.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.
Last updated: March 19, 2026 · Reviewed by Julian Stricker
Open on your device
Choose your operating system for a dedicated step-by-step opening guide.
How to open .MOV files
Use these platform-specific instructions to open .MOV files safely.
Windows
- Right-click the .MOV file and select 'Open with'.
- Choose a media player like VLC or QuickTime if installed.
Mac
- Control-click the .MOV file and select 'Open With'.
- Use QuickTime Player or any other compatible app.
Linux
- Right-click the .MOV file and choose 'Open with'.
- Select VLC or another installed media player.
iOS
- Tap the .MOV file in the Files app.
- Use Quick Look or share it to a compatible app.
Android
- Tap the .MOV file in your file manager.
- Select a media player app like VLC.
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.
Recommended antivirus software
Scan files before opening them. These antivirus tools help protect against malware and viruses.
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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
Fix steps
- Try opening the file with VLC Media Player.
- Ensure your media player is up-to-date.
OS-specific troubleshooting
Convert .MOV to other formats
Use conversion tools to change .MOV files into formats your software supports.
- .MOV → .3G2
- .MOV → .3G2
- .MOV → .3GP
- .MOV → .3GP
- .MOV → .AAC
- .MOV → .ASF
- .MOV → .ASF
- .MOV → .AVI
- .MOV → .AVI
- .MOV → .AVI
- .MOV → .DAT
- .MOV → .DAV
- .MOV → .DIVX
- .MOV → .DV
- .MOV → .DVRMS
- .MOV → .F4V
- .MOV → .FLAC
- .MOV → .FLV
- .MOV → .FLV
- .MOV → .M2T
- .MOV → .M2TS
- .MOV → .M2TS
- .MOV → .M4A
- .MOV → .M4V
- .MOV → .M4V
- .MOV → .M4V
- .MOV → .MKV
- .MOV → .MKV
- .MOV → .MKV
- .MOV → .MOD
- .MOV → .MP3
- .MOV → .MP4
- .MOV → .MP4
- .MOV → .MP4
- .MOV → .MPEG
- .MOV → .MPEG
- .MOV → .MPG
- .MOV → .MPG
- .MOV → .MTS
- .MOV → .MXF
- .MOV → .MXF
- .MOV → .OGG
- .MOV → .OGV
- .MOV → .OGV
- .MOV → .RM
- .MOV → .RMVB
- .MOV → .SWF
- .MOV → .SWF
- .MOV → .TOD
- .MOV → .TP
- .MOV → .TRP
- .MOV → .TS
- .MOV → .VOB
- .MOV → .VOB
- .MOV → .VRO
- .MOV → .WAV
- .MOV → .WEBM
- .MOV → .WEBM
- .MOV → .WEBM
- .MOV → .WMA
- .MOV → .WMV
- .MOV → .WMV
- .MOV → .WMV
- .MOV → .WTV
- .MOV → .XVID
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.
- Try opening the file with VLC Media Player.
- Ensure your media player is up-to-date.
No sound in MOV file
Audio codecs might be missing or incompatible.
- Check the volume settings in your media player.
- Install necessary audio codecs or try a different player.
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.
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