You can edit movies in Windows 10 for free using the built-in Video Editor tool inside the Photos app, which provides trimming, effects, text, and music.
Most Windows 10 PCs ship with a capable video editor hiding inside the Photos app. Learning how to edit movies in Windows 10 doesn’t require an expensive subscription—this built-in tool handles trimming, transitions, background music, and text overlays for free. Here’s the exact steps to get your first project done today.
Is There a Built-in Video Editor in Windows 10?
Yes, Windows 10 includes a free video editor called Video Editor (formerly known as Windows Movie Maker). It is integrated into the Photos application and is available on all versions of Windows 10 (Version 1803 and later). You don’t need a Microsoft 365 subscription or any additional downloads to use it.
To launch it, open the Start menu, type Photos, and select the app. In the top ribbon, you’ll see the Video Editor icon.
How to Edit a Video in the Photos App
The Video Editor works through a simple storyboard interface. You add your clips, arrange them, trim them, apply themes and music, and then export the final result. Here’s the full workflow:
- Open the Photos app from the Start menu.
- Click New video project in the top ribbon, name your project, and click OK.
- Click Add to import your video clips, photos, and audio files from File Explorer into the Project library.
- Drag your clips from the library onto the Storyboard at the bottom of the screen to set their order.
- Select a clip on the storyboard, then click Trim in the toolbar. Drag the left and right handles to set the exact start and end points.
- Click the three-dot menu (…) in the top-right corner and choose Themes to apply automatic transitions and styles.
- Click Background music, select an audio file, and enable Sync your video to the music’s beat to keep audio in rhythm with your clips.
- Click Finish video in the top-right, select High quality (for 1080p displays), name the file, choose a destination, and click Export.
Your finished MP4 file will be saved to the folder you selected, ready to share or upload.
Trim a Video in Windows 10 Without a New Project
If you only need to cut a short section from a single video file without building a full movie project, the Photos app handles that too. Open the Photos app, locate your video, and click the Trim button (or press Ctrl+E). Drag the sliders to choose your start and stop points, then click Save as Copy to preserve your original footage.
Always use Save as Copy to avoid overwriting your original video.
| Feature | Windows 10 Video Editor | Clipchamp | DaVinci Resolve |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free (with paid plans) | Free (Studio version is paid) |
| Ease of Use | Very Easy | Easy | Hard |
| Key Features | Trimming, Themes, Music | Filters, Transitions, Webcam | Color Grading, Audio Post, VFX |
| Export Quality | Up to 1080p | Up to 1080p (Free) | Up to 4K and beyond |
| Supported Formats | MP4, MOV, AVI, WMV | MP4, WebM | Almost all professional formats |
| Best For | Beginners and simple projects | Social media and tutorials | Professionals and filmmakers |
| System Requirements | Low (runs on all Windows 10 PCs) | Medium (runs well on most PCs) | High (8GB+ RAM, dedicated GPU) |
What If I Need More Advanced Features?
The built-in Video Editor is great for quick projects, but it has limits. It doesn’t support 4K exports, multi-track audio, or advanced color grading. When you outgrow it, two powerful free alternatives work perfectly on Windows 10.
Clipchamp is Microsoft’s official video editor for Windows 11, but Windows 10 users can install it from the Microsoft Store or use the web version at app.clipchamp.com. It offers filters, transitions, and direct social media export at 1080p for free. It’s the easiest next step up.
DaVinci Resolve is a professional-grade editor used in Hollywood. The free version includes industry-leading color grading tools, audio post-production, and visual effects. The trade-off is that it asks for a steeper learning curve and a capable graphics card. If you’re serious about filmmaking, it’s worth the setup time. TechRadar’s complete guide to the Video Editor covers the basics to help you decide when to switch.
Common Video Editing Mistakes on Windows 10
Even a simple tool can trip you up. Avoid these frequent errors to keep your project on track.
| Mistake | Why It Happens | The Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Pixelated video | Exporting at “Low” resolution | Always choose High or Medium quality when finishing your video. |
| Audio out of sync | Not syncing music to the clip rhythm | Enable Sync your video to the music’s beat under Background music. |
| Lost original footage | Saving the export over the source file | Use Save as Copy when trimming or exporting a new file. |
| App freezes or crashes | Project has too many clips (100+) | Split the movie into shorter parts and edit them separately. |
| Can’t find the editor | Searching for “Movie Maker” | Search for Photos in the Start menu. The Video Editor is inside it. |
From Import to Export: Your Editing Flow
Editing a movie on Windows 10 breaks down into four clear stages. Complete these and your project is done.
- Import: Gather your video clips and photos in one folder. Open Photos > New video project > Add.
- Arrange: Drag clips to the Storyboard in the order you want them to play.
- Polish: Use Trim to cut excess footage, add Background music from your library, and apply Themes or Filters.
- Export: Click Finish video, select Medium or High quality, name your file, and choose a destination. You’ll have an MP4 file ready to share.
References & Sources
- TechRadar. “How to use Microsoft Video Editor.” Detailed step-by-step walkthrough of the built-in Windows 10 Video Editor.
- Microsoft. “Edit photos and videos in Windows.” Official Microsoft support documentation.
- Microsoft. “Create films with a video editor (Clipchamp).” Official documentation for Microsoft’s Clipchamp editor.
- DaVinci Resolve. “DaVinci Resolve Official Site.” Download page and specifications for the professional free video editor.