How to Convert Movie Maker to MP4: A Comprehensive Guide

Converting projects created in Windows Movie Maker to MP4 format is essential for sharing, archiving, and compatibility with modern devices and platforms. While Movie Maker itself saves projects in its proprietary .wlmp format (a project file) or as .wmv (Windows Media Video), converting to the more universal .mp4 format requires rendering or exporting the project into that specific format using Movie Maker’s built-in functions or employing third-party conversion software. This process ensures your video is playable on a wide range of devices and platforms.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Basics: From WLMP to MP4

Windows Movie Maker, though no longer officially supported by Microsoft, remains a popular choice for basic video editing due to its simplicity and user-friendliness. However, its reliance on the .wmv format can present challenges. An .mp4 file, on the other hand, offers several advantages:

Wider compatibility: MP4 files can be played on virtually any device, including computers, smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.
Better compression: MP4 files typically offer better video quality at a smaller file size compared to WMV.
Online sharing: Most video hosting platforms, such as YouTube, Vimeo, and Facebook, prefer MP4.

Therefore, understanding how to convert your Movie Maker projects to MP4 is crucial. The process isn’t about directly converting a .wlmp project file. Instead, you are rendering or exporting the finalized video into the MP4 format. The .wlmp file is essentially a blueprint; the rendering process builds the video according to that blueprint.

Methods for Converting Movie Maker Projects to MP4

There are two primary methods for converting Movie Maker projects to MP4:

Using Windows Movie Maker’s Built-in Export Function: This is the simplest and most direct approach.
Using Third-Party Video Conversion Software: This provides more control over encoding settings and can handle more complex projects.

Using Windows Movie Maker’s Built-in Export Function

This is the recommended method for most users as it is straightforward and doesn’t require installing additional software.

Open Your Project: Load your .wlmp project file in Windows Movie Maker. Ensure all edits are complete and you are satisfied with the final product.
Save Your Project (Again!): It’s always a good idea to save a final copy of your .wlmp project before exporting. This allows you to easily make changes later if needed.
Go to ‘File’ -> ‘Save Movie’: This will present you with several preset options, each with varying resolutions and file sizes.
Select a Preset or Choose Custom Settings: The presets offer quick ways to export your video, such as “For Computer,” “For Email,” or “For High Definition Display.” If you require more specific control, choose the “For Computer” option initially, then access the “Custom Settings” option after selecting a preset. This allows you to manually adjust settings like bitrate, resolution, and frame rate.
Choose ‘MP4’ as the File Type (If Possible): In some versions of Movie Maker, directly choosing MP4 as the output format might not be available. In this case, select a profile you desire, and continue with the next step.
Rename Your File and Select a Location: Choose a meaningful name for your video and select the folder where you want to save it.
Click ‘Save’: Movie Maker will begin rendering your video. The time this takes will depend on the length and complexity of your project.
Verify the Output: After the rendering process is complete, check the saved file to ensure the video quality is satisfactory and plays correctly on your device.

Using Third-Party Video Conversion Software

If Movie Maker doesn’t offer MP4 as a direct output option, or if you need more control over the encoding process, third-party video conversion software is an excellent alternative.

Export to WMV (First): Export your Movie Maker project as a .wmv file using the steps outlined above. Choose a high-quality setting to minimize any quality loss during the initial export.
Choose Conversion Software: Select reputable video conversion software such as HandBrake (free and open-source), Any Video Converter (freemium), or Wondershare UniConverter (paid).
Install and Launch the Software: Follow the software’s installation instructions.
Import the WMV File: Open the conversion software and import the .wmv file you exported from Movie Maker.
Select ‘MP4’ as the Output Format: Most conversion software will have a dropdown menu where you can select the desired output format. Choose ‘MP4.’
Adjust Encoding Settings (Optional): Depending on the software, you can further customize encoding settings, such as resolution, bitrate, frame rate, and audio codecs. For optimal quality, maintain or slightly increase the bitrate compared to the original WMV file.
Choose a Save Location and Start Conversion: Select the folder where you want to save the MP4 file and click the ‘Convert’ button.
Verify the Output: After the conversion is complete, check the saved file to ensure the video quality is satisfactory and plays correctly on your device.

Understanding Codecs and Bitrates

The terms codec and bitrate are essential to understand when converting video files.

Codec: A codec is a video compression technology. The most common codec for MP4 videos is H.264. Some software might offer other codecs, like H.265 (HEVC), which offers even better compression but might not be compatible with all devices.
Bitrate: The bitrate determines the amount of data used to encode each second of video. A higher bitrate generally results in better video quality but also larger file sizes. Experimenting with different bitrates can help you find the optimal balance between quality and file size.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why can’t I directly save my Movie Maker project as an MP4 file?

Older versions of Windows Movie Maker predominantly used the .wmv format due to historical factors and Microsoft’s emphasis on its own proprietary codecs. While some newer versions may offer MP4 export, compatibility and features vary. This necessitated either exporting to WMV and then converting, or utilizing other tools.

2. What bitrate should I use when converting to MP4?

The ideal bitrate depends on the video’s resolution and content. For standard definition (SD) video, a bitrate of 2-5 Mbps is generally sufficient. For high definition (HD) 720p video, a bitrate of 5-10 Mbps is recommended. For Full HD 1080p video, a bitrate of 10-20 Mbps is ideal. Consider experimenting to find the best balance.

3. Will converting my video to MP4 reduce its quality?

Any conversion process can potentially reduce video quality, especially if you significantly reduce the bitrate. However, using a reputable conversion software and choosing appropriate settings can minimize quality loss, often making it imperceptible.

4. Is HandBrake a safe and reliable video converter?

Yes, HandBrake is a widely respected and safe open-source video converter. It’s free to use and has a large community of developers who ensure its quality and security. It is constantly updated and considered a top recommendation in the industry.

5. Can I convert multiple Movie Maker projects to MP4 at once?

Some third-party video conversion software supports batch conversion, allowing you to convert multiple files at the same time. HandBrake, for example, offers this functionality. This can save significant time if you have many projects to convert.

6. What if my video looks distorted or pixelated after conversion?

This often indicates that the bitrate is too low or the encoding settings are not appropriate for the video’s content. Try increasing the bitrate, experimenting with different codecs, or using a different conversion software. Ensure the resolution is also appropriate.

7. How do I reduce the file size of my MP4 video?

You can reduce the file size by decreasing the bitrate, lowering the resolution, or using a more efficient codec like H.265 (HEVC). However, keep in mind that these changes may also affect video quality.

8. My audio is out of sync after converting to MP4. What should I do?

Audio sync issues can arise due to incorrect encoding settings. Try experimenting with different audio codecs and sampling rates in your conversion software. Some software also offers options to manually adjust audio sync.

9. Is it legal to convert videos to MP4?

Converting videos to MP4 is generally legal as long as you own the copyright to the video or have permission from the copyright holder. Converting copyrighted material without permission may be illegal in some jurisdictions.

10. What are some other alternatives to Windows Movie Maker?

Alternatives include OpenShot, DaVinci Resolve (free version), Filmora, and iMovie (for Mac users). These provide more advanced features and often offer better support for modern video formats.

11. My video is very long; will the conversion process take a long time?

Yes, the conversion time is directly proportional to the video length, complexity, and the processing power of your computer. Using a faster processor and a dedicated graphics card can significantly speed up the process.

12. Can I convert other video formats besides WMV to MP4 using these methods?

Absolutely. The third-party conversion software can handle a wide range of video formats, making it a versatile tool for converting videos beyond just Movie Maker projects exported as WMV. You can convert AVI, MOV, MKV, and many other formats to MP4.