Editing videos on Windows 10 isn’t as intimidating as it might seem — especially if you’re using the built-in Photos app. Yeah, it’s not professional-grade, but for quick trims, adding music, or a few effects, it gets the job done without extra cost or installing crazy software. Sometimes, you can spend ages looking for better tools, but honestly, the Photos app is surprisingly capable for basic editing. Just be aware that it’s more of a casual solution; it’s kinda weird how some features work or don’t work the first time around, so patience helps.
If you run into trouble like the app crashing, or if your videos aren’t importing properly, that’s usually because of system quirks or outdated app versions. Keep Windows updated, and make sure your Photos app is the latest from the Microsoft Store. Also, know that this method fits for videos up to, say, 10-15 minutes — longer clips can be sluggish, and some features might not work as smoothly.
How to Edit a Video on Windows 10 with the Photos App
Open the Photos app and start a new project
- First, type Photos into the Start menu and open it. If it’s not installed, get it from the Microsoft Store (search for Microsoft Photos).
- Once in, go to Video Editor, which is usually tucked under the New Video or New Project button. If you don’t see it immediately, look in the top menu or sidebar.
This on-screen editor is pretty basic, but it’s enough for most casual edits. It’s intuitive enough, but sometimes you’ll click around and wonder how certain options don’t work the way you expect — Windows has to make it harder than necessary, of course.
Import your video file
- Click New Video Project, then give it a name.
- Next, click Add and choose From this PC. Navigate to where your video is stored—like in Videos, or on your desktop—and select it.
- Drag and drop your video onto the timeline or start editing directly.
Note that the app prefers common formats like MP4, WMV, or AVI. If your video doesn’t import, double-check the format or convert it using a free tool like Handbrake.
Trim your video — the basics
- Select your video clip on the timeline, then click Trim”.
- You’ll see blue sliders at the start and end of your clip. Drag these to cut out parts you don’t want.
- Preview, then adjust until it looks right. This helps focus on the best moments, especially if your original footage was long.
Trimming directly affects the part you want to keep. Sometimes, on one setup it works flawlessly, then on another, it messes up — yeah, Windows again. Give it a second try or restart the app if things seem stuck.
Add music, text, and effects (if you want a little polish)
- Click Background Music or Add Audio to include your own tunes. You can browse local files or use the built-in options.
- For text overlays, look for Text options; they let you sprinkle captions or titles.
- Effects are usually under Filters or Effects: pick one and see how it changes your scene. Don’t overdo it — less is more.
Be aware, adding effects can sometimes cause crashes if your system is underpowered; save your work often. Also, the app might be slow when rendering effects, especially on older machines.
Final step: Save and export your masterpiece
- When done, hit Finish Video. You’ll get options for quality—usually 1080p is enough for Facebook or YouTube.
- Choose the storage location (default is often the Videos folder), then wait for it to export. On some clips, it’s instant, on others, it takes a minute—again, system quirks.
After that, your file is ready to share or upload. Easy as pie, right? Well, it’s not perfect — but it’s free, quick, and gets you started.
Tips for Making it Easier and Smarter
- Explore the app: click around to see what’s under the hood. Sometimes there are hidden gems like speed controls or sound mixing that aren’t obvious.
- Keep effects minimal: a little goes a long way. Overloading can make the app sluggish, or worse, crash on some setups.
- Keyboard shortcuts: check the help section for tricks that save time. For example, Ctrl + Z to undo.
- Backup your project files: just in case Windows decides to crash, or your PC needs updates while you’re halfway through.
- Try out your music tracks: different tunes set different moods, so experiment without overdoing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What video formats does the Photos app support?
Mostly MP4, WMV, AVI — standard stuff. If your video’s in a weird format, convert beforehand using tools like Handbrake or VLC.
Can I edit longer videos (more than 10 minutes)?
Yes, but don’t expect smooth sailing. Heavy or long clips might slow down the app or cause crashes, especially if your PC isn’t power-horse class.
Is the Photos app free?
Absolutely — it comes bundled with Windows 10, no extra cost needed.
Can I directly upload my video from here?
Sort of — you can share straight to social media or save it locally, but exporting first is usually better for quick uploads.
Need more advanced editing tools?
Then, you’re looking at programs like Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or even free ones like Shotcut. For quick edits, though, Photos is enough.
Summary
- Open Photos app and start a new project.
- Import your video file.
- Trim unwanted parts.
- Add music, titles, or effects.
- Save and export your finished video.
Wrap-up
Using the Photos app for quick video edits is kinda handy if you’re not ready to jump into more complex software. It’s not perfect—sometimes it crashes, sometimes it’s slow, but for small projects and quick tweaks, it’s actually decent. Just keep your expectations in check, and don’t forget to save often. Hopefully, this shaves off a few hours for someone, or at least gets your basic clips ready without stuffing around with expensive tools.