How to Convert M4A to WAV on Windows 11/10/8/7

  1. Download and launch Movavi Video Converter.

  2. Import your audio files.

  3. Select the output format.

  4. Convert the files.

Edited by Ben Jacklin
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Despite having been designed to be the equivalent of MP4 for audio only, M4A does not enjoy the same popularity as its video “cousin.” For this reason, you will likely have problems playing back M4A files on your device. Converting these files into a more readily accessible format like WAV will make life easier. In this article, you’ll learn how to convert M4A files to WAV, what the difference is between M4A and WAV, and also we’ll answer some frequently asked questions. 

List of the best tools to convert M4A to WAV on Windows

Program

OS

Download

Windows 10/11; macOS 11, 10.15, 10.14, and 10.13; Linux

Windows (all versions), macOS 10.7.5 or later, Linux

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Way #1. How to convert an M4A file to WAV with Movavi Video Converter

Movavi Video Converter is one of the fastest and most efficient ways to change the format of your audio files from M4A to WAV. The app supports many other audio, video, and image formats. With Movavi Video Converter, you can also trim your audio files.

Step 1. Install the Movavi M4A to WAV converter

Launch the downloaded file and install the app following the setup instructions.

Step 2. Transfer audio files to the program

Click the Add Media button and then Add audio. Find the sound files you want to convert and add them to program.

Step 3. Choose the output preset

Open the Audio tab. Select the WAV group and pick the desired preset.

Step 4. Launch the conversion from M4A to WAV

If you want to save your output files in a folder other than the default Movavi Library, click Save to and make your selection. Hit Convert, wait a few seconds – and there you go!

Way #2. How to convert from M4A to WAV with Audacity

Audacity is a free and open-source audio editor and recorder, but you can use it to convert files as well. Audacity doesn’t have a native support for M4A files, so you’ll need to install the optional FFmpeg library in order to open M4A audio in this program.

Here’s how to use the Audacity freeware to turn M4A into WAV.

  1. Download and run the app.
    Download Audacity
  2. Drag and drop your audio into the program.
  3. Click File, pick Export, and select Export as WAV. Then specify the folder for export and hit Save

Way #3. How to convert M4A to WAV for free with VLC

VLC is a cross-platform media player. Apart from playing files, the app lets you do many other things, including conversion. With VLC, you can convert M4A to WAV on Windows 10 or older, macOS, and Linux. The program supports a great variety of audio and video formats. The interface might seem confusing at first, so we’ll provide brief instructions on working in this program. 

The interface on Windows and macOS is slightly different. Here, we’ll show you how to convert M4A to WAV on Windows.

  1. Download the app from the official website. Run VLC.
    Go to the VLC website

  2. Open the Media menu and hit Convert / Save

  3. Hit the Add button and select the audio for conversion. Click Convert / Save.

  4. Open the list of formats next to Profile and pick WAV.

  5. Hit Browse and choose the folder where you want to save the file. Make sure the name of the file ends with “.wav”. Hit Save

  6.  Click Start

Way #4. How to convert M4A to WAV online with Zamzar

One more way you can convert M4A to WAV is to use an online converter. Zamzar lets you convert files online in a couple of clicks. The free plan allows you to convert files under 50 MB, which is normally enough for audio files. If you need unlimited conversions and high-speed downloads, consider one of the paid plans.

Here’s how to change M4A to WAV online using Zamzar.

  1. Go to the converter’s website.
    Go to Zamzar

  2. Click Choose Files and import your M4A audio. 

  3. In the Convert To list of formats, select wav

  4. Hit Convert Now

  5. Once the file is converted, click Download

M4A vs. WAV: A comparison

When comparing WAV vs. M4A, pay particular attention to audio quality, file size, and devices supported. For example, Apple users might find M4A more useful because it is Apple’s native format. And professionals (singers or even lawyers) might prefer WAV because of its high quality and no data loss. Check the table below to learn about the main differences between the formats.

Comparison parameter

WAV

M4A

File extension

.wav

.m4a

Developer

Microsoft and IBM

Apple

Codecs

PCM, MP3, ADPCM, GSM, µ-Law, others

AAC, ALAC, others

File size

Relatively large

Depends on the codec (smaller with AAC, larger with ALAC)

Audio quality

Best quality (uncompressed audio)

Good

Supported by

Apple devices, iTunes

Windows, Apple devices

Frequently asked questions

Which format is better: WAV or M4A?

What are the disadvantages of WAV?

Can phones play WAV files?

Can Windows play M4A?

How do I convert M4A to WAV using Windows Media Player?

How do I convert M4A to WAV on a Mac?

How do I convert M4A into WAV in iTunes?

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