The simple answer is this: Windows Movie Maker natively saves files in the .WLMP project format, not .MP4. To get an .MP4 video, you must export or save your Windows Movie Maker project in a compatible video format, which can then be easily converted to MP4 if needed.
Understanding the WLMP vs. MP4 Distinction
Before diving into the “how,” it’s crucial to understand why Windows Movie Maker doesn’t directly save as MP4. WLMP files are project files. Think of them as blueprints, containing information about the video’s timeline, edits, effects, music, and other elements. They’re not actual video files themselves. This is why you can’t simply rename a WLMP file to MP4; it won’t work.
To get an actual video file, you need to render or export the WLMP project. Rendering takes all the instructions in the WLMP file and creates a playable video file, like MP4, WMV, or AVI.
The Export Process: Creating Your MP4
The most direct route to an MP4 from a Windows Movie Maker project involves exporting the project in a format compatible with conversion, typically WMV (Windows Media Video). Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Open your WLMP project in Windows Movie Maker. Ensure your project is complete and error-free.
- Click the “File” menu. Usually found in the top-left corner of the application.
- Select “Save Movie” or “Publish Movie.” The wording may vary slightly depending on your version of Windows Movie Maker.
- Choose a preset. Windows Movie Maker offers several presets optimized for different devices and resolutions. Select one that suits your needs, such as “For Computer” or “For Email.” Lower resolutions will result in smaller file sizes but potentially lower video quality.
- Name your file and choose a location. Select a descriptive name for your video and a folder where you can easily find it.
- Confirm the file type (WMV). Check that the “Save as type” field shows “Windows Media Video file (*.wmv)”. If available, opt for higher resolutions (e.g., 1080p) within the presets.
- Click “Save.” Windows Movie Maker will now begin rendering your project into a WMV video file. This process can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the complexity of your project and the speed of your computer.
Converting WMV to MP4: The Final Step
Once you have a WMV file, you can convert it to MP4 using a variety of free and paid software programs. Here are some popular options:
- Handbrake: A free, open-source video transcoder available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It’s highly versatile and offers a wide range of customization options.
- VLC Media Player: While primarily known as a media player, VLC can also perform basic video conversion tasks. It’s another free and widely used option.
- Online Converters: Numerous websites offer online video conversion services. These can be convenient for quick conversions, but be mindful of file size limitations and potential privacy concerns. Examples include CloudConvert, Zamzar, and FreeConvert.
Using Handbrake to Convert WMV to MP4
Handbrake is a highly recommended option for converting WMV to MP4 due to its flexibility and quality. Here’s how to use it:
- Download and install Handbrake. Visit the official Handbrake website to download the latest version.
- Open Handbrake and select your WMV file. Click on “File” (or “Open Source”) and browse to the location of your WMV file.
- Choose an MP4 preset. Handbrake offers a variety of presets optimized for different devices and resolutions. The “Fast 1080p30” or “HQ 1080p30 Surround” presets are good starting points for general-purpose MP4 conversion.
- Select the destination for your MP4 file. Choose a folder where you want to save the converted file.
- Click “Start Encode.” Handbrake will now begin converting your WMV file to MP4. The conversion time will depend on the size of the file and the speed of your computer.
Using VLC to Convert WMV to MP4
VLC offers a simpler, though less customizable, conversion process:
- Open VLC Media Player.
- Go to “Media” and select “Convert / Save…”
- Click “Add…” and select your WMV file.
- Click “Convert / Save.”
- In the “Profile” dropdown menu, choose “Video – H.264 + MP3 (MP4).”
- Click the “Browse” button to choose a destination and filename for your MP4 file. Make sure the filename ends in “.mp4”.
- Click “Start.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about converting Windows Movie Maker files to MP4:
FAQ 1: Why can’t I just rename my WLMP file to .MP4?
As mentioned earlier, WLMP files are project files, not video files. Renaming them to .MP4 will simply change the file extension, but it won’t actually convert the data into the MP4 video format. The file will remain unplayable.
FAQ 2: Is Windows Movie Maker still available?
Microsoft officially discontinued Windows Movie Maker in January 2017 and it is no longer available for download from Microsoft’s website. However, older versions might be found on third-party sites, but be extremely cautious when downloading from unofficial sources due to the risk of malware.
FAQ 3: What are the best alternatives to Windows Movie Maker?
Several excellent alternatives to Windows Movie Maker exist, including DaVinci Resolve (free and paid versions), OpenShot (free), Shotcut (free), and Filmora (paid). These programs offer more advanced features and often support direct export to MP4.
FAQ 4: What is the best video format to export from Windows Movie Maker for optimal quality and conversion?
WMV (Windows Media Video) is generally the best option for exporting from Windows Movie Maker. It offers a good balance between file size and quality and is widely compatible with conversion software.
FAQ 5: What bitrate should I use when converting WMV to MP4?
The optimal bitrate depends on the resolution and desired quality. For 1080p videos, a bitrate of 8-12 Mbps is generally recommended. For 720p videos, a bitrate of 4-6 Mbps should suffice. Experiment to find the best balance between quality and file size.
FAQ 6: Can I convert WLMP files directly to MP4 without using Windows Movie Maker?
Unfortunately, no direct WLMP to MP4 converter exists. WLMP files are proprietary to Windows Movie Maker, and without opening the project in the application, you cannot render it into a video file.
FAQ 7: My converted MP4 video is pixelated. What can I do?
Pixelation often indicates a low bitrate or an incorrect resolution setting during the conversion process. Increase the bitrate in your conversion software or ensure that the output resolution matches the original video’s resolution. Also, starting with a higher quality WMV export from Windows Movie Maker will help.
FAQ 8: How do I reduce the file size of my converted MP4 video?
Reducing the file size usually involves lowering the bitrate, resolution, or frame rate. Experiment with different settings in your conversion software to find a balance between file size and quality. You can also use video compression tools after converting.
FAQ 9: Can I convert multiple WMV files to MP4 at once (batch conversion)?
Yes, many video conversion programs, including Handbrake, support batch conversion. This allows you to add multiple WMV files to a queue and convert them all simultaneously.
FAQ 10: Is it legal to convert videos from one format to another?
Converting videos for personal use is generally legal. However, converting copyrighted videos without permission is illegal. Always respect copyright laws.
FAQ 11: My audio is out of sync after converting the video. What’s causing this?
Audio sync issues can sometimes occur during video conversion due to different frame rates or codec problems. Try a different conversion program or experiment with the audio settings in your current software. Ensure both the source and output files are using a compatible audio codec.
FAQ 12: Are online video converters safe to use?
While convenient, online video converters can pose security risks. They may have file size limitations, watermarks, or potential privacy concerns. Choose reputable online converters with strong security measures, and avoid uploading sensitive or confidential videos. It’s generally safer to use dedicated software on your computer.