert multiple WMV files at one time.
Step 2 To successfully play WMV videos on Mac, we need to choose Mac compatible format as output format here. Go to Target section and click to expand the full list of output format, then choose Video & MP4 and select a resolution in the right.
Step 3 Click Convert All would start converting WMV to Mac format right away. Once the WMV conversion for Mac finishes, you can switch to the Converted tab to get the converted WMV video file that is fully compatible with Mac OS.
Part 2. 3 Quick Solutions to Play WMV Video on Mac
Free Software To Play Wmv Files On Mac
Solution 1: Updating VLC to the Latest Version
If you haven't used VLC in a while, your video player might be outdated. To update VLC, launch it on your Mac and then click Check for Updates on the main menu. If an update is available, the program will ask for your permission to install it. Click Yes to start downloading the update. After a successful download, the install wizard will again ask for permission to continue. Click Install to finish updating VLC.
After updating to the latest version of VLC, try playing your WMV file to see if it works.
Solution 2: Removing DRM Protection
Microsoft uses DRM (Digital Rights Management) technology to protect copyrighted media files from piracy. If you purchase or download WMV movies from Windows Media Player Center, Amazon Video on Demand, BBC iPlayer, or other video stores, the video files are likely to have a DRM protection and you will only be able to play them on Microsoft software.
The only way to play DRM protected WMV video on Mac is to first remove DRM restriction. To do this, download and install DRM removal software. Keep in mind that even if you don’t intend to share or otherwise distribute the content, removing DRM might violate the Terms of Use you agreed to when you purchased the file.
Solution 3: Installing WMV Plugin on Mac
Another solution to playing WMV on Mac is installing a plugin that supports Windows media formats. The most popular of these is Flip4Mac. This free plugin from Telestream allows QuickTime player to open WMV and WMA files. It also supports WMV in Safari, Firefox, and Chrome and features a clean, easy to use interface.
While a good solution for many, this plugin isn't currently supported by Snow Leopard, Yosemite, or El Capitan. Users running Lion and Mountain Lion also claim it doesn't work.
Part 3. 3 QuickTime Alternatives to Play WMV Video on Mac
1. Wondershare UniConverter (originally Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate)
You don't need to install other media players if you already have Wondershare UniConverter (originally Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate) on your system. This application features a solid built-in player that is capable of handling all the popular formats available today. Powered by advanced audio and video technology, this media player will give you an amazing cinema-like experience with superior control over video, sound, and subtitle settings.
To play a video on Wondershare UniConverter (originally Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate), simply drag and drop your video file on the interface and then click on the video thumbnail to start playing the video.
2. VLC Media Player
VLC is a popular cross-platform media player that can effortlessly handle WMV video. It is also capable of playing a wide range of other video and audio formats. The only drawback of VLC for Mac is that users may need to search, download, and install additional codec packages in order to allow VLC to open WMV files.
3. 5KPlayer
This is a free media player for Mac that is capable of playing WMV videos without the need of installing extra third-party plug-ins. In addition to WMV video format, 5KPlayer for Mac can also play most mainstream video and audio formats including WMA, AVI, MOV, MP3, MKV, MP4, FLV, 3GP, MOV, DivX, AAC, FLAC, OGG and more.
WMV is short for Windows Media Video, one of the most popular video formats available today. It was developed by Microsoft to be a standard media format for all Microsoft Supported devices and operating systems, and to rival RealNetwork's RealVideo formats. A major advantage of WMV over other file formats is the high compression ratio that allows it to significantly reduce video file sizes without compromising quality. This makes it a good choice for streaming and sharing video files across the internet.