Skip to content
Open-The-File.com

.MOV file extension

To open .MOV files on Windows, right-click the .MOV file and select 'Open with'.

.MOV files are video files commonly opened with media players like QuickTime on macOS or VLC on Windows. Use a compatible app to open them.

HomeExtension IndexVideo in indexVideo category page

Last updated: March 19, 2026 · Reviewed by Julian Stricker

What “reviewed” means on this page
  • Format fit: whether the “what is this file?” description plausibly matches common real-world use of the extension, including category, typical MIME types, and aliases.
  • Opening paths: whether Windows / macOS / Linux steps read plausibly for current OS dialogs and default apps. Not every step was tested on every OS version.
  • Security framing: whether risk notes match the extension class (for example executables vs plain data) and whether affiliate wording does not contradict the security section.
  • Sources and further reading: external links should point to vendors, standards bodies, or other primary references where possible; not every detail is individually sourced.
  • Limits: this is clarity and safety-messaging QA, not a guarantee that every statement is exhaustive or that every binary you download is harmless. Pages without “Reviewed by” have not been through this editorial pass yet.

Full methodology in the Imprint — The Imprint also states where AI is used and what that does—and does not—replace.

Open on your device

Choose your operating system for a dedicated step-by-step opening guide.

Edit .MOV files

Need to change the content, not just open it? These editors work with .MOV files.

Movavi Video Editor

Cut, join and edit videos, add titles, music and effects.

Wondershare Filmora

Video editor with titles, transitions, effects and AI tools.

We may earn a commission when you use affiliate links. This supports our free file extension guides.

How to open .MOV files

Use these platform-specific instructions to open .MOV files safely.

Windows

  1. Right-click the .MOV file and select 'Open with'.
  2. Choose a media player like VLC or QuickTime if installed.

Recommended software: VLC media player (free) · Films & TV (built in)

Full Windows guide

Mac

  1. Control-click the .MOV file and select 'Open With'.
  2. Use QuickTime Player or any other compatible app.

Recommended software: QuickTime Player (built in) · VLC media player (free)

Full Mac guide

Linux

  1. Right-click the .MOV file and choose 'Open with'.
  2. Select VLC or another installed media player.

Recommended software: VLC media player · mpv

Full Linux guide

iOS

  1. Tap the .MOV file in the Files app.
  2. Use Quick Look or share it to a compatible app.

Recommended software: Photos app (built in) · Files app (built in)

Full iOS guide

Android

  1. Tap the .MOV file in your file manager.
  2. Select a media player app like VLC.

Recommended software: VLC for Android (free) · Google Photos

Full Android guide

Security notes

  • Open .MOV files only from trusted sources.
  • Use antivirus software to scan files before opening.
  • Avoid executing embedded scripts or macros in MOV files.

Can't open this file?

These are the most common causes and fixes when .MOV files fail to open.

Common reasons

  • MOV file won't play
  • No sound in MOV file
  • A .mov video from an iPhone will not play on Windows (codec error)

Fix steps

  1. Try opening the file with VLC Media Player.
  2. Ensure your media player is up-to-date.

Repair a damaged .MOV file

If the file opens with errors or not at all, a dedicated repair tool can often rebuild it. Work on a copy and keep the original file untouched.

Wondershare Repairit (Video)

Repairs corrupt or unplayable video files such as MP4, MOV and AVI.

We may earn a commission when you use affiliate links. This supports our free file extension guides.

Recover a deleted or lost .MOV file

If the file was deleted by mistake or the drive was formatted, data recovery software may be able to get it back. Stop writing to that drive right away, because new data can overwrite what you want to recover.

MiniTool Power Data Recovery

Windows software that recovers deleted or lost files from PCs and external drives such as HDDs, SSDs, USB drives and memory cards, after deletion, formatting or a crash.

Wondershare Recoverit

Windows and Mac software that recovers deleted or lost files from computers and external drives such as HDDs, SSDs, USB drives and SD cards.

We may earn a commission when you use affiliate links. This supports our free file extension guides.

OS-specific troubleshooting

Convert .MOV to other formats

Use conversion tools to change .MOV files into formats your software supports.

What is a .MOV file?

.MOV is a multimedia container file format developed by Apple, often used for storing video, audio, and text. It is widely supported and can contain multiple tracks of different media types.

Background

The .MOV file format was introduced by Apple as part of the QuickTime framework, designed to handle a wide range of multimedia content. It is particularly popular in video editing and production environments due to its ability to store high-quality video and audio. MOV files can contain multiple tracks, each with different types of data, such as video, audio, timecode, and text, making them versatile for complex editing tasks. Despite being developed by Apple, the format is supported across various platforms, including Windows and Linux, thanks to software like VLC and other media players. Over the years, MOV has become a standard choice for video professionals and enthusiasts alike, appreciated for its flexibility and quality retention.

Common MIME types: video/quicktime

Further reading

Authoritative resources for more details on the .MOV format.

Common .MOV issues

MOV file won't play

The file may be corrupted or the software lacks necessary codecs.

  1. Try opening the file with VLC Media Player.
  2. Ensure your media player is up-to-date.

No sound in MOV file

Audio codecs might be missing or incompatible.

  1. Check the volume settings in your media player.
  2. Install necessary audio codecs or try a different player.

A .mov video from an iPhone will not play on Windows (codec error)

iPhones record HEVC (H.265) video by default; Windows needs an extra codec for that, and older players cannot decode it.

  1. Open it in VLC media player, which includes HEVC support.
  2. Alternatively install the "HEVC Video Extensions" from the Microsoft Store.
  3. On the iPhone, choose Settings → Camera → Formats → "Most Compatible" for future recordings.

FAQ

Can I convert .MOV to another format?

Yes, use conversion software like HandBrake or online services.

Why is my .MOV file so large?

MOV files often contain high-quality video and multiple tracks, increasing file size.

Similar file extensions

Compare related formats in the same category to find the right tool faster.

Did this guide help?