Trimming a video on Windows 10 isn’t exactly rocket science, but it can still be kinda frustrating if you’re not familiar with the right tools or where to find them. The built-in Photos app is surprisingly capable for quick edits, but sometimes the options aren’t super obvious, especially if you’re used to more advanced editors. The goal here is to cut out the parts you don’t want, tighten up the clip, and get a clean final product without messing around with third-party software. Once you get the hang of it, it’s actually pretty straightforward, and the best part? It’s free and already on your machine. Just a matter of knowing where to look and what buttons to click.
How to Fix Trimming Video on Windows 10
Getting started: Open the Photos app and import your video
So first, find the Photos app—probably in your Start menu, or just type “Photos” in the search bar at the bottom left. Once it opens, you’ll want to import your video. Hit Import (usually a button at the top or in the menu) and select your video file, making sure it’s in a supported format, typically MP4, AVI, or MOV. If the video is in a weird format, converting it first using something like HandBrake might save you some trouble, but most common formats work fine.
Open the video editor: Create a new project
Once your video is imported, click on “New video” and then “New video project.” This takes you into the built-in editor. Yeah, it’s not the most feature-rich tool, but for trimming it’s decent enough. Sometimes it crashes or bugs out, so don’t get mad if it’s a bit temperamental. It’s worth trying multiple times or rebooting if things go sideways.
Add your video to the timeline: Drag and drop
Next, drag the video from the library into the storyboard or timeline at the bottom. If you don’t see the timeline, it’s probably because the window is too small or the app is glitching, so try resizing or restarting. From here, it’s easier to see where to make your cuts. On one setup it worked fine, on another… not so much. That’s Windows for you.
Trimming the video: Use the sliders or set in/out points
Click on your video in the timeline, then hit the Trim button. Now, here’s where things get a bit confusing. You’ll see sliders—kind of like video editing 101. Move the start and end sliders to where you want the clip to begin and end. Sometimes, dragging can be a bit sticky or jumpy, so be patient. On some machines, the sliders don’t update immediately; you might have to click away and back again. The idea is to trim out anything unnecessary from the front or back, so focus on that first.
Saving your masterpiece: Export the trimmed clip
When happy, click “Finish video” and pick your quality—High, Medium, or Low. Usually, Higher quality means bigger files, but better image. Expect a slight delay, especially if your video is long or 4K. The file will save to your default folder unless you specify another location. On some setups, the save process can hang or crash, so don’t be surprised if it takes a minute or two. Just give it some time, and avoid messing with the app during export.
Extra tips and tricks
- Always make a backup of your original file before editing—because Windows can be unpredictable.
- If you’re struggling with strict timings, zoom in on the timeline (there’s usually a zoom slider) to get more precise cuts.
- Keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl + Z can be lifesavers to undo accidental drags or mistakes.
- Sometimes, restarting the app or even rebooting helps if the interface acts weird or the sliders don’t work properly.
Tips for making trimming easier on Windows 10
- Save often—don’t wait till the very end or you might lose progress if something crashes.
- Play around with the trimming sliders a bit before committing—sometimes a tiny tweak gets the perfect cut.
- If you want cleaner, more precise edits, consider using free editors like Shotcut or DaVinci Resolve for more control. They’re free and more powerful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trim videos in formats other than MP4?
Yep, the Photos app supports AVI, WMV, MOV, and MP4. But if you hit a snag with weird formats, converting to MP4 with HandBrake or similar tools can help.
Is the Photos app free to use?
Absolutely. It’s included with Windows 10, no extra charge. Just make sure your system is up to date.
What if I make a mistake or want to undo?
No worries—press Ctrl + Z or use the undo button. You can always try again, but once you finish and export, that’s the final version.
Why does the app crash sometimes?
That’s just Windows being Windows. Try closing other heavy apps, update Windows, or reinstall Photos from the Microsoft Store if it crashes repeatedly.
How can I make sure my final video is high quality?
When exporting, pick the highest resolution available. If your source was 4K, go for the 4K option. Smaller exports might lose some detail, especially if you plan to share or upload online.
Summary
- Open the Photos app and import the video.
- Create a new project and add your clip.
- Use the trim sliders to cut out unwanted parts.
- Export with the desired quality.
- Check your saved video—it should be shorter and cleaner.
Wrap-up
All in all, trimming videos on Windows 10 with the Photos app isn’t perfect—and it has its quirks—but it’s enough for quick edits without installing anything fancy. If you’re just trying to cut out a couple of bits and pieces, this will do the trick. Otherwise, probably worth exploring other free editors for more finesse. Just don’t expect Adobe Premiere levels of control—this is more of a quick-and-easy kinda thing.
Hope this gives someone a decent way to cut down videos without pulling out a professional editor. Good luck trimming!