WMA Converter

WMA

Windows Media Audio

WMA stands for Windows Media Audio and refers to an audio data compression technology developed by Microsoft. Introduced in 1999, WMA audio files are encoded using proprietary codecs designed to provide smaller file sizes than uncompressed formats like WAV and AIFF. The WMA format compresses audio by removing less audible sounds. It supports digital rights management which enabled copy protection and restricted use models. A related component, called Windows Media Video (WMV) handles compression for video content. Files encoded with WMA use the .wma file extension. WMA found popularity primarily within Microsoft's own multimedia software and services. However, WMA failed to gain as wide adoption as competing formats like MP3 and AAC outside the Windows ecosystem. While still supported in many applications, WMA has declined in usage as more powerful open audio standards have emerged. It provided an early foundation for compressed digital audio, especially for streaming media on Windows.