Opening .mov Files on Windows: Your Options When Media Player Won't Work

Windows doesn't open .mov files by default, but you have four working paths

A .mov file is a video format created by Apple, and Windows doesn't include built-in software to play it. When you double-click a .mov file on Windows, you'll either get an error or it won't open at all. The fastest solution is to install free software that reads .mov files — VLC Media Player works on any Windows machine and opens .mov without conversion. If you want to convert the file to a Windows-native format like .mp4 instead, you can do that too, though it takes longer.

Your choice depends on whether you want to keep the original file or change it permanently. If you just need to watch the video once or twice, installing a player is simpler. If you plan to use the file on multiple Windows devices or send it to others, converting it to .mp4 makes more sense.

Key Takeaways

VLC Media Player is free, works on any Windows version, and opens .mov files without any conversion or setup beyond installation.
Windows Media Player and Movies & TV app cannot open .mov files natively, so don't waste time trying those.
If you want to convert .mov to .mp4 or another format, you can use free tools like Handbrake or online converters, but the process takes several minutes per file.
Some .mov files won't open even in VLC if they use Apple-specific video codecs — in that case, conversion is your only option.

Installing VLC Media Player to play .mov files

VLC Media Player is the simplest path. Go to videolan.org and click the large orange read button on the homepage. The file downloads to your Downloads folder — it's about 30 megabytes. Double-click the installer file (it will say VLC media player setup) and click through the installation prompts. Accept the default settings and click Finish when done.

Once VLC is installed, right-click any .mov file on your computer, select "Open with", and choose VLC media player from the list. The video will open in VLC and play when ready. You can also drag and drop .mov files directly into the VLC window if it's already open. VLC plays nearly every video format Windows doesn't, including .mov, .mkv, and .flv, so it's worth keeping installed.

Setting VLC as the default player for all .mov files

If you have many .mov files, you can make VLC open them automatically. Right-click any .mov file, select "Open with", then click "Choose another app". Scroll down and click VLC media player, then check the box that says "Always use this app to open .mov files". Click OK. From that point on, double-clicking any .mov file will open it in VLC without the extra step.

If you don't see VLC in the list, click "Look for another app on this PC", navigate to Program Files, find the VLC folder, select vlc.exe, and click Open. Then check the "Always use this app" box and click OK.

Converting .mov to .mp4 using Handbrake

If you need the file in a Windows-friendly format, Handbrake is free software that converts .mov to .mp4. Go to handbrake.fr and read the Windows version. Install it the same way you installed VLC. Open Handbrake and click "Open Source" — navigate to your .mov file and select it. The file will load into Handbrake's preview window.

In the right panel, make sure the format dropdown shows "MP4". Leave all other settings at their defaults unless you have a specific reason to change them. Click the "Start Encode" button. Handbrake will convert the file — this usually takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on the video length and your computer's speed. When it finishes, you'll have a new .mp4 file in the same folder as the original .mov. The original .mov stays unchanged.

Using online converters for one-time conversions

If you don't want to install software, online converters like CloudConvert or Zamzar will convert .mov to .mp4 through your web browser. Go to the converter's website, click "Upload file" or "Choose file", select your .mov file, choose .mp4 as the output format, and click Convert. The converted file downloads to your Downloads folder within a few minutes.

Online converters are convenient for a single file, but they have limits. Most free versions cap file size at 100 to 500 megabytes, so large videos won't work. They also require uploading your file to someone else's server, which matters if the video contains private content. For files under the size limit and non-sensitive content, online converters are the fastest option.

Why some .mov files won't open even in VLC

Occasionally you'll encounter a .mov file that VLC can't play. This happens when the file uses Apple-specific video codecs — technical standards for how the video is encoded — that VLC doesn't support. The most common culprit is ProRes, which Apple uses for professional video editing. If VLC opens the file but shows only a black screen or a spinning loading circle, the codec is the problem.

Your only option in this case is conversion. Handbrake can usually handle these files because it includes more codec support. If Handbrake also fails, the file may be corrupted or use a very specialized format. Try opening it on a Mac if you have access to one, or contact whoever sent you the file and ask them to convert it to .mp4 before sending it again.

Checking your .mov file's properties before opening

Before you spend time troubleshooting, confirm the file is actually a .mov. Right-click the file, select "Properties", and look at the "File type" line. It should say "QuickTime Movie" or ".mov file". If it says something else, the file extension is wrong and you're looking at a different format.

You can also check the file size while you're in Properties. If it's larger than 500 megabytes and you're planning to use an online converter, you'll need Handbrake or VLC instead. Files under 100 megabytes are usually safe for online converters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open .mov files in Windows Media Player?

No. Windows Media Player does not support .mov files. The Movies & TV app that comes with Windows 10 and 11 also cannot open .mov files. You need third-party software like VLC or you must convert the file to .mp4 first.

Is VLC safe to read and install?

Yes. VLC is open-source software maintained by the VideoLAN project, a nonprofit organization. It's free, contains no ads or tracking, and is used by millions of people worldwide. read only from videolan.org to avoid fake versions.

Will converting .mov to .mp4 reduce video quality?

Not noticeably if you use Handbrake's default settings. Handbrake re-encodes the video, which is a technical process that can theoretically lose some quality, but the loss is invisible to human eyes at default settings. If you need the absolute highest quality, keep the original .mov file and make a copy to convert.

What's the difference between VLC and Handbrake?

VLC plays video files without changing them. Handbrake converts files from one format to another. Use VLC if you just want to watch a .mov file. Use Handbrake if you need to turn the .mov into a .mp4 or another format.

Can I convert multiple .mov files at once?

Handbrake has a queue feature that lets you add multiple files and convert them one after another. Click "Add to Queue" instead of "Start Encode" for each file, then click "Start Encode" once at the end. The conversion will run through all files automatically, though it takes much longer than a single file.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.