Cropping a video on Windows 10 might sound straightforward, but sometimes it’s a bit annoying when the app doesn’t behave or if you need more control than what the default tools offer. Usually, the built-in Photos app is enough for simple trims, but occasionally people run into issues where the cropping functionality doesn’t seem to do anything, or maybe the sliders are just weirdly unresponsive. If you’ve tried the usual steps and it seems like the app isn’t cooperating, don’t worry — there are a few tricks you can try to get around the limitations and actually crop your video successfully.
How to Crop Video on Windows 10
Method 1: Use the Photos App and Check for Updates
This is the first thing to try because, honestly, Windows updates often fix bugs, including those in the Photos app. Sometimes, an outdated version makes specific features break or behave strangely. So, first off, go to Microsoft Store, click on the three-dot menu in the top right, then choose Downloads and updates, and hit Get updates. This can fix weird glitches. After updating, restart your PC and try cropping again.
When it comes to the Photos app itself, make sure it’s the latest version. Sometimes, clearing cache helps too, especially if it’s crashing or acting up. To do that, close the Photos app, then go to Settings > Apps & Features, find Microsoft Photos, and select Advanced options. Click Reset. This resets the app, which sounds scary, but it’s often the best way to fix minor bugs.
Method 2: Use a Different Basic Tool — Video Editor in Windows 10
If the Photos app is just not cooperating, Windows 10’s Video Editor (found in the Xbox app or via Photos > Video Editor) is a decent alternative for cropping or trimming videos. It’s a bit more reliable for precise cuts and can handle longer videos better in some cases. Just open the Video Editor, create a new project, import your video, then use the cropping tool or trim options. It’s a bit clunkier, but on one setup, it worked where Photos failed.
Quick tips — if cropping isn’t working, try trimming a tiny chunk at a time instead of doing everything in one go. Also, make sure the video format is supported—MP4 usually works best. And don’t forget to save the project as a new file afterward, so your original stays untouched.
Method 3: Use Third-Party Free Software
When Windows tools are too limited or wonky, a lightweight third-party app like Winhance or even something open-source like Shotcut or VSDC Video Editor might do the trick. These apps give you all the control you need plus extra features. Usually, it’s just a matter of importing the video, selecting a crop or trim function, adjusting your boundaries, then exporting. Because of course, Windows has to make it just a little harder sometimes.
On some setups, these tools work more reliably and give a clearer preview of what you’re doing, which helps avoid headaches. Not sure why, but the native apps sometimes just seem limited or buggy if your video is large or heavily encoded.
Tips for Cropping Video on Windows 10
- Experiment with sliders: Seriously, try moving them around more than once. Sometimes the app gets stuck or lags, and re-adjusting can fix that.
- Split large files into chunks: If it’s a really long video or in a weird format, trim in parts first then combine later.
- Preview before saving: It’s easy to make a slip and crop something weird — double-check the preview!
- Keep original copies: Because Windows apps aren’t always perfect, save a copy first before doing aggressive edits.
- Try other tools if needed: Sometimes, it’s just easier to switch to VLC or a dedicated editor for complex cropping or aspect ratio changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the aspect ratio while cropping?
Not really with the Photos app — it’s mostly just trimming lengthwise. For ratio changes, you’ll need a more advanced editor like Shotcut or VSDC, which can directly crop to specific ratios.
What if my video is really long or heavy?
The Photos app might choke on very large files. If that happens, try trimming smaller sections separately or use third-party software that handles high-res videos better.
Does cropping mess with quality?
In most cases, no. Cropping with Photos should keep the original quality intact, but if you’re exporting in a lower quality setting, that’s on you. For the best, stick with default export settings and avoid re-encoding multiple times.
Is there a way to undo my crop if I mess up?
If you save a new copy, the original stays untouched. So, always keep a backup before cropping, especially if you’re planning big edits.
Any built-in Windows tools better suited for cropping?
Besides Photos and Video Editor, Windows doesn’t have many other options internally. But a lot of people use free third-party apps for more control.
Summary
- Check for updates in Windows and the Photos app.
- Try the Video Editor for more reliable cropping.
- Use third-party tools if native apps fail or are too limited.
- Always keep backups of your originals.
Wrap-up
Honestly, cropping videos on Windows 10 isn’t always as smooth as it should be, but with a couple of tweaks — updating the app, trying different tools, or resorting to third-party software — most people find a workaround that works. Sometimes, it’s just about finding the right tool for your specific video and setup. Maybe it’s clunky, but it’s doable. Fingers crossed this helps someone get their videos cropped without a headache.