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.WTV file extension

To open .WTV files on Windows, open Windows Media Center.

WTV files can be opened using Windows Media Center or other compatible media players. To open a .wtv file, you typically need software that supports this format.

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Last updated: March 19, 2026

Open on your device

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

How to open .WTV files

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

Windows

  1. Open Windows Media Center.
  2. Navigate to the Recorded TV section.
  3. Select the WTV file to play.
Full Windows guide

Mac

  1. Use a third-party media player like VLC.
  2. Open VLC and drag the WTV file into the player.
Full Mac guide

Linux

  1. Install VLC Media Player.
  2. Open VLC and use the 'Open File' option to select the WTV file.
Full Linux guide

iOS

  1. Convert the file to a compatible format using a desktop application.
  2. Transfer the converted file to iOS and use a media player app.
Full iOS guide

Android

  1. Convert the file to a compatible format using a desktop application.
  2. Transfer the converted file to Android and use a media player app.
Full Android guide

Security notes

  • WTV files can contain DRM-protected content, which may restrict playback.
  • Be cautious of WTV files from untrusted sources as they may contain malware.
  • Ensure your media player is up-to-date to avoid security vulnerabilities.

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Can't open this file?

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

Common reasons

  • File won't open in media player
  • Audio or video out of sync

Fix steps

  1. Use a media player like VLC that supports WTV files.
  2. Convert the file to a more common format like MP4.

OS-specific troubleshooting

Convert .WTV to other formats

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

What is a .WTV file?

The WTV format is a proprietary video file format developed by Microsoft for storing recorded TV content. It supports DRM and metadata like subtitles and closed captions.

Background

WTV, short for Windows Recorded TV Show, is a file format introduced by Microsoft in Windows Vista and continued in Windows 7. It was designed to store TV programs recorded by Windows Media Center. The format supports high-definition video and advanced features like digital rights management (DRM) and metadata, which includes program information and subtitles.

The WTV format replaced the earlier DVR-MS format, offering better compression and support for more advanced features. While primarily used within the Windows ecosystem, WTV files can be converted to other formats for broader compatibility using third-party software. Despite its specialized use, the format is not widely supported outside Windows, which can pose challenges for users wanting to access their recorded content on other platforms.

The format's reliance on Windows Media Center, which is no longer actively developed by Microsoft, has led to a decline in its use. However, it remains a relevant format for users who continue to utilize older Windows systems for media recording and playback.

Further reading

Authoritative resources for more details on the .WTV format.

Common .WTV issues

File won't open in media player

This occurs if the media player does not support the WTV format.

  1. Use a media player like VLC that supports WTV files.
  2. Convert the file to a more common format like MP4.

Audio or video out of sync

This can happen due to codec issues or file corruption.

  1. Try playing the file in a different media player.
  2. Convert the file to another format to see if the issue persists.

FAQ

Can I convert WTV files to another format?

Yes, you can use software like HandBrake or VLC to convert WTV files to formats like MP4.

Why can't I open WTV files on my Mac?

WTV is a Windows-specific format, so you need a compatible media player like VLC on Mac.

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