WMV is short for Windows Media Video which is a video compression format developed by Microsoft in 1999. WMV video format was originally used for internet streaming applications. Other video files that use the WMV codec include AVI and Matroska. As one of the most common files used to store video in Windows, WMV are used by many third-party programs. Years ago, the WMV file could only be played by Windows Media Player. But now there are many other video players on the markets to support it. For Mac users, Flip4Mac WMV Player (known as Microsoft Windows Media Components for QuickTime) is also able to play WMV files also known as) to play WMV files.

Why Mac can't play WMV?

Even though there are some WMV players for Mac, sometimes you may have a very common problem that your Mac tries to open the WMV file with the WMV player but it shows "This is not a movie file". Does that mean Mac doesn't support WMV video format? Definitely not. The reason falls to that in the common cases, WMV files use Microsoft proprietary codecs which is not compatible with Mac OS X system. Under the circumstances, many users choose to convert the video codecs or upgrade the OS. But are there any WMV players for users to play WMV files successfully. The answer is positive. Next you will access to several WMV players for Mac.

No.1. Leawo Blu-ray Player

   

The first WMV player I would like to push is Leawo Blu-ray Player for Mac. As a professional media player, Leawo Blu-ray Player for Mac could allow you to play all kinds of videos and audios, which includes HD MKV, HD MP4, WMV, MOV, AVI, FLV, etc. Powered by advanced audio and video technology, this player will give you a fantastic cinema-like movie enjoyment with surround stereo sound and customized personal preference. You can also be allowed to perform video-settings, audio-settings, and subtitles-settings with its free video setting functions. What's more, you will be satisfied with its virtual remote control of disc menu, power manager for battery protecting, changeable aspect ratio customization and so on. Please refer to the following detailed steps.

Step 1. Download Leawo Blu-ray Player for Mac and install it on your Mac computer.

Step 2. Load the WMV files you would like to play. You will see some options after entering the main interface. You can click Open File button to import the media source to the program by browsing the source file. After loading the file, then you can be able to watch this WMV video on your Mac.

play wmv on mac

Step 3. Do subtitle settings, video settings and audio settings. When the media file is loaded to this program, you can set the subtitles, videos and audios by clicking the icon on the upper-left corner of the screen display. After setting these parameters, you will obtain the better video entertainment.

play wmv on mac

play wmv on mac

play wmv on mac

No.2. QuickTime Player

play wmv on mac

QuickTime Player must be mentioned as the basic media player for Mac. As Apple's official media player, it could allow you to play most of the videos compatible with Mac OS. But pay attention, QuickTime Player only works on Snow Leopard i.e. OS X 10.6.3+ and its launching speed is a bit slower than other players. Sometimes, you can easily play the videos. However, if the codec of the video has been changed during the conversion, such as MOV, FLV, WAV, then it may fail to open it. For QuickTime Player users, you must update it very often when the the system has been upgraded.

No.3. MPlayer OSX

play wmv on mac

MPlayer OSX is a free, open source WMV player for Mac users. It has a very simple interface and is quite easy to operate. It can support many video formats. As one of the Google Codes projects, MPlayer OSX has won many praise in playing WMV files. But for many primary Mac users, this is not very proper because there are many advanced features in it. And you may be confused by some of the technical terms in it.

No.4. DivX

play wmv on mac

As a simple WMV player, DivX player could allow you to navigate backward and forward the WMV videos smoothly. It has a simpler playing interface and it only handles the WMV videos in a basic way. While, during the playback, there are too many advertisements and very few modes options and video editing features. Besides, it doesn't work well for the retina display. And it takes a long time to install the videos.

No.5. Mac Media Player

play wmv on mac

Another basic Mac WMV player is Mac Media Player. This player can allow you to play WMV files when you have no other better choices. It is simple to use and it could meet your basic requirements about playing WMV movies. Without any editing features and customization, you will only enjoy it as a simple WMV player.

Conclusion

In summary, even though QuickTime Player, MPlayer OSX, DivX and Mac Media Player are all quite popular among Mac users, they could only provide you the basic functions of playing WMV. If you prefer more characteristics and audio and video editing features, Leawo Blu-ray Player will be better. Besides, Leawo Blu-ray Player is an all-in-one multi-functional media player. You don't need to worry about the video formats because it supports nearly all the videos from Blu-ray to WMV, MOV, AVI etc. Just try it and you will enjoy it.