Camcorder Footage Won't Play on Windows?
You recorded precious moments with your Sony, Canon, or Panasonic camcorder, but Windows Media Player won't open the files. Those MTS files use the AVCHD format - excellent for recording but frustrating for playback.
Converting to WMV solves this instantly. WMV is Microsoft's native video format, designed specifically for Windows. In our testing, MTS files that refused to play converted to WMV and opened immediately in Windows Media Player without any additional software.
How to Convert MTS to WMV
- Upload your MTS file - Drag and drop or click to select your camcorder footage
- Select WMV as output - WMV is optimized for Windows playback
- Download your video - Ready to play in Windows Media Player
The entire process happens in your browser. No software to download, no accounts to create.
Why MTS Files Cause Problems
MTS is the file extension for AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec High Definition) - a format developed by Sony and Panasonic for HD camcorders. While it produces excellent video quality, it creates compatibility headaches:
- Windows Media Player - Often fails to recognize MTS files without codec packs
- Windows Movie Maker - Cannot import MTS directly for editing
- PowerPoint - Rejects MTS when adding video to presentations
- Older Windows versions - Windows 7 and earlier lack native AVCHD support
WMV eliminates these issues. It's Microsoft's format, so every Windows application supports it natively.
When to Convert MTS to WMV
Editing in Windows Movie Maker
Planning to edit your camcorder footage? Windows Movie Maker works best with WMV files. Convert first for smooth timeline editing and faster rendering.
Sharing with Windows Users
Sending video to family or colleagues? WMV files play instantly on any Windows PC without requiring special software or codec installations.
Embedding in PowerPoint
Creating a presentation with video? PowerPoint handles WMV files reliably. MTS files often cause playback failures during important presentations.
Archiving for Windows Systems
Building a video library on Windows? WMV ensures long-term compatibility with Microsoft's ecosystem.
MTS vs WMV: Technical Comparison
Understanding the differences helps you know what to expect after conversion:
- Codec - MTS uses H.264/MPEG-4 AVC; WMV uses Windows Media Video codec
- Container - MTS is MPEG transport stream; WMV uses ASF container
- Compatibility - MTS requires codec support; WMV works natively on Windows
- File size - WMV files may be slightly larger depending on quality settings
- Quality - Both formats support HD quality; conversion preserves visual clarity
Alternative Formats to Consider
WMV is ideal for Windows, but consider these alternatives for different needs:
- MTS to MP4 - Better for cross-platform sharing (Mac, mobile, web)
- MTS to AVI - Good for older video editors and DVD authoring
- MTS to MOV - Preferred for Mac users and Final Cut Pro
If your videos need to work on multiple platforms, MP4 offers the widest compatibility. For Windows-only use, WMV remains the best choice.
Works on Any Device
Our converter runs entirely in your browser:
- Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook
- Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
- Tablets and smartphones
Upload from anywhere, download WMV files ready for Windows playback.