How to Convert MOV to MP4 on Windows 10 & Mac

Vanessa Chiang updated on Mar 22, 2021 to Video Editing Tips | How-to Articles

This page includes several effective and free ways to help you convert MOV to MP4 on Windows 10 and Mac. It also explains the differences between MOV and MP4 and answers whether converting MOV to MP4 loses quality. Now, read this article to learn more about converting MOV into MP4 on Windows or Mac computers.

"Can Windows 10 convert an MOV to an MP4?" Many people asked in Quora.

You may also come across the same problem that your device supports MP4 files only while you have your files in MOV formats. Is there any easy method to convert MOV to MP4 on Windows 10 or macOS? Absolutely, there is. In the following, you will learn 5 free methods for converting MOV files to MP4 in different operating systems without losing quality. If you are in the need of changing MOV to MP4, you may prefer either method provided on this page. 

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Part 1. Convert MOV to MP4 on Windows 10

Some Windows 10 users may have met the same issue that MOV videos become unplayable in your video players on smartphones or PC. The best try for this issue is to change the file extension of MOV to other file formats, such as MP4. 

This part includes 2 reliable tools that can assist you in converting MOV to MP4 for free on your Windows computer, especially Windows 10. You may follow either method below to make your video playable again. 

1. Convert MOV to MP4 with EaseUS Video Editor for free

Applies to: Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7

Unlike a manual method, automated video converter software can make it easy for any user to convert video from MOV to MP4 without losing its quality. EaseUS Video Editor as the best video converter for Windows 10, can effectively convert MOV to MP4 for free without losing its quality. Instead of converting MOV to MP4, this program also supports to convert MP4 to GIF, convert MOV to GIF, and many other video or audio files conversions.

Instead of powerful files converting functions, EaseUS Video Editor enjoys various video, audio and image editing features. You can download and try this MOV to MP4 converter for free.

The tutorial of converting MOV to MP4 with EaseUS Video Editor:

During the process, you may adjust the video resolution to be the same while converting MOV to MP4 with the following steps.

Step 1. Import the source file

Launch EaseUS Video Editor. On the home screen, you can import the source file by either clicking the "Import" option or simply dragging the video to the appropriate area.

Step 2. Add to project

You need to add the imported file to the track by choosing the "Add to Project" option, or you can drag and place the video to the track as you want.

Step 3. Export the source file

Now you can click "Export" on the main menu on the top.

Step 4. Save as MP4/AVI/WMV/MKV/MOV/GIF

Under the "Video" tab, choose a file format among the available options as the desired video file format. 

On the right pane, you can edit the file name, customize an output folder and settings and then click "Export".

2. Use Prism Video Converter Software to Convert MOV to MP4

Applies to: Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP/Vista

The versatile video converter, Prism Video Converter Software, is one of the most stable and comprehensive multi-format video converters. It supports almost every video format conversion. In addition, this software is very easy to use that allows you to convert MOV to MP4 quickly and easily.

Steps to convert MOV to MP4 with Prism Video Converter Software:

Step 1. Download and install Prism Video Converter Software. 

Step 2. Open this software. Drag and drop your MOV videos in it.

Step 3. Select ". mp4" as your output files format.

Step 4. You can choose "Browse" to select a directory to save your files.

Step 5. Then click the "Convert" button on the right-bottom corner. The MP4 files will be saved in your selected files directory.

3. Manually Convert MOV to MP4 on Your Computer

As some experienced users may know that the file extension of a video can be changed to other file formats such as .mp4 in a manual way. Therefore, another practical way that you may try is to manually convert MOV to MP4.

Here are the detailed steps:

Step 1. Open File Explorer, under the View tab, click "Options".

Step 2. On the Folder Options window, uncheck "Hide extensions for known file types".

Step 3. Create a copy of the target MOV file and right-click on the copied file, select "Rename". 

Step 4. Change the file extension of the video file from .mov to .mp4. And click "Yes" to confirm the change. 

After this, your MOV video will have converted into an MP4 video on your device.

Part 2. Convert MOV to MP4 on Mac

There are recommended converters to assist in converting MOV to MP4 on Mac freely and easily. In this part, 2 converters for macOS users will be introduced.

1. Convert MOV to MP4 with WinX HD Video Converter

Applies to: Mac/Windows

This software is fully featured Mac HD video converting software, providing Mac users hassle-free video conversion solutions. As a Mac video converter that supports Intel QSV acceleration tech, WinX HD Video Converter for Mac can convert video from one format to another in minutes without losing quality. This software can meet your simple need in converting MOV files into MP4.

How to convert MOV to MP4 with WinX HD Video Converter on Mac:

Step 1. Download and install this software.

Step 2. You can add your MOV files by clicking "+ Video", or simply drag & drop files to the program.

Step 3. Then a new window will pop up. Choose the "MP4 Video" format from the list of preset profiles.

Step 4. After that, hit the"run" button to start the conversion. And the converting process will be shown in the process bar.

2. Convert MOV to MP4 via VLC Media Player

Applies to: Mac/Windows/Linux

VLC Media Player, an open-source video player and editor. With this tool, users can not only play videos in different formats but also convert videos between popular formats, like MP4 to MOV. This software is free and easy-to-use, making converting MOV to MP4 not a difficult thing anymore.

Here is the tutorial to convert MOV to MP4 with VLC:

Step 1. Download and install VLC media player.

Step 2. Click "Media" in the top-left corner and choose the "Convert/Save..." button. 

Step 3. A new tab will appear. Click "+ Add" to select your MOV files.

Step 4. After uploading your MOV files, you need to select your export format as MP4 and choose a directory to save it by clicking "Browse" in a new window.

Step 5. Then, click the "Start" button, and your MOV files will be converted into MP4 after a while.

Part 3. A Conclusion to this Post

To wrapping up, we have recommended several ways to help you convert MOV to MP4 on Windows 10 and Mac computers. You can choose one way that most suits your actual needs. And we still consider EaseUS Video Editor the best video converter to convert MOV to MP4. This software allows you to download and have a try for free. Come and try it!

Part 4. FAQs of Converting MOV to MP4

Besides practical ways of converting MOV to MP4, some of you may have more questions. Here are some frequently asked questions that we collected from Google and provided a brief answer for you to check below:

1. Why Does Converting MOV to MP4 Lose Quality?

Basically, there are two key factors that may affect the video quality regardless of its file format. 

  • Reduce in video codec bitrate
  • Change the video code

2. Is MOV the Same as MP4?

Both MOV and MP4 are encoded with MPEG-4 codec. MP4 was developed on the basis of MOV. However, these two file formats are not the same. 

  • MOV, a file format for videos and other multimedia, was developed by Apple Inc for use with the Apple QuickTime Player.
  • MP4, a multimedia file format, was developed by Moving Picture Experts Group to work with a wide range of devices.

3. Which Video Format Is Better, MP4 or MOV?

As MOV and MP4 are developed by a different company, supporting different media players on different operating systems, you shall be careful while setting the video format.

  • If you are using a Mac computer or Apple media players, MOV is the best choice for you.
  • If you use a Windows computer or other non-Apple media players, MP4 is the best file format for your video.

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