Convert M4P to WMA — Free Online Converter
Convert iTunes Protected AAC (.m4p) to Windows Media Audio (.wma) online for free. Fast, secure audio conversion with no watermarks or registration....
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How to Convert
Upload your .m4p file by dragging it into the upload area or clicking to browse.
Choose your output settings. The default settings work great for most files.
Click Convert and download your .wma file when it's ready.
About M4P to WMA Conversion
M4P is Apple's DRM-protected audio format using AAC encoding, while WMA (Windows Media Audio) is Microsoft's proprietary audio codec family introduced in 1999. Converting M4P to WMA moves audio from Apple's ecosystem to Microsoft's, producing files optimized for Windows Media Player, older Windows devices, and Microsoft's legacy media infrastructure.
WMA was once the dominant compressed audio format on Windows, rivaling MP3 during the early 2000s. Microsoft bundled WMA support into every version of Windows and Windows Mobile, making it the default format for ripping CDs and purchasing music through the Zune Marketplace. While WMA has been largely displaced by AAC and MP3 in the modern era, it remains relevant for legacy Windows environments and older hardware.
Why Convert M4P to WMA?
Some legacy Windows environments — corporate PCs running older Windows versions, embedded Windows CE devices, and Windows Mobile hardware — handle WMA more reliably than AAC or MP4. Windows XP and earlier versions of Windows Media Player support WMA natively but require separate codec installations for AAC. If you need to play iTunes audio on these legacy Windows systems, WMA is the path of least resistance.
WMA is also the native format for some automotive audio systems, particularly those from the 2005-2015 era where car manufacturers partnered with Microsoft for their infotainment platforms. Ford SYNC (early versions), Kia UVO, and several Hyundai systems supported WMA but not AAC. Converting M4P to WMA ensures compatibility with these vehicle entertainment systems.
Common Use Cases
- Play old iTunes purchases on legacy Windows XP/Vista systems with Windows Media Player
- Transfer iTunes audio to car infotainment systems that support WMA but not AAC (Ford SYNC, older Kia/Hyundai)
- Create WMA files for corporate Windows environments restricted to Microsoft media formats
- Prepare iTunes audio for Windows CE or Windows Mobile devices
- Convert iTunes purchases for playback on older Microsoft Zune players
How It Works
FFmpeg decodes the AAC audio from the unprotected M4P and re-encodes it using the wmav2 (WMA version 2) codec. WMA v2 supports bitrates from 32 to 320 kbps at sample rates up to 48 kHz. The output is packaged in an ASF (Advanced Systems Format) container with the .wma extension. The command typically uses -c:a wmav2 -b:a 192k for music content. WMA uses a modified discrete cosine transform (MDCT) similar to AAC but with Microsoft's proprietary implementation.
Quality & Performance
WMA v2 at equivalent bitrates is comparable to MP3 but generally considered slightly inferior to AAC. A 192 kbps WMA from a 128 kbps M4P source provides good quality, though the lossy-to-lossy transcoding introduces a generation of artifacts. From 256 kbps iTunes Plus sources, WMA at 256+ kbps preserves good fidelity. WMA's quality advantage over MP3 is most noticeable at lower bitrates (64-128 kbps).
Device Compatibility
| Device | M4P | WMA |
|---|---|---|
| Windows PC | Partial | Native |
| macOS | Partial | Partial |
| iPhone/iPad | Partial | Partial |
| Android | Partial | Partial |
| Linux | Partial | Partial |
| Web Browser | No | No |
Recommended Settings by Platform
Spotify
Resolution: N/A
Bitrate: 320 kbps
OGG Vorbis preferred
Apple Music
Resolution: N/A
Bitrate: 256 kbps
AAC format required
SoundCloud
Resolution: N/A
Bitrate: 128 kbps
Lossless FLAC/WAV for best quality
Podcast
Resolution: N/A
Bitrate: 128 kbps
MP3 mono for spoken word
Tips for Best Results
- 1Use WMA at 192+ kbps to compensate for the lossy-to-lossy transcoding from AAC
- 2WMA is only recommended for legacy Windows systems — use MP3 or AAC for modern devices
- 3Test playback on your specific target device; WMA v2 support varies across hardware
- 4Verify DRM removal from M4P before conversion; unprotected files transcode cleanly
- 5Consider MP3 as a more universal alternative unless your target system specifically requires WMA
M4P to WMA is a legacy-focused conversion for Windows-centric environments where AAC support is unavailable. Use 192+ kbps for music to maintain quality despite the transcoding.