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6 Best Video Converters for Windows in 2026

If a video won’t play on the device you’re sending it to, a conversion can help. Here are six Windows options I found, including free tools and my own app, with steps for each.

1. How to Convert

Mac, Windows, Linux · $29 once

This is the one I made. How to Convert handles almost any file, so the same app works for video, music, photos and documents. You choose the output and click Convert; it finds and runs the tools for you.

  1. 1. Add your files. Drag your videos into How to Convert.

  2. 2. Choose the output and convert. Choose MP4 from the output menu and click Convert.

    How to Convert with holiday.wmv loaded and MP4 selected as the output.
    Drop in your file on the left; choose MP4 on the right. Mac app shown.

This makes a new MP4 by re-encoding the video.

Other options

2. HandBrake

Mac, Windows, Linux · Free

Free video conversion with presets and a queue. It re-encodes the picture rather than copying existing video unchanged.

  1. Click Open Source and select your video.
  2. Select General → Fast 1080p30 in Presets and check that Format is MP4. This is a useful starting point for an ordinary sharing copy.
  3. Choose a filename and destination, then click Start or Start Encode. Play the finished MP4 on the device that needs it.
HandBrake showing the General presets menu and Fast 1080p30 selected.
The General presets menu. Mac documentation screenshot; newer versions may look different. HandBrake documentation.

Fast 1080p30 can reduce 4K or 60 fps footage. Choose a suitable higher-resolution preset if you need to keep those details.

3. Movavi Video Converter

Mac, Windows · Paid; limited trial

A paid option with trimming tools. Trial exports have restrictions.

  1. Add your video files, choose MP4 in the output formats and pick a preset matching your resolution.
  2. Choose the save folder and click Convert.
Choose an MP4 preset, then use Convert at the bottom right.
Choose an MP4 preset, then use Convert at the bottom right. Movavi guide.

4. Shutter Encoder

Mac, Windows, Linux · Free; donations welcome

Its Rewrap option can make an MP4 without changing the video, when the video and audio formats are compatible.

  1. Add your files, choose Rewrap and set the extension to .mp4.
  2. Choose an output folder and click Start function. If the result will not play, use H.264 conversion instead.
Choose function and Start function are below the file list.
Choose function and Start function are below the file list. Shutter Encoder.

5. XMedia Recode

Windows · Free

A free Windows choice for people who want more control over video settings.

  1. Open your videos and set Format to MP4 in the Format tab.
  2. Choose the destination, select the files, click Add to queue, then Encode.
Set the output format on the Format tab, then add the files to the queue.
Set the output format on the Format tab, then add the files to the queue. XMedia Recode.

6. CloudConvert

Browser · Limited free tier; paid plans

An occasional conversion without installing an app. Files upload to its servers; free limits apply.

  1. Click Select File and choose your video.
  2. Set the output to MP4, click Convert, then download the result.
Choose your WMV file with MP4 selected as the output.
Choose your WMV file with MP4 selected as the output. CloudConvert.