What is an M4V file and can Windows play M4V? In this article, we are going to solve the questions and introduce some best M4V (DRM-free) players for Mac and Windows.

Part 1: What is M4V File

An M4V file is a common video format container developed by Apple to mainly encode movies, TV episodes, and music videos in the iTunes store. The M4V structure is very similar to the MP4 format but it is extended from iTunes video format. That being to say, M4V codecs will be mainly used to encrypt video data in the Apple iTunes Store to keep it protected. It is supposed to be playable on multiple Apple devices such as Mac OS. Nevertheless, some Mac users find the M4V file won’t play on Mac every once in a while.

While searching for M4V how to play solutions, the reason why we cannot play M4V on PC also appears. To be more precise, M4V video files are unlike other common video formats. A specific DRM copy protection from Apple is imposed on the M4V movies to avoiding copyright infringement, which means you can only play protected M4V files on authorized computers and Apple devices.

If the Mac computers seem to not support native M4V playback, then what will play M4V files? As a matter of fact, there are a few M4V media players to play M4V on PC. On another hand, you can create DRM-free M4V videos by using a converter to remove DRM from a DRM-protected M4V file. In this way, you can play M4V on any media player that supports it.

Part 2: Best Free M4V Media Player Windows & Mac

Leawo Blu-ray Player is the world’s first Blu-ray media player software that combines all media player features. Featuring the perfect performance to play M4V on PC, the freeware is capable of playing M4V video content of all types. Meanwhile, Leawo supports a variety of video formats. Specifically, it can playback common videos in AVI, MPEG, WMV , etc. and up to 1080P HD videos in HD MP4, HD AVI, HD MOV, etc.

The advanced technology support guarantees the audio output to be as fantastic as the original one. People can input Dolby, DTS, AAC, TrueHD, DTS-HD for entire stereo sound effects. This all-inclusive media player offers totally free service to let cross-platform users play Blu-ray/DVD disc up to 4K/1080P and audios on PC without any quality loss.

Of course, as a professional M4V playback software program, all parameters related to M4V are open to modifying along with various handy tools like the screenshot snapper, virtual remote controller, and a power monitor. Additionally, it is a region-free player, meaning it allows playback of discs from all around the world, no matter where the Blu-ray movies come from. Most importantly, this application covers a cool functionality that creates MKV format files directly from Blu-ray discs. If you want a hassle-free transfer to rip Blu-ray discs with retaining 100% source quality, a simple upgrade will achieve it.

blu-ray-player

Leawo Free Blu-ray Player 

☉ 100% free movie player for Windows & Mac users to play Ultra HD 4K, 1080P and 720P videos.

☉ Free Blu-ray/DVD player to play 4K disc, folder and ISO file, regardless of disc protection and region code.

☉ Support multiple audio decoding systems like Dolby, DTS, AAC, TrueHD, DTS-HD, etc.

☉ Adjust subtitles, video and audio during media playback.

☉ Serves as a powerful Blu-ray/DVD to MKV converter to convert Blu-ray/DVD disc, folder and ISO image to MKV with lossless quality and high speed.

Part 3: How to Play M4V Video Free

Now, let’s get familiar with the best M4V player to play M4V on PC. This simple guide will illustrate the M4V how to play on Windows.

Step 1. Download and install Leawo Blu-ray Player.
This cross-platform M4V player can operate on Mac systems by the Leawo Blu-ray Player for Mac version. Make sure the system requirements and get the correct edition. Install the setup properly following the guide.

Step 2. Launch to import source M4V files.
Double-click on the icon to open the friendly interface. In the middle of the main stage, you can see the green “Open File” button string at the first from left. Click on this icon to visit a folder viewer where you can navigate and select M4V videos. Another simpler way is to drag your original M4V files to the top of the window as it is a smart program that detects any media format.

Step 3. Make changes to the M4V video subtitles.
If a subtitle is required, you can right-click on the streaming area and keep choosing the “Subtitle” from the list so that a dialog box will display. The title is “Subtitles settings” and several options are reachable. Enable the subtitles by ticking the circle at the end or put in a value to the Subtitle offset. External subtitles are acceptable.

Step 4. Configure the M4V video settings.
From the right-click menu, it is not hard to notice the “Video” shortcut item. Tap this option to enter the video-linked panel. Here, you can deinterlace the M4V movies by different methods, even upscale the M4V videos to refine image quality. Every user is encouraged to check out the massive amount of adjustments.

Step 5. Modify the M4V soundtrack backgrounds.
The audio box will be called out by clicking on the “Audios” under the right-click list. This universal Leawo M4V player is able to boost volume over the maximum set.

Part 4: Other Programs to Play M4V File

1. VLC Media Player

VLC is a free, portable, open-source and cross-platform media player. Born as a multi-functional M4V player, it can solve most of M4V how to play questions such as what will play M4V files on computing systems. Inbuilt with many decent codecs, VLC can support a wide range of formats, including M4V, MP4, AVI, WMV, etc. It also provides good hotkey support and is easy to use, flexible and lightweight. You can hardly find a video codec or format that VLC can’t handle. Simultaneously, this program is capable of coping with AVI file repair, AVI file conversion, and other usages. However, there could be some runtime errors from time to time.

2. 5KPlayer

Capable of supporting a variety of video formats, including M4V, MP4, H.264, MKV, M2TS, AVCHD, FLV, AAC, AC3, etc, this app has the ability to thoroughly host M4V files of different kinds. As the name suggests, the biggest strength of 5KPlayer is rendering Ultra HD 4K and 5K video content. Other unique features include the ability to play and download videos directly from online video sites, including YouTube, Vevo, Dailymotion, etc. You may also like the Airplay feature that is primarily adopted by many Mac users who faces the M4V file won’t play on Mac dilemma.

3. PotPlayer

PotPlayer is lightweight, free, and capable of playing just about every file format, codec, media container, or type of file you throw its direction with ease. Being brilliant at opening M4V movie content, it actually supports various types of 3D glasses so you can get the 3D experience anytime you want using your 3DTV or PC. In addition to broad format support, PotPlayer also gives you plenty of features and controls to get your video playback looking just the way you want.

4. KMPlayer

The last one to play M4V on PC is by KMPlayer. This popular KMPlayer media player is very attractive to plenty of Windows users. It has very simple and easy methods to deal with M4V videos, which would be highly recommended if you are looking for a great yet light alternative to the many unnecessarily feature-bloated media players available without compromising on quality features. It supports high-resolution movies such as 3D, 4K and UHD. It does support a variety of formats.

Part 5: Conclusion

Speaking of M4V files, I hope mates who come to this post will understand what an M4V file at the very beginning is as this is not a wide appliable format. Can Windows play M4V and what will play M4V files on Windows? Maybe you are also confused about why the M4V file won’t play on Mac. But the truth is only a couple of programs can play M4V on PC Windows.

Although we have selected some great M4V players out there for both Windows computers and Mac computers, each of them contains different shortcomings. However, if you are someone that cares the most about image quality and acoustic fidelity, you may want to consider Leawo Blu-ray Player, which is entirely free, supports a variety of formats, and runs smoothly and steadily with a user-friendly interface.