Any safe way to convert WMV to MP4 on PC that keeps the original quality?

Export video using PowerPoint (indirect conversion)

1. Open PowerPoint and create a new blank page;Insert your .wmv video;
2. File → Export → Create Video;
3. Select MP4 format for export.

Suitable for Office users, you can convert .wmv to .mp4 without additional tools, and the image quality is basically the same.

Using Xbox Game Bar to "secretly convert" .wmv is actually to re-record the video through the system's built-in screen recording function, and export it in .mp4 format. Although it is not a true transcoding, the result is the same - a clean MP4 file is obtained.

This method is particularly suitable for those who:

1. do not want to install third-party software;
2. transcoding fails or the original file is not compatible;
3. temporarily just want a playable MP4.

The advantages of using this method to convert wmv to mp4 on Windows 11 are simplicity, security, native support, and no need to worry about ads, viruses, or messy plug-ins. But the disadvantages are also obvious: the quality of the recording depends on the resolution and frame rate during playback, which is not suitable for scenes with particularly high requirements for image quality and sound quality.

So this method belongs to the kind of "use it if it can be used", suitable for people who can easily handle video conversion and don't worry about details~ If you just want to quickly convert a playable .mp4, then it is completely sufficient.

Using a GUI (Graphical User Interface) video converter over command line tools for converting WMV to MP4 offers several advantages, particularly for users who may not be as tech-savvy.

A GUI provides an intuitive and user-friendly environment where users can simply drag and drop their video files, select the desired output format (in this case, MP4), and start the conversion process with a single click. This eliminates the need to remember complex commands or syntax, making the process accessible to everyone, regardless of their technical expertise. The visual feedback provided by a GUI, such as progress bars and status indicators, also enhances the user experience by keeping users informed about the conversion process.

Another significant benefit of GUI WMV to MP4 converter is their ability to offer additional features and customization options that are often not available or are harder to implement with command line tools. For instance, many GUI converters allow users to adjust video and audio settings, such as bitrate, resolution, and codec, to optimize the output file for specific devices or quality preferences.

They may also provide batch conversion capabilities, enabling users to convert multiple files simultaneously, saving time and effort. Furthermore, GUI tools often come with built-in previews and editing features, allowing users to trim, crop, or add effects to their videos before conversion, which is a feature typically lacking in command line tools.

You can try the system "Photos" App export method? Absolutely! This method is definitely suited for beginners who want to convert WMV to MP4 without delving into any complex software or command lines. Using the built-in Photos app makes it super straightforward, and since it’s a system app, you won’t have to deal with ads or dubious downloads, which is a huge plus. 

You just open the WMV file in Photos and follow a few prompts. No techie skills required! Since the Photos app comes with Windows 11, there’s no need to download anything else. It’s all right there on your system. You won’t be bombarded with ads or complicated settings. It’s a straightforward export process. The app handles the conversion for you, so you don’t have to worry about finding separate software or figuring out settings.

If you’re just converting WMV to MP4 here and there, it’s perfect. Just keep in mind the limitations regarding batch processing.

Haha, although this "screen recording and stealth conversion method" sounds a bit rustic, it is indeed the most primitive and least error-prone method. It is suitable for situations where it is really impossible to convert, especially when encountering damaged or encrypted .wmv files, you can still convert wmv to mp4 on Windows 11.

Method description: Screen recording "sneak conversion method"

1. Open your .wmv file and play it with the video player that comes with Windows (or the photo app).
2. Press Win + G to start the Xbox Game Bar (which comes with Win11).
3. Click the "Capture" button in the upper left corner → Then click "Start Recording".
4. Play the entire video, and then click "Stop Recording" after recording.
5. Open the "Video" folder → "Captures" subdirectory, and there will be a new MP4 format video in it.

This method is actually the idea of ​​"playing and recording at the same time", but its advantage is that it does not rely on any transcoding software at all, and will not fail due to format compatibility issues. Although it’s not strictly called convert wmv to mp4 on Windows 11, the result is the same: you get a high-definition MP4 file!

You can try the system "Photos" App export method. This method is suitable for novice friends who don't want to mess around with the command line. You can convert wmv to mp4 on Windows 11 completely by relying on the "Photos" App that comes with the Windows 11 system. The operation is super simple.

Method description: System "Photos" App export (suitable for novices)

1. Find your .wmv file and double-click it in the folder to open it.
2. By default, the "Photos" App will be used to play the video (if not set, you can right-click → Open with → Select "Photos").
3. Click [Editor] or [Edit and Create] in the upper right corner of the playback window → Select [Create Video or Slideshow].
4. After entering the simple video editing page, directly click "Export" or "Finish Video".
5. The system will automatically export the video in MP4 format.

This method is equivalent to using the video function that comes with the "Photos" App, secretly doing the work of convert wmv to mp4 on Windows 11 for you, and the operation requires almost no technical background. The disadvantage is that it cannot process in batches and the export speed is average, but it is clean, ad-free, and has system-level support.

It is suitable for friends who occasionally transfer one or two videos. It is very friendly~

MEncoder is a powerful command-line video encoding and conversion tool, part of the MPlayer project. It supports a wide range of video formats (including WMV, AVI, MP4, MKV) and offers fine-grained control over encoding parameters. While not as widely used as free WMV to MP4 conversion tool, MEncoder remains a solid choice for batch processing, advanced filtering, and compatibility with older codecs.

Here is a single command to let you convert wmv to mp4 on PC or Mac:

mencoder input.wmv -ovc x264 -x264encopts crf=23 -oac mp3lame -lameopts preset=standard -of lavf -lavfopts format=mp4 -o output.mp4  

-ovc x264:                        Use H.264 video codec
-x264encopts crf=23:      Sets quality (lower = better, 18-28 recommended)
-oac mp3lame:                 Audio codec (MP3)
-of lavf:                             Forces libavformat output
-lavfopts format=mp4:     Outputs in MP4 container

✅ Pros

1. Works well with older codecs (Xvid, MPEG-2).
2. Supports MPlayer filters (denoise, deinterlace, etc.).
3. Lightweight compared to other wmv to mp3 converters in some cases.

❌ Cons

1. Less actively maintained.
2. More complex syntax for advanced features.
3. No native AAC audio (requires external tools like faaac).

One of the easiest ways I’ve found is using an online converter. Just remember, you’ll need an internet connection for this. Here’s how to do it:

1. Pick an Online Converter: There are plenty of sites like CloudC0nvert or OnlineC0nvert that can handle this. Just throw “WMV to MP4 online converter” into Google, and you'll find a bunch.

2. Upload Your File: Go to the site you picked and look for an option to upload your file. Click that and find your WMV file on your computer. 

3. Choose MP4 as the Output Format: Most of these sites will have a dropdown where you can select MP4 as your desired format.

4. Start the Conversion: Hit that convert button and sit back. Depending on your internet speed and the file size, it should only take a few moments.

5. Download the File: Once it’s done, there will be a link to download your newly converted WMV to MP4. Click on that and save it to your computer.

I love this method because it feels low-effort. Just toss your file in, and you don’t have to install anything. Just keep in mind, some sites might have file size limits if you’re dealing with a large video.