Videos have become a staple in our daily lives, and with the advent of smartphones, it has become even easier to capture and share them. iPhones, in particular, are known for their impressive video recording capabilities. However, Windows Media Player is the default media player for many Windows users, and unfortunately, it does not support iPhone video files. If you’re having trouble playing your iPhone videos on your Windows device, you’re in the right place. In this blog post, we’ll explore different methods to convert iPhone video files to a format supported by Windows Media Player.
Whether you want to watch your iPhone videos on a larger screen, back them up on your Windows device, or edit them in Windows software, we’ve got you covered. Our goal is to help you convert your iPhone videos to a format that’s compatible with Windows Media Player, so you can enjoy and share your videos hassle-free.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before we dive into the methods, let’s take a look at what’s needed to convert iPhone videos to a format supported by Windows Media Player:
- An iPhone with video files you want to convert
- A Windows computer/laptop
- The latest version of Windows Media Player
- A video converter software
What Requires Your Focus?
Converting iPhone videos to a format supported by Windows Media Player requires a few steps, and it can be time-consuming, especially if you have a large number of videos. The main areas you need to pay attention to are the video conversion software you use and the output format. Make sure you choose a reliable video converter and select the output format that’s compatible with Windows Media Player. Additionally, keep in mind that converting videos can affect their quality, so it’s essential to choose a converter that can preserve the original resolution and size.
Different Methods to Convert iPhone Video to Windows Media Player
Here are three popular methods to convert iPhone video files to a format supported by Windows Media Player:
Method 1: Using Wondershare UniConverter
Wondershare UniConverter (formerly known as Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate) is a popular video conversion software that can convert iPhone videos to a format supported by Windows Media Player in just a few clicks. Here’s how to use it:
- Download and install Wondershare UniConverter on your Windows computer.
- Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
- Launch Wondershare UniConverter, and click on the "Video Converter" tab on the home screen.
- Click on the "+Add Files" button and select the iPhone videos you want to convert from your iPhone or computer.
- Select the output format from the "Output Format" drop-down menu. We recommend selecting "WMV" as it’s a format supported by Windows Media Player.
- Click on the "Convert" button to start the conversion process.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Preserves video quality
- Fast conversion speed
Cons:
- Expensive – the full version costs $69.95
- Requires a stable Internet connection for installation and registration
Method 2: Using HandBrake
HandBrake is a free, open-source video conversion software that can convert iPhone videos to a format supported by Windows Media Player. Here’s how to use it:
- Download and install HandBrake on your Windows computer.
- Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
- Launch HandBrake, and click on the "Source" button to browse and select the iPhone videos you want to convert.
- Select the output format from the "Presets" dropdown menu. We recommend selecting "Windows Mobile/Windows Phone" as it’s a format supported by Windows Media Player.
- Click on the "Start" button to start the conversion process.
Pros:
- Free to use
- Open-source
- Supports a wide range of input and output formats
Cons:
- Not very user-friendly for beginners
- Conversion speed can be slow for large files
- May lower video quality if not configured correctly
Method 3: Using VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player is a popular media player that also has video conversion capabilities. Here’s how to use it to convert iPhone videos to a format supported by Windows Media Player:
- Download and install VLC Media Player on your Windows computer.
- Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
- Open the VLC Media Player app, and go to "Media" > "Convert/Save" from the menu bar.
- Click on the "Add" button to browse and select the iPhone videos you want to convert.
- Select the output format from the "Profile" drop-down menu. We recommend selecting "Video – WMV + WMA (ASF)" as it’s a format supported by Windows Media Player.
- Click on the "Browse" button to select the destination folder where the converted file will be saved.
- Click on the "Start" button to start the conversion process.
Pros:
- Free to use
- Relatively fast conversion speed
- Supports a wide range of input and output formats
Cons:
- Conversion speed may vary depending on the file size and your computer’s specifications
- Limited configuration options compared to dedicated video converters
- User interface may not be very intuitive for beginners
Why Can’t I Play iPhone Video Files on Windows Media Player?
If you’re wondering why Windows Media Player doesn’t support iPhone video files, here are some reasons:
1. Different codecs:
The video codecs used by iPhones are not supported by Windows Media Player by default. iPhone videos typically use H.264 or HEVC codecs, while Windows Media Player supports WMV, MPEG-4, and other codecs.
2. DRM restrictions:
Sometimes, iPhone videos may have digital rights management (DRM) restrictions that prevent them from being played on other devices or software. In this case, converting the videos using a video converter software can help remove the DRM restrictions.
3. File extensions:
iPhone videos typically have a .MOV file extension, while Windows Media Player supports .WMV, .MPG, .AVI, and other file extensions. Simply changing the file extension won’t work, as it doesn’t change the video codec.
If you’re still having trouble playing your iPhone videos on Windows Media Player after using the conversion methods above, try updating your Windows Media Player to the latest version, or consider using a third-party media player that supports iPhone video files.
Implications and Recommendations
Converting iPhone videos to a compatible format for Windows Media Player can be a useful skill to have, especially if you want to share your videos with Windows users or edit them using Windows software. However, keep in mind that video conversion can affect the original quality of the video. To ensure the best possible quality, we recommend using a reliable video converter that can preserve the resolution and size of the original video.
5 FAQs about Converting iPhone Video to Windows Media Player
Q1: Is it legal to convert iPhone videos to a format supported by Windows Media Player?
A: Converting videos for personal use is generally legal, but it’s important to check the copyright laws in your country or region to ensure you’re not infringing on someone else’s intellectual property.
Q2: How long does it take to convert iPhone videos using video conversion software?
A: The time it takes to convert iPhone videos depends on various factors, such as the file size and your computer specifications. Some methods, such as HandBrake, may take longer than others. Generally, Wondershare UniConverter and VLC Media Player are faster compared to other methods.
Q3: Can I convert multiple iPhone video files at once?
A: Yes, most video conversion software allows you to select multiple files at once and convert them simultaneously.
Q4: Are there any free video conversion software that can convert iPhone videos to a format supported by Windows Media Player?
A: Yes, HandBrake and VLC Media Player are both free and can convert iPhone videos to a format supported by Windows Media Player. However, they may not offer as many features or options as paid video converters like Wondershare UniConverter.
Q5: Can I edit my iPhone videos after converting them to a format supported by Windows Media Player?
A: Yes, once you’ve converted your iPhone videos to a compatible format, you can edit them using Windows video editing software such as Windows Movie Maker or Adobe Premiere Pro.
In Conclusion
Converting iPhone videos to a format compatible with Windows Media Player can seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite straightforward when you have the right tools and know-how. In this blog post, we explored three popular methods to convert iPhone videos to a format supported by Windows Media Player. Whether you choose to use Wondershare UniConverter, HandBrake, or VLC Media Player, make sure you choose a reliable video converter and select the output format that’s compatible with Windows Media Player. Once you’ve converted your videos, you can watch, share, and edit them with ease on your Windows device. Happy converting!