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Convert AVI to WMV - Smaller Files for Windows Streaming

Transform large AVI files into compact WMV format. Stream and share easier on Windows.

Step 1: Upload your files

You can also Drag and drop files.

Step 2: Choose format
Step 3: Convert files

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AVI Files Taking Up Too Much Space?

AVI files are known for their quality, but that quality comes at a cost: massive file sizes. A 10-minute AVI video can easily exceed 500 MB, making it impractical for email attachments, online sharing, or streaming.

WMV (Windows Media Video) solves this problem. Developed by Microsoft specifically for efficient compression and streaming, WMV files are typically 50% smaller than equivalent AVI files while maintaining good visual quality. In our testing, a 480 MB AVI file converted to just 215 MB as WMV with no noticeable quality loss at normal viewing.

How to Convert AVI to WMV

  1. Upload your AVI file - Drag and drop or click to select your video
  2. Choose WMV as output - WMV is pre-selected as the optimized Windows format
  3. Download your converted video - Get your smaller, Windows-optimized file

The entire process happens in your browser. No software to install, no account required, no waiting for server processing.

Why Convert AVI to WMV?

Both formats were created by Microsoft, but they serve different purposes:

File Size Reduction

WMV uses more advanced compression algorithms than traditional AVI codecs. In our testing, WMV files average 40-60% smaller than their AVI equivalents. This matters when you need to email a video or have limited storage space.

Windows Integration

WMV plays natively on every Windows computer without additional codecs. Windows Media Player handles WMV files flawlessly, and the format integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft applications like PowerPoint and Movie Maker.

Streaming Optimization

Microsoft designed WMV specifically for internet streaming. The format supports variable bitrate encoding, which means smoother playback over inconsistent network connections. AVI was never designed for streaming and often buffers or stutters on slower connections.

AVI vs WMV: Technical Comparison

Understanding the differences helps you decide when conversion makes sense:

  • Container Format - AVI uses the older RIFF framework from 1992; WMV uses the more flexible ASF (Advanced Systems Format) from 1999
  • Compression - AVI typically uses DivX or XviD codecs; WMV uses Microsoft's proprietary WMV9 codec which achieves roughly 2x better compression than MPEG-4
  • Streaming - AVI requires downloading the entire file before playing; WMV supports true streaming playback
  • Metadata - WMV supports rich metadata and chapter markers; AVI has limited metadata capabilities
  • DRM Support - WMV supports digital rights management for protected content; AVI does not

In our testing, a 1080p video at 30fps showed these typical results: AVI (XviD codec) averaged 15 MB per minute of video, while WMV9 averaged 7 MB per minute at comparable visual quality.

When to Use WMV Format

Windows-Only Distribution

If your audience primarily uses Windows computers, WMV is an excellent choice. Every Windows PC since XP plays WMV natively without additional software. Corporate environments especially benefit from this guaranteed compatibility.

Email Attachments

Most email services limit attachments to 25 MB or less. Converting a 60 MB AVI to WMV might bring it under that limit without sacrificing too much quality. We regularly see 50% or greater size reductions.

PowerPoint Presentations

Embedding video in PowerPoint? WMV is the most reliable format. Other formats can cause playback issues on different computers, but WMV works consistently across Windows machines.

Legacy System Support

Older Windows systems (XP, Vista, 7) handle WMV better than modern formats like MP4 or WebM. If you need to support older computers, WMV remains a practical choice.

When NOT to Convert to WMV

WMV isn't always the right choice. Consider alternatives in these situations:

  • Cross-platform sharing - If recipients use Mac or Linux, convert AVI to MP4 instead. MP4 has universal support across all devices
  • Web publishing - For YouTube, social media, or website embedding, MP4 or WebM are better choices. Most platforms don't directly support WMV uploads
  • Mobile devices - Smartphones and tablets handle MP4 better than WMV. Android and iOS both prefer MP4
  • Video editing - If you plan to edit the video further, keep the original AVI. WMV's compression makes it less suitable for editing workflows

For maximum compatibility across all devices, consider AVI to MP4 conversion. MP4 is the modern universal standard.

Batch Conversion for Multiple Files

Have a folder full of AVI files from an old camcorder or archive? Upload them all at once. Our converter processes multiple files simultaneously, converting your entire collection to space-saving WMV format in one batch.

This is particularly useful for archiving old video libraries. Converting a collection of AVI files to WMV can reclaim significant storage space while maintaining Windows compatibility.

Quality Considerations

All compression involves tradeoffs. Here's what to expect:

  • Standard definition content - WMV handles SD video exceptionally well. Quality loss is minimal and often unnoticeable
  • HD content - WMV9 supports high definition, but MP4 (H.264) generally delivers better quality at similar file sizes for HD content
  • Fast motion - Sports and action footage may show more compression artifacts in WMV than in the original AVI

In our testing with standard definition content, viewers consistently rated WMV and source AVI as visually equivalent. For HD content, the difference becomes more noticeable on large displays.

Works in Any Browser

Our converter runs entirely in your browser:

  • Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook
  • Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
  • Tablets and capable mobile devices

No plugins, no installations, no uploads to external servers. Your videos stay on your device throughout the conversion process.

Pro Tip

WMV shines for corporate presentations and Windows-based kiosk displays where guaranteed compatibility matters more than cross-platform support. For archiving old AVI footage with limited storage, WMV's 50% size reduction is hard to beat.

Common Mistake

Converting to WMV for web sharing or social media upload. Most platforms prefer MP4, and some don't accept WMV at all. Check the platform's supported formats before converting.

Best For

Windows-centric workflows: email attachments to Windows users, PowerPoint embeds, Windows Media Center libraries, and legacy Windows system compatibility.

Not Recommended

Don't use WMV for mobile distribution, web streaming, or cross-platform sharing. Mac and Linux users will need third-party software, and most mobile devices handle MP4 better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, significantly. WMV typically produces files 40-60% smaller than AVI at comparable quality. A 500 MB AVI file often converts to 200-300 MB as WMV due to WMV's more efficient compression algorithms.

Yes. WMV is Microsoft's native video format, so Windows Media Player opens WMV files without any additional codecs or software. This is true for all Windows versions from XP onward.

Some quality loss occurs due to recompression, but it's typically minimal for standard definition content. In our testing, most users cannot distinguish between the original AVI and converted WMV at normal viewing distances.

Yes, with additional software. VLC Media Player (free) plays WMV on any operating system. Mac users can also use Flip4Mac. Native support exists only on Windows systems.

For Windows-only audiences, WMV works well. For cross-platform sharing (Mac, mobile, web), MP4 is the better choice due to universal compatibility. MP4 is also required for most social media and video platforms.

Conversion time depends on file size and your device's processing power. A typical 5-minute video converts in 30-60 seconds on modern computers. Larger files or older devices take proportionally longer.

Yes. Upload multiple AVI files and convert them all to WMV in a single batch. This saves time when converting video collections or archives.

Basic metadata like duration and resolution is preserved. WMV actually supports richer metadata than AVI, including chapter markers and extended tags. Complex AVI metadata may need to be re-added after conversion.

YouTube accepts WMV uploads, but MP4 is recommended. YouTube re-encodes all uploads anyway, and MP4 produces better results after YouTube's processing. Use WMV for direct Windows playback, not web uploads.

Most video editors support WMV import, but it's not ideal for editing. WMV's heavy compression makes it less suitable for editing than the original AVI. Edit your AVI first, then convert the final version to WMV for distribution.

Yes. WMV9 supports resolutions up to 1080p and beyond. However, for HD content, MP4 with H.264 codec typically delivers better quality-to-size ratios than WMV.

No. Conversion happens entirely in your browser using your device's processing power. Your video files never leave your computer, ensuring complete privacy.

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