Cropping a video in Windows 10 can seem kinda simple, but there’s always that one weird thing — it doesn’t always work perfectly the first time. The built-in Photos app is surprisingly decent for quick edits, even if it’s not as fancy as dedicated video software. You can trim or crop out parts of the video without fuss, which is handy if you wanna get rid of extra fluff or focus on a key segment. Just keep in mind, it’s more about trimming than precise cropping like in traditional editors. Also, on some setups, the cropping options might be a little limited or glitchy if Windows isn’t fully up to date. Anyway, here’s a rundown of how to get it done.
How to Fix Cropping Issues in Windows 10 Using the Photos App
Getting started with the Photos app
First off, you need the Photos app, which is usually built into Windows 10. Just search for “Photos” in the Start menu and click on it. If it doesn’t open, maybe it’s not installed or needs an update — so check for updates in the Microsoft Store. Windows has a knack for hiding or breaking these apps after updates, so make sure it’s all current. Once in, the app is more than just a viewer; it’s a kind of basic editor that can handle trimming videos, cropping images, and even making some tweaks.
Select the video and get to the crop
Find your video in File Explorer, then drag it into the Photos app — or right-click, choose Open with > Photos. From there, it should open in the app. If not, double-check your default app settings or try opening it manually. Once it’s loaded, click on Edit & Create at the top. Sometimes this menu glitches or is hidden if the app is in a weird state. If that’s the case, restarting the app or rebooting Windows might fix it. When the menu drops down, select Trim — it’s a simple tool for cutting down the start and end points, but also weirdly works as a crude crop tool if you’re only focusing on the middle section.
Adjust sliders and consider this workaround
The sliders are super basic and, honestly, not meant for pixel-perfect cropping. They work best for trimming linear sections, but if cropping is your main goal, you might need to get a little creative. Drag the handles to crop out unwanted parts, then hit Save a copy. Keep in mind, because of how it’s designed, cropping within Photos often results in trimming rather than true cropping — so what you see is what you get. If precise cropping is needed, consider exporting the video and editing with other tools like Shotcut or DaVinci Resolve, which are free and offer proper cropping controls.
Other tricks because of course Windows has to complicate it
If you hit a dead end with Photos, one workaround is to convert your video to an editable format with a basic video editor, then crop in more advanced software. Also, check your graphics card drivers and Windows update status — some weird bugs might just be due to outdated drivers or OS glitches. And don’t forget, always back up the original video before messing around: accidental cuts or saving over the original happens more often than you’d think.
Tips for Successful Video Cropping in Windows 10
- Always keep a backup, because of course Windows editing can be a bit flaky.
- Use the preview feature to double-check how your crop looks before saving.
- Experiment with the start/end sliders to see if it better captures the part you want.
- Think about aspect ratio if you’re planning to upload somewhere; Photos doesn’t do aspect ratio adjustment, so plan beforehand.
- See if other free tools can do a better crop — like Shotcut, which is pretty straightforward and gives a real crop handle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I crop videos in formats other than MP4?
Typically, yes. The Photos app supports common formats like MP4, AVI, and WMV. But it might give errors with some weird or proprietary formats, so convert if necessary.(HandBrake works wonders for that.)
Is the Photos app good enough for professional video editing?
Definitely not. It’s super basic — mostly for trimming, not fine cropping or adding effects. For anything serious, look at Davinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere. But for quick edits, it’s fine, even if a bit frustrating sometimes.
Can I undo changes after saving?
Only if you kept a copy of the original. Once you save over or export, no going back inside Photos unless you have backups.
Does cropping reduce video quality?
Not really, since cropping in Photos is essentially trimming unwanted parts. But if you resize the video or change resolution afterward, that could impact quality. Just be careful where you save your cropped clip.
Is this method compatible with older versions of Windows?
The Photos app is Windows 10 and onward — if you’re on an older system, you might need third-party apps like Windows Movie Maker or VLC for cropping.
Summary
- Open Photos and find your video.
- Use “Edit & Create” > “Trim” to crop it.
- Adjust sliders, then save a new copy.
- Consider third-party tools for more control.
Wrap-up
Cropping videos with Windows 10’s Photos app isn’t perfect, but it works for quick trims and rough crops. If things get tricky or you need precision, it’s worth trying dedicated editors. Still, this approach is way easier than messing with command lines or complicated software. Just plan ahead, back up, and don’t expect miracle precision — but hey, it gets the job done for most casual needs. Fingers crossed it helps someone skip the headache and get on with their project.