Editing a video on Windows 10 might seem like a hassle at first, but honestly, the built-in Photos app can do quite a bit more than just display pictures. For quick trims, some overlays, or adding background music, you don’t have to hunt for third-party tools or get overwhelmed with complicated software. Just a few clicks, and your clip is a little more polished. Of course, it’s not perfect — it can be quirky or limited — but for basic stuff, it does the job. So if you’re tired of the default, clunky editors or want to get started fast, this guide is your go-to. By the end, you’ll have a decent finished video, ready to share, with minimal fuss.
How to Edit a Video on Windows 10
Open the Photos App and Import Your Video
First off, find and fire up the Photos app. It’s built-in, so no extra downloads needed. Just type “Photos” in the search bar — usually at the bottom left — and click on the icon. Once that’s open, look for “New video” in the top right corner or click on New video > New video project if it’s a bit different. From there, hit Add — you can pull your video from anywhere on your PC. It’s kinda weird, but just selecting your clip, it drops right into the project timeline.
On some setups, it might take a second to recognize the file or hang a little on first import. Not sure why, but after a couple of tries or restarting the app, it tends to settle down.
Start the Editing Process
Drag that imported clip to the storyboard. This is where all the magic happens, or at least where you start messing with your footage. To trim, grab the edges of the clip and slide — cutting out those unnecessary seconds. To split the clip into sections, move the scrubber and select split — it’s under the Split button. The interface is kinda simple, but it supports basic effects like zoom, filters, or transitions at the top menu. Just keep in mind, it’s not as feature-rich as premium editors, so don’t expect miracles. Expect a straightforward, somewhat limited editing experience that’s perfect for quick fixes or small projects.
Add Music, Text, and Overlays
Want some background music? Click Background music and pick from the default options, or go for Custom audio to upload your own MP3 or WAV file (just drag into the project folder first, or browse from your directories).For overlay text, hit Text on the toolbar and choose a style. These can be titles, captions, or watermarks. It’s not super flexible, but for basic stuff, it’s enough. Sometimes the app glitches with text placement, so expect some trial and error. Adding transitions or effects can be done via the toolbar, but don’t get your hopes up for complex stuff.
Saving and Exporting Your Final Video
Okay, once your editing is done, it’s time to save. Click Finish video on the top right. Here, you can choose quality settings — for instance, 1080p for general use. Selecting Export will save your edited video to a chosen folder. It’s kinda weird, but on some computers, the export process can hang or be slow, especially with longer videos or high-quality settings. Just be patient, or try reducing the quality if it keeps freezing. After the export completes, you’ll have a new file ready for sharing, uploading, or whatever else.
Tips for Editing a Video on Windows 10
- Use the trim feature to quickly cut out boring or unwanted parts.
- The split tool is handy if you want to cut a video into sections and maybe apply different effects.
- Experiment with simple filters or overlays to give your video a more professional look without overthinking it.
- If text isn’t aligning right, try adjusting timing or font styles — sometimes it’s trial and error.
- Remember to save often; Windows sometimes crashes and you really don’t want to redo everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I edit videos on Windows 10 without downloading extra software?
Yeah, the Photos app is already installed and handles most basic editing tasks — trimming, adding music, overlay text, and simple effects. No need to mess with third-party apps unless you want more control.
What formats can I edit in the Photos app?
Mostly MP4, MOV, and some AVI files. It’s pretty standard, but if your video’s in a weird format, you might need to convert it first using a tool like HandBrake.
Is there a limit to video length for editing?
In theory, no. But because of hardware and performance limits, very long videos may cause hiccups or crashes. It’s best to keep projects under a few hours if possible.
Can I add custom music to my videos?
Yes, just use Custom audio during editing — upload your own MP3 or WAV files, and drop them into the timeline.
How do I undo an accidental change?
Press Ctrl + Z or click the undo arrow. The app sometimes acts flaky, so you might need to redo a few steps if it doesn’t work immediately.
Summary
- Open the Photos app
- Import your video
- Trim, split, and adjust as needed
- Add music and text overlays
- Export and save your finished project
Wrap-up
Honestly, the Photos app isn’t professional-grade, but it’s surprisingly capable if you’re after quick edits or small projects. It’s kind of a no-fuss way to put together simple videos without hunting down weird software or paying for editing suites. Expect some quirks here and there, but on the whole, it’ll do enough for casual editing, if not heavy-duty stuff. Just keep in mind — save often, be patient, and don’t expect miracles from a free app. Hopefully, this shaves a bit of time off someone’s workflow — at least enough to get a decent video out the door.