How to Easily Convert Files on Windows Using File Converter

Converting files on Windows can sometimes be tricky if you don’t have the right tool. In this guide, I’ll show you how to easily convert different file types like MP4, WEBP, and PDF using a free utility called File Converter. Whether you’re converting audio, video, images, or even documents, File Converter makes it simple with just a right-click in your context menu. Let’s dive into how to set up and use this handy tool.

Key Takeaways

• File Converter integrates into the Windows context menu for easy file conversion.
• Convert various file types like MP3, MP4, WEBP, and PDF with just a few clicks.
• Customize conversion presets and settings based on your needs.

Requirements

Before we start, make sure you have the following:

• A Windows PC
• Internet connection (to download File Converter)
• Files you want to convert (e.g., audio, video, images, or PDFs)

Why Use File Converter to Convert Files in Windows?

File Converter allows you to convert files directly from the Windows Explorer context menu, making it quick and easy. Whether you need to change file formats or compress files, File Converter offers a seamless experience, even supporting lesser-known file types like WEBP or PDF to PNG conversions.

Downloading and Installing File Converter

First, let’s download File Converter from either its GitHub page or the official website.

I recommend using GitHub because it’s safe and reliable, but you can choose whichever works best for you. Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to the File Converter GitHub page.
2. Scroll down to the “Releases” section and download the latest version of File Converter.
3. Once the download is complete, run the setup file.
4. Follow the prompts in the setup wizard: click “Next,” accept the terms, and then click “Install.”
5. When the installation is complete, click “Finish.”

How to Convert Files Using File Converter

Once installed, using File Converter is straightforward. You can convert files directly from the context menu in Windows Explorer. Here’s how to do it:

1. Right-click on the file you want to convert. For this example, I’ll convert an MP3 file.
2. From the context menu, select File Converter. You’ll see several conversion options based on the file type.
3. Choose the desired file format, such as converting MP3 to WAV.
4. File Converter will automatically create the new file in the same folder.

Troubleshooting Context Menu in Windows 11

In Windows 11, the context menu looks different, and you might not see the File Converter option right away. To fix this:

• Right-click on the file and select Show More Options to bring up the old context menu where File Converter will appear.

Alternatively, you can use Nilesoft Shell, which I cover in my guide on How to Customize the Context Menu in Windows. It allows you to customize your right-click menu and adds the File Converter option automatically.

Converting Different File Types

Convert MP4 to MP3

Converting video files like MP4 to MP3 is simple:

1. Right-click on the MP4 file.
2. Select File Converter > Convert to MP3.
3. The converted audio file will appear in the same folder.

Convert WEBP to PNG or JPEG

For images, you can convert WEBP files to PNG or JPEG in a few clicks:

1. Right-click on the WEBP file.
2. Select File Converter > Convert to PNG.
3. The new PNG file will be saved in the same folder.

Convert PDF to PNG

You can also convert PDF files to image formats like PNG:

1. Right-click on the PDF file.
2. Select File Converter > Convert to PNG.
3. The converted images will be saved as individual PNG files.

Advanced Settings and Presets

File Converter offers a variety of presets that allow you to fine-tune your conversions. To access these:

1. Right-click any file and select File Converter > Configure Presets.
2. Adjust settings like output quality, audio bitrate, or video resolution.

For example, you can reduce the file size of an MP4 video by selecting a lower resolution or changing the bitrate.

Conclusion

File Converter is a great tool that simplifies the process of converting files on Windows. Whether you need to convert an MP4 video to audio, switch image formats, or compress large files, File Converter makes it easy. Give it a try, and you’ll likely find it as useful as I do!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What file formats does File Converter support?

File Converter supports a wide range of file types, including MP3, MP4, WAV, WEBP, PNG, JPEG, and more.

Can I batch convert files with File Converter?

Yes, you can select multiple files at once and convert them in a batch using the context menu.

Is File Converter free?

Yes, File Converter is completely free and open-source.

How do I access the File Converter option in Windows 11?

In Windows 11, you need to click Show More Options to see the File Converter in the old context menu.

Can I customize conversion settings in File Converter?

Yes, you can customize presets for different file types, adjusting settings like output quality and resolution.