WMV to AVI Converter

Convert WMV to AVI online for free. Fast, secure, and high-quality conversion with no sign-up or software required.

Free to useNo file stored beyond 1 hourEncrypted over TLS 1.2/1.3No watermarks

or drag and drop files here

Maximum file size is 1GB

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How it works

Three steps to your converted file

Everything happens in your browser tab - upload, pick a format, download. The heavy lifting runs on our servers.

Upload your file

Drag and drop, click to browse, or paste a URL. Batches take up to 20 files at once - 230+ input formats across video, audio, image, document, and archive types.

Choose an output format

Pick from over a hundred output formats. Filter by category or search by name - every option is open to everyone, no account needed.

Convert & download

Hit Convert and grab your download link moments later. Originals are erased when the job completes; results are cleared within about an hour.

What is a WMV file?

Windows Media Video (WMV) refers to a series of video codecs and their corresponding coding formats developed by Microsoft, typically encapsulated in the Advanced Systems Format (ASF) container. The format evolved through several iterations (WMV7, WMV8), culminating in WMV9, which was standardized by SMPTE as VC-1 (SMPTE 421M). WMV utilizes inter-frame compression and was originally designed for internet streaming applications and the Windows Media framework, supporting variable bit rate (VBR) and digital rights management (DRM).

How to open a WMV file

WMV files open natively in Microsoft Windows environments via Windows Media Player and the Movies & TV app. On macOS, native support is absent, requiring third-party tools such as VLC media player or the legacy Flip4Mac component for QuickTime. Cross-platform suites like MPlayer and DivX Player also support the ASF container and VC-1 codec family required to render WMV content.

WMV Technical Info

Full Name: Windows Media Video
Developed By: Microsoft
Initial Release: 1999
MIME Type: video/x-ms-wmv

What is an AVI file?

Audio Video Interleave (AVI) is a multimedia container format introduced by Microsoft in 1992 as part of the Video for Windows technology. It adheres to the Resource Interchange File Format (RIFF) specification, storing audio and video data in tagged chunks (specifically 'movi' lists) to allow synchronous playback. While widely compatible, the legacy AVI architecture lacks native support for modern features found in MP4 or MKV, such as variable frame rates (VFR), B-frames, and sophisticated chapter markers. It typically utilizes codecs like DivX, Xvid, or MJPEG.

How to open an AVI file

AVI files enjoy broad compatibility on Windows via Windows Media Player. However, because AVI is a container that can hold various codecs (e.g., DivX, Xvid), playback may fail if the specific codec is missing. macOS users can view AVI files using QuickTime Player if the content is MJPEG, but third-party players are often required for other codecs. VLC media player and MPC-HC are standard recommendations for handling the vast array of codecs potentially encapsulated within an AVI file.

AVI Technical Info

Full Name: Audio Video Interleave
Developed By: Microsoft
Initial Release: 1992
MIME Type: video/x-msvideo

More tools

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WMV to MKV

Why RunConvert

The fastest way to convert any file

Purpose-built for speed, privacy, and breadth of format support.

Convert WMV to AVI in seconds

Every WMV to AVI conversion runs on our servers, so your device stays fast and the output quality stays intact.

Fast, cloud-powered

No queue, no waiting. Files are processed on high-performance servers and returned in seconds, even for large files.

Secure & private

Encrypted in transit and never shared with anyone. Uploads are erased the moment your job completes, and results shortly after.

Free - no account needed

Convert without creating an account - no credit card, no trial clock. Sign in only if you want history and higher daily limits.

Developer API

Convert WMV to AVI via API

Automate WMV to AVI conversions in three steps: create a job, upload your file, then poll for the result.

# 1. Create job
curl -X POST https://api.runconvert.com/v3/jobs \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "tag": "wmv-to-avi",
    "tasks": {
      "upload-file": {
        "operation": "import/upload"
      },
      "convert": {
        "operation": "convert",
        "input": "upload-file",
        "output_format": "avi"
      },
      "export-result": {
        "operation": "export/url",
        "input": "convert"
      }
    }
  }'

# 2. Upload your file (use upload_url from the response)
curl -X PUT "$UPLOAD_URL" --upload-file input.wmv

# 3. Poll for result
curl https://api.runconvert.com/v3/jobs/$JOB_ID?include=tasks \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"

Replace YOUR_API_KEY with your RunConvert API key. Get your free API key at runconvert.com/api.