How to Convert WMV to MP4 with FFmpeg?

FFmpeg is free, open-source command-line software for transcoding multimedia files into different formats. Part of what makes FFmpeg so popular is that users are welcome to modify its source to extend more capabilities. Another reason lies in its wide compatibilities. It can run on all major desktop operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and Mac.

Next, we’ll walk you through a detailed guide on FFmpeg WMV to MP4 conversion.

Wait! Before starting, make sure you’ve got it installed properly. If not, follow our instructions to install FFmpeg on your device.

Step 1. Install FFmpeg

The FFmpeg version and installation process vary depending on the operating system you’re using.

Choose the FFmpeg version that is compatible with your operating system from here: https://ffmpeg.org/download.html

For Windows:

• You’ll get a ZIP file. Extract the file and rename it to ‘ffmpeg’.
• Move the folder to your software installation drive. By default, it should be the local disk C drive.
• Then open ‘System variables’.
• Go to ‘System Properties’ > ‘Environment Variables’.
• Hit ‘Path’ > ‘Edit...’ in the ‘System variables’ section.
• Locate your ‘ffmpeg’ folder and open the ‘bin’ folder. Copy the file path e.g., C:\ffmpeg\bin.
• Click ‘New’ to paste the path into it.
• Click all ‘OK’ buttons to save the setting.

For MacOS:

• You can install FFmpeg through Homebrew.
• Open Terminal app and run the following command to install Homebrew:
  /bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/master/install.sh)"
• Once Homebrew is installed, run this command to install and update ffmpeg:
  brew install ffmpeg
  brew update ffmpeg

Step 2. Run FFmpeg to Convert WMV to MP4

After installation, open your command window and use the following commands to start the conversion on Windows, Mac, or Linux.

For Windows users, you can open the location of your WMV file. type in ‘CMD’ in the address bar, and press ‘Enter’ to bring up the command prompt window.

Execute this basic command to make FFmpeg convert WMV to MP4 encoded with FFmpeg default codecs (generally H.264/AAC).
ffmpeg -i input.wmv output.mp4

If you want to specify the output settings like codec, resolution, frame rate, etc., you need to use other FFmpeg options. For example, to convert a WMV file to MP4 using H.265 (HEVC) for video and AAC for audio and with a 720x480 resolution, 24 fps, and 44.1 kHz audio sample rate, you can use this command:

ffmpeg -i input.wmv -vf "scale=720:480" -r 24 -c:v libx265 -crf 28 -preset slow -c:a aac -ar 44100 -b:a 128k output.mp4

The exported MP4 video file is going to the same location as the original WMV file.

As it is shown, it’s easy to make FFmpeg convert WMV to MP4 as long as you input the correct command line. But if you’ve never used any command-line software before, you might find it a bit confusing to understand the command language. In such cases, you’re highly recommended to choose an easier solution to make WMV to MP4 conversion. WonderFox Free HD Video Converter Factory, for instance, is a free and effective video converter in Windows.

Add file by performing a simple drag-n-drop operation instead of a daunting command line. WonderFox Free HD Video Converter Factory features a glanceable UI, making it easier than ever to make audio and video conversions. It is compatible with all common audio and video formats as well as some rare types and offers 600+ output presets so that you can not only convert WMV files to MP4 but also MP4 to WMV, MP4 to MKV, WMV to MP3, and so forth. Besides, it comes with a handy editor and a powerful downloader.

Free download the best free FFmpeg alternative to make format conversions with ease.

Step 1. Add WMV Files to the Free Converter

Launch the program and enter the Converter module. Press the + Add Files button to add the source .wmv video file or simply drag it into the workplace.

Step 2. Select MP4 as the Output Format

Hit the format image on the right side to open the output format library. Navigate to Video > MP4.

Optional. Modify the Video Parameters

In the Parameter settings, you can adjust the video parameters including codec, resolution, bitrate, frame rate, volume, and more.

Step 3. Start WMV to MP4 Conversion

Finally, hit the triangle button at the bottom of the conversion interface to set a new output folder. You can also just leave it as default. Click Run to start the conversion at once.

That’s all about how to make FFmpeg convert WMV to MP4. Which conversion tool will you go for? Personally, the latter drag-and-drop way is better to go. Users at all levels can master it in no time. It’s worth a shot. Get the efficient and free WonderFox video converter here: