Which MIME types are related to file extension ".wm"?

The .wm file extension is associated with 2 MIME types:

A MIME type is a string that tells browsers and other tools how to handle a particular kind of file.

About .wm Files

WM files are Windows Media files that use a container format for video and audio.
They are identified by the MIME types video/x-ms-wm and video/x-ms-wmv, which indicate support for streaming multimedia content.

Media Playback: Openable in software like Windows Media Player and VLC.
Streaming: Often used to stream videos over networks.
Content Distribution: Suitable for delivering video content with metadata and DRM protection.

Based on information from FilExt.com, WM files typically rely on Microsoft’s Advanced Systems Format (ASF) to encapsulate audio and video data efficiently.

Relationship between file extension and MIME type

A file extension is a suffix at the end of a filename that indicates what type of file it is. File extensions help both users and operating systems identify what application should be used to open the file.

File extensions are typically separated from the filename by a period (dot) and consist of 2-4 characters, though they can be longer. For example, in the filename "document.pdf", ".pdf" is the file extension.

File extensions are closely related to MIME types, as they both serve to identify the format of a file. However, while MIME types are used primarily by web browsers and servers, file extensions are used by operating systems and applications.

Associated MIME types

video/x-ms-wm, video/x-ms-wmv

FAQs

What is a WM file?

A .wm file is a generic Windows Media file that stores video and audio data using the Advanced Systems Format (ASF) container. It is functionally similar to .wmv files and is often used for streaming multimedia content over the internet.

How do I open a WM file on Windows?

You can open these files natively using Microsoft Windows Media Player or the Movies & TV app included with Windows. For broader codec support, third-party players like VLC Media Player are highly recommended.

Can I play WM files on a Mac?

macOS does not support WM files natively in QuickTime Player. To view them, you should install a cross-platform player like VLC Media Player or Elmedia Player, which can handle the Windows Media format without needing to convert the file.

How do I convert a WM file to MP4?

You can use free video conversion software such as HandBrake or the "Convert/Save" feature within VLC Media Player. Converting the file to MP4 ensures better compatibility with modern mobile devices and web browsers.

What is the correct MIME type for serving WM files?

When configuring a web server, the standard MIME type is video/x-ms-wm. In some contexts, it might also share associations with video/x-ms-wmv. You can verify specific configuration details on mime-type.com.

Why is my WM file not playing?

The file might be corrupted, or it may be protected by Digital Rights Management (DRM), which prevents playback on unauthorized devices. Additionally, ensure you have the correct codecs installed if you are using an older media player.

What is the difference between WM and WMV extensions?

There is very little technical difference; both extensions represent Windows Media video content wrapped in an ASF container. The .wmv extension is more commonly used for video specifically, while .wm is a generic extension that can cover both audio and video streams.

General FAQ

What is a MIME type?

A MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) type is a standard that indicates the nature and format of a document, file, or assortment of bytes. MIME types are defined and standardized in IETF's RFC 6838.

MIME types are important because they help browsers and servers understand how to process a file. When a browser receives a file from a server, it uses the MIME type to determine how to display or handle the content, whether it's an image to display, a PDF to open in a viewer, or a video to play.

MIME types consist of a type and a subtype, separated by a slash (e.g., text/html, image/jpeg, application/pdf). Some MIME types also include optional parameters.

How do I find the MIME type for a file?

You can check the file extension or use a file identification tool such as file --mime-type on the command line. Many programming languages also provide libraries to detect MIME types.

Why can one extension have multiple MIME types?

Different programs and historical usage may assign various MIME identifiers to the same file format. Listing them together helps maintain compatibility across tools.