Windows Media Video (WMV) is a video compression format developed by Microsoft. It is designed for streaming and downloading video content on the internet, offering high compression and quality, and is widely compatible with Windows-based players and devices.

Windows Media Video (WMV) had its first version released in 1999 as part of the Windows Media framework. Originally designed for Internet streaming applications, WMV offered high compression and quality suited for both streaming and downloading video content. The format saw significant adoption with the rise of the internet, particularly through Windows Media Player, which came pre-installed on Windows operating systems. WMV also found use in physical media, such as HD DVD and Blu-ray, though it was eventually overshadowed by more advanced codecs like H.264. Despite this, WMV remains relevant for certain applications, particularly within the Windows ecosystem.