WMV file lost or corrupted? Don't panic - recovery is often easier than you expect. This guide covers how to recover deleted WMV files and repair corrupted ones. No technical skills needed. Start with the method that works best.
WMV (originally WMV7), short for Windows Media Video, is a type of video file format and the default format for the Windows Media Player, originated from Microsoft’s Windows Media Video (WMV) compression technology in 1999. It’s based on the Microsoft Advanced Systems Format (ASF) container and is an integral part of the Windows Media framework. The latest version is WMV 9.
💬 Here are some key features of it:
In addition, its newer version of WMV 9 introduced several important features, such as interlaced video, non-square pixels, frame interpolation, etc.
Yes, WMV file recovery is possible but it depends on how the file was lost.
If the drive itself is physically damaged, DIY recovery won't work. You'll need a professional data recovery service. For other cases, recovery is usually straightforward.
Here are the most common causes of WMV file loss:
Accidental deletion: Often happens during disk cleanup or just unintentionally. If you haven't emptied the Recycle Bin, your WMV files may still be there.
Formatting: Quick format simply removes file directories, your WMV files remain recoverable. Full format overwrites the data, making recovery much harder.
Storage corruption: Common on older or unprotected devices due to software failure, viruses, or antivirus conflicts. Recovery software can often help.
Data transfer interruption: Abruptly removing a device during transfer can corrupt the file. In this case, you'll need to repair the corrupted WMV file, not recover it.
To maximize your chances of recovering deleted WMV files, keep these simple rules in mind:
❌ Don't
Write new data to the drive – Stop using the device immediately. Any new file saved could permanently overwrite your lost WMV files.
Format the drive – Formatting wipes the partition and all data on it, making recovery much harder or impossible.
Delay the recovery process – The longer you wait, the greater the risk of overwriting your lost data.
✅ Do
Start recovery as soon as possible – Time is critical. The sooner you act, the better your chances.
Use the most effective method first – Every recovery attempt carries a small risk. Start with the method that gives you the best chance of success.
Disable TRIM if you're using an SSD – TRIM permanently clears deleted data, making recovery nearly impossible. Check your system settings before you begin.
The most reliable way to recover WMV files? A backup. But let's be honest - most of us don't have one.
That's where recovery software comes in. It's your best alternative when backups aren't available, and it's often the fastest way to get your videos back.
We'll walk you through each of them below.
AOMEI FastRecovery is a trusted data recovery tool for Windows 7, 8, 10, 11, and beyond. It helps you recover deleted WMV video files quickly, easily, and with a success rate of over 95%.
Ready to get started?
Connect your storage device to your Windows PC and make sure it's recognized. Then follow the step-by-step guide below to recover your WMV files in minutes.
Step 1: Select a scenario
Launch FastRecovery and click Deleted Files Recovery, specifically designed for quick recovery. You can also choose a more suitable alternative. All of them will not damage your data.
Step 2: Scan for deleted or lost WMV files
It will display all the available drives. Hover the mouse over the drive where the deleted WMV files are, and click Scan.
Step 3: Find your WMV files fast
The quick scan starts automatically. Once it finishes, check the results by file type (e.g., Videos) and specific formats, such as WMV. Expand to check specific files in the Deleted Files, Recycle Bin, or Existing Files directories.
To find files quickly, combine the following options:
Type the file name or extension (.wmv) in the search box. Then, sort files by name, date modified, type, etc., using the column headers.
Browse by Path if you remember where the file was originally saved.
Click the Deep Scan to find more data if Quick Scan fails. It will scan every sector of the disk and take longer.
Step 4: Recover deleted or lost WMV videos
Once found, click Preview or double‑click the file to check it. Then, click Recover to get them back quickly.
You will then be asked to select a location. Please select a new location instead of the original location to avoid data overwriting.
The deleted files (eg: WMV files) on a Windows PC will be moved the Recycle Bin folder. If you don’t empty it or shift deleted files, you can check it here. It will keep them for 30 days.
Step 1: Double-click the Recycle Bin icon located on your desktop.
Step 2: Find out the WMV file you wish to recover. Then, right-click on the WMV file and click the Restore button. It will restore them to their original folder.
Step 3: Alternatively, you can drag and drop the file into a folder of your choice.
If you happen to have a file backup with File History, try to restore files from backup. You can also use Backup and Restore (Windows 7) or the third-party backup software you are using.
Step 1: Type file history in the search bar located in the Start menu and select the Restore your files with File History option.
Step 2: Click the Restore personal files option on the left side.
Step 3: Locate the deleted WMV files in the most recent backup. You can also click the left or right arrow to switch backup images. Once complete, click the green restore button at the bottom.
You can also click the Settings icon and select Restore to if you want to restore WMV files to a new location.
If you get the error "Windows Media Player encountered a problem playing this file", the WMV file may be corrupted. Then, how to repair corrupted WMV files? Here are two available ways:
#1: Try the VLC media player. It works with Windows OS, MacOS, and Linux distributions, and supports a wide range of video codes, including additional tools for repairing and opening files with minor corruptions.
#2: Convert the WMV file to MP4 format. MPT is more accessible and acceptable across media platforms and devices. The generated videos are usually much smaller.
Then, follow the guide below to repair corrupted WMV video files.
Step 1: Select and right-click on the corrupt .wmv file and click Open with.
Step 2: Choose a VLC media player. Then, the corrupt .wmv file will now play in VLC.
Step 1: Open the VLC media player. Click on Media and select Convert/Save.
Step 2: In the File tab, click the Add button and select the corrupted WMV video file.
Step 3: Click Convert in the Convert /Save dropdown.
Step 4: Go to Settings and select Video–H.264 + MP3 (MP4) profile.
Step 5: Click Browse in the Destination section to select a path. Then, click the Start button to convert the WMV file format. Once complete, try to play the WMV file again.
Playing a WMV video file is similar to playing other videos. You need a video player that supports the WMV file format. In different systems, you may need to use different video players. We collect some popular programs capable of opening WMV video files on Windows and Mac
The process is relatively straightforward. You just need to double-click the WMV file, and Windows Media Player will play it for you. It’s the default format for this video player. Or use a third-party video player.
👉 Right-click the file and select Open with > Windows Media Player.
MacOS and other devices require additional downloads or file format conversions. The easiest way is to use a third-party video player, such as VLC Media Player.
👉 Simply right-click the WMV file and select the Open with > VLC Media Player option to play the file.
I think you probably don't want to lose any precious WMV video files. If you think so too, there are some things you can do to protect it safely.
#1: Keep work and leisure separate to reduce the risk of WMV file loss. At the same time, to make sure your computer is always stable, you still need to update your operating system regularly.
#2: Password protects your machine. It’s always a good idea to set a strong password on your computer. This helps to prevent an unauthorized person from modifying or deleting your files effortlessly.
#3: Back up WMV files regularly. It gives you a chance to restore files from backup, and you can use built-in Windows backup software, such as File History and Backup and Restore. But third-party software is usually more flexible and offers rich features. We recommend you use AOMEI Backupper Standard.