Converting files from Windows Movie Maker’s native format to the widely compatible MP4 can seem daunting, but it’s a straightforward process with several reliable methods. The easiest approach involves saving your project in a compatible format directly from Movie Maker, but when that’s not possible, dedicated converters offer the most flexibility and control.
Understanding Windows Movie Maker File Formats
Windows Movie Maker, while a basic video editing program, doesn’t always save directly to MP4. It commonly uses project files (‘.mswmm’) which are not video files. These project files contain editing information that Movie Maker uses to assemble the final video. The actual video files that Movie Maker produces might be in older formats less compatible than MP4, like ‘.wmv’. The challenge arises when trying to play or share these WMV files on modern devices that prefer MP4.
Therefore, understanding the nuances of file formats is crucial. MP4 offers excellent compatibility across various platforms, devices, and browsers, making it the go-to choice for most video sharing and playback scenarios.
The Recommended Method: Saving as WMV (and Then Converting)
The most direct, and often the simplest, method involves two steps:
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Saving within Windows Movie Maker: In Windows Movie Maker, go to “File” > “Save Movie” and choose “For Computer.” This will save your project as a WMV file, which is typically the default output format. Select a location to save the file and give it a name.
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Converting WMV to MP4: Once you have the WMV file, you need a converter. There are numerous free and paid options available. We recommend using a dedicated video converter like HandBrake (free and open-source), Freemake Video Converter (free, but bundled with optional software you may want to decline during installation), or Any Video Converter (also free and paid versions). These tools allow you to easily convert your WMV file into an MP4 file with minimal quality loss.
Using Dedicated Video Converters: A Step-by-Step Guide
Dedicated video converters provide greater control over output settings and often support batch conversions, which can be a huge time-saver. Here’s a general outline using a popular converter like HandBrake:
- Download and Install: Download HandBrake from its official website (handbrake.fr) and install it on your computer. Always download software from official sources to avoid malware.
- Open the WMV File: Launch HandBrake and click on the “Open Source” button. Browse to the location where you saved your WMV file and select it.
- Select MP4 as Output: In the “Summary” tab, ensure that the “Format” is set to “MP4.” HandBrake usually defaults to MP4, but it’s crucial to double-check.
- Choose a Preset (Optional): HandBrake offers various presets optimized for different devices and resolutions (e.g., “Fast 1080p30”). Choosing a preset simplifies the configuration process. You can also customize settings like video quality, frame rate, and audio bitrate in the “Video” and “Audio” tabs.
- Select Output Destination: Specify the output folder where you want to save the converted MP4 file by clicking on the “Browse” button under the “Save As” section.
- Start the Conversion: Click the “Start Encode” button to begin the conversion process. The time it takes will depend on the size of the file and your computer’s processing power.
Online Video Converters: Quick and Convenient (with Caveats)
Numerous online video converters offer a quick way to convert WMV to MP4 without installing any software. Websites like CloudConvert, Zamzar, and Convertio are popular options.
However, online converters come with certain limitations:
- File Size Limits: Many free online converters impose limits on the size of the files you can upload.
- Privacy Concerns: Uploading your video to an online service carries inherent privacy risks. Be cautious about converting sensitive content.
- Internet Speed: The conversion process relies on your internet connection. Slow internet speeds can significantly prolong the process.
- Potential for Watermarks or Ads: Some free converters may add watermarks to your converted videos or display intrusive ads.
Alternatives to Windows Movie Maker
If you’re consistently struggling with Windows Movie Maker’s limitations, consider upgrading to a more powerful and versatile video editor that natively supports MP4 output. Some popular alternatives include:
- DaVinci Resolve (Free and Paid): A professional-grade video editor with a robust free version.
- Shotcut (Free and Open-Source): A cross-platform video editor with a wide range of features.
- Adobe Premiere Elements (Paid): A user-friendly video editor with advanced features.
These alternatives provide greater flexibility and control over the video editing process, eliminating the need for constant format conversions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
H3 1. Why can’t I just save directly to MP4 from Windows Movie Maker?
Windows Movie Maker is an older program, and its native output format is typically WMV. While newer versions might offer limited MP4 support, the compatibility and encoding options are often restricted. It’s generally more reliable to save as WMV and then convert.
H3 2. What is the best video converter to use?
The “best” converter depends on your needs. HandBrake is excellent for free, open-source conversion. Freemake Video Converter is another free option (be careful during installation). For more advanced features and paid support, consider Any Video Converter Ultimate or Wondershare UniConverter.
H3 3. Will converting from WMV to MP4 reduce the video quality?
Yes, any video conversion involves some quality loss, as it requires re-encoding the video. However, with appropriate settings (high bitrate, appropriate resolution), the loss can be minimal and barely noticeable. Experiment with different settings to find the optimal balance between file size and quality.
H3 4. What bitrate should I use when converting WMV to MP4?
A good starting point is around 8-10 Mbps for 1080p video. For 720p, 5-6 Mbps should suffice. You can increase the bitrate for higher quality, but it will also increase the file size.
H3 5. How do I convert multiple WMV files to MP4 at once?
Many dedicated video converters, like HandBrake, support batch conversions. This allows you to add multiple files to a queue and convert them all at once, saving significant time.
H3 6. Can I convert WMV to MP4 on my smartphone?
Yes, several mobile apps are available for video conversion. Search for “video converter” in your app store. Be aware that mobile conversions can be slower and may have limitations on file size and features.
H3 7. I’m getting an error message when trying to convert. What should I do?
Error messages often indicate issues with the video file or the converter’s settings. Try the following:
- Update your video converter: Ensure you have the latest version of your chosen software.
- Try a different converter: If one converter fails, try another.
- Check the video file for corruption: Try playing the WMV file in a different media player.
- Lower the conversion settings: Try using a lower bitrate or resolution.
H3 8. What are the advantages of using MP4 over WMV?
MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14) offers significantly better compatibility across various devices, operating systems, and web browsers compared to WMV. MP4 also typically provides better compression efficiency, resulting in smaller file sizes without sacrificing significant quality.
H3 9. Is it possible to convert the ‘.mswmm’ project file directly to MP4?
No, you cannot directly convert a ‘.mswmm’ project file to MP4. The ‘.mswmm’ file is not a video file; it’s a project file containing editing instructions for Windows Movie Maker. You must first open the project in Windows Movie Maker and save it as a video file (usually WMV) before you can convert it to MP4.
H3 10. Can I convert WMV to MP4 without losing any quality at all?
While technically some quality is always lost during conversion, you can minimize the impact by using a high bitrate and appropriate settings. Choosing lossless codecs exists, but these result in extremely large file sizes and are generally not practical for everyday use.
H3 11. Is HandBrake completely free to use?
Yes, HandBrake is completely free and open-source software. It does not contain any adware, spyware, or malware. You can download it safely from its official website (handbrake.fr).
H3 12. What if my WMV file is very large?
For very large WMV files, consider using a desktop video converter rather than an online one, as upload limits and internet speeds can be problematic. Also, be prepared for a longer conversion time. You might want to run the conversion overnight or when you’re not using your computer. Optimizing your initial edits in Windows Movie Maker to remove unnecessary footage can also reduce the final file size.