WMA File Converter
How to convert to WMA?
- Click the Browse button above to choose the audio file you want to convert to WMA.
- Select Upload & Convert! to begin processing your file.
- Once the conversion is complete, download your newly converted audio file.
About WMA
When was WMA created?
WMA was introduced by Microsoft in 1999 as part of Windows Media Technologies 4.0. It was created to provide high-quality audio while using less storage space and bandwidth for downloads and online streaming.
What codecs does WMA support?
WMA includes several different audio codecs. WMA Standard is used for general music and audio, while WMA Professional supports higher-quality and multichannel sound. WMA Lossless compresses audio without removing any original data, and WMA Voice is designed for speech and low-bit-rate recordings.
Why won’t my WMA file play on my iPhone or Mac?
WMA is a Microsoft format, and Apple never built support for it into iOS or macOS. The Music app and QuickTime cannot play WMA files, and the same is true of most Android devices. A third-party player like VLC will handle them, but converting the file to MP3 or M4A is the simpler fix if you want it to play everywhere.
Are WMA files still used today?
Rarely for new content. WMA was widely used through the 2000s for music downloads and Windows Media Player libraries, but MP3, AAC, and streaming services have largely replaced it. Most people converting WMA today are dealing with older music collections, ripped CDs, or archived voice recordings.
Fun Facts About WMA
- WMA originally had a different name. The first codec was initially known internally as MSAudio 4.0 before being released as Windows Media Audio.
- A WMA file is actually usually an ASF (Advanced Systems Format) container in disguise. Microsoft gave audio-only ASF files the .wma extension so users could easily tell them apart from other Windows Media files.
More Information
https://www.loc.gov/preservation/digital/formats/fdd/fdd000027.shtml
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this WMA converter free?
Yes. Convert as many files as you would like.
How to convert from WMA to another format?
- Select Browse and choose the WMA file you want to convert.
- Choose your output format from the Convert To dropdown.
- Press Upload & Convert to begin the conversion.
- Once the conversion is complete, download your new file.
Can I convert WMA to WAV?
Yes. You can convert a WMA file to WAV. WAV is much more widely supported by media players, audio editors, operating systems, and other software than WMA.
Is WMA the same as WAV?
No. WMA and WAV are different audio formats. WMA usually uses compression to reduce file size, while WAV is commonly used for uncompressed audio and generally has larger file sizes.
Can I convert WMA to MP3?
Yes. You can convert a WMA file to MP3. MP3 is much more widely supported than WMA.
