How to Edit a Video on PC | Built-in Tools & Free Options

Edit a video on a Windows PC using Microsoft Clipchamp for Windows 11 or the built-in Video Editor for Windows 10—both are free and preinstalled.

If you’re wondering how to edit a video on PC, the answer depends on your Windows version. Windows 11 ships with Clipchamp, a capable editing app, while Windows 10 includes the Video Editor (part of the Photos app). Both handle trimming, transitions, text, and audio without costing a cent. For browser-based editing or more advanced free software, solid alternatives exist too. Here’s a breakdown of what each tool offers and exactly how to use them.

Which Video Editor Comes With Your Windows PC?

The table below compares the two built-in editors from Microsoft, plus one browser-based option, so you can pick the one that fits your workflow.

How to Edit a Video on Windows 11 Using Clipchamp

Clipchamp is Microsoft’s current built-in editor for Windows 11. It opens from the Start menu and gives you a timeline-based workflow similar to consumer editors.

Step-by-step editing in Clipchamp

• Launch Clipchamp: Click Start, type Clipchamp, and select the app. If it’s not pinned, find it under All apps or open it from the Photos app.
• Import your video: Click Import media and select your file, or drag it directly onto the timeline.
• Trim and cut: Drag the green handles on the clip to trim the start and end. To split a clip, position the playhead where you want the cut and click the Split icon (scissors). Delete the unwanted section.
• Add transitions: Click the Transitions tab and drag one between two clips on the timeline.
• Insert text: Use the Text tab to add titles, subtitles, or end credits. Adjust font, color, and duration.
• Add audio: Click Audio to upload your own music or choose from Clipchamp’s free stock library. Adjust volume per track.
• Export: Click Export in the top-right, choose resolution (recommend 1080p for most uses), and wait for the render. Your video saves as an MP4 file.

After export, you’ll get a download notification. Open the file to verify.

How to Edit a Video on Windows 10 Using the Video Editor

The built-in Video Editor on Windows 10 lives inside the Photos app. It’s ideal for quick projects without a steep learning curve.

Step-by-step editing in the Video Editor

• Open Video Editor: Launch Photos from the Start menu, then select the Video Editor tab at the top. Click New video project and give it a name.
• Add your clips: Under Project library, click Add and choose files from your PC. They appear in the library.
• Arrange and trim: Drag clips from the library onto the storyboard at the bottom. Click a clip and use the Trim handle to cut unwanted parts. Reorder by dragging clips left or right.
• Apply transitions: Select the transition icon between two clips and pick from Fade, Dissolve, Wipe, or Pixelate.
• Add text: Click Text above the storyboard. Choose a style (e.g., Title or Caption), type your words, and adjust duration.
• Add background music: Click Background music and either pick a built-in track or browse your own audio files. Adjust volume so it doesn’t overpower dialogue.
• Finish video: Click Finish video in the top-right, choose a quality (1080p recommended), and select where to save. The editor exports an MP4 file.

The export progress bar fills, then opens the file location automatically.

What About a Browser-Based Video Editor for PC?

If you can’t install software or want to edit from any PC without setup, Adobe Express offers a free online video editor. Microsoft’s Clipchamp support page also notes that a browser version works in Edge or Chrome, but Adobe Express is another solid choice with no downloads required.

• Go to Adobe Express: Visit the site and sign up for a free account.
• Upload your video: Click Upload your video or drag a file onto the canvas.
• Trim and split: Use the timeline below the preview. Drag the trim handles or click the scissor icon to split at the playhead.
• Add text or music: Use the left panel to add animated text and background audio (free Adobe Stock tracks or your own uploads).
• Export: Click Download and choose MP4. The rendered file saves to your PC.

The download button triggers a file save dialog with the MP4 ready.

Free Video Editing Software for PC That Rivals Paid Tools

When the built-in editors feel limited, several free, full-featured programs run on Windows. OpenShot Video Editor is open-source and supports Windows, Mac, and Linux. It offers unlimited layers, keyframe animation, and an intuitive interface. DaVinci Resolve is another professional-grade option with a powerful free tier, but its steep curve suits advanced users. For most beginners, OpenShot is the easiest jump up from the built-in editors.

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid When Editing Video on PC

• Skipping file organization: Keep raw footage, music, and exports in separate folders before you start.
• Ignoring quality settings: Match your export resolution to the original footage—don’t upscale 720p to 4K or you’ll get blur.
• Over-cutting or leaving gaps: Watch the timeline for accidental black frames. A quick zoom helps spot them.
• Using too many effects: Let the content guide the style; effects should enhance, not distract.
• Forgetting audio until the end: Lay down your audio track after the cut is set to avoid re-adjusting transitions.

Quick Guide: Which Video Editor Should You Use?

Here’s a simple decision table based on your situation and skill level.