Compressing a video in Windows 10 can be done with ease using built-in tools or third-party software. Essentially, you’ll be reducing the file size while keeping as much of the original quality as possible. This guide will walk you through the steps to compress a video using various methods available on Windows 10.
How to Compress a Video in Windows 10
In this section, we’ll go through the steps required to compress a video on Windows 10. By the end, you’ll have a smaller video file that’s easier to share and store.
Step 1: Open the Video Using the Photos App
Open the video file in the Photos app by right-clicking on it, choosing “Open with,” and then selecting “Photos.”
The Photos app is pre-installed on Windows 10, and it includes a simple video editor that allows for basic compression. Opening the video here will help you get started without needing additional software.
Step 2: Click on “Edit & Create”
Once the video is open in the Photos app, click on the “Edit & Create” button located at the top of the window.
This will reveal several editing options, including the ability to trim, add text, and more. For our purposes, you’ll be looking to access the video editor.
Step 3: Select “Trim” or “Create a Video with Text”
Choose “Trim” if you want to cut out unnecessary parts or “Create a Video with Text” to access more editing features.
Trimming the video can significantly reduce the file size by cutting out the parts you don’t need. If you choose to create a video with text, you’ll enter a more detailed editor where you can make additional adjustments.
Step 4: Save the Edited Video
After making the necessary edits, save the video by clicking on the “Save a copy” button.
This will allow you to save a new version of the video, which should be smaller if you’ve trimmed it or made other changes.
Step 5: Use HandBrake for More Compression
For more advanced compression, download and install HandBrake, a free and open-source video transcoder.
HandBrake offers a wide range of settings to compress video files efficiently. This tool can drastically reduce file sizes while maintaining good quality.
Step 6: Open the Video in HandBrake
Launch HandBrake and open the video file you want to compress by clicking on the “Open Source” button.
HandBrake’s interface makes it easy to load your video file and start the compression process. Just point it to your video file and you’ll be ready to go.
Step 7: Select a Preset and Adjust Settings
Choose a preset based on your needs, such as “Fast 720p30,” and tweak settings if necessary.
HandBrake offers presets tailored for different devices and quality requirements. You can also manually adjust settings like bitrate, resolution, and format to get the best results.
Step 8: Start the Compression Process
Click the “Start Encode” button to begin compressing the video file.
HandBrake will now process the video, applying all the settings you’ve chosen. This might take some time depending on the file size and your computer’s speed.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your video will be compressed and saved in a smaller file size, making it easier to upload, email, or store.
Tips for Compressing a Video in Windows 10
- Use Built-in Apps: Start with Windows 10’s built-in apps like Photos for basic compression needs.
- Third-Party Software: Consider using third-party software like HandBrake for more advanced compression.
- Trim Unnecessary Parts: Always trim unnecessary parts of the video to reduce file size.
- Adjust Resolution: Lower the resolution if high quality isn’t essential for your needs.
- Check Bitrate: Reducing the bitrate can significantly decrease file size while keeping acceptable quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I compress a video without losing quality?
You can often reduce the file size by up to 50% without noticeable quality loss by adjusting the bitrate and resolution carefully.
Is HandBrake free?
Yes, HandBrake is a free and open-source tool that you can download from their official website.
Can I compress videos using VLC Media Player?
Yes, VLC Media Player also offers compression features, though it’s not as user-friendly as HandBrake for this purpose.
Is there a risk of data loss during compression?
Compression itself doesn’t usually cause data loss, but it can reduce video quality if not done correctly.
Can I compress a batch of videos at once?
Yes, both HandBrake and other advanced tools allow batch processing, so you can compress multiple videos at once.
Summary
- Step 1: Open the Video Using the Photos App.
- Step 2: Click on “Edit & Create.”
- Step 3: Select “Trim” or “Create a Video with Text.”
- Step 4: Save the Edited Video.
- Step 5: Use HandBrake for More Compression.
- Step 6: Open the Video in HandBrake.
- Step 7: Select a Preset and Adjust Settings.
- Step 8: Start the Compression Process.
Conclusion
Compressing a video in Windows 10 is straightforward if you know the right tools and steps to use. Whether you prefer the simplicity of the Photos app or the advanced features of HandBrake, you have options that cater to different needs and skill levels.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily reduce video file sizes, making them more manageable for sharing and storing. Remember to take advantage of tips like trimming unnecessary parts and adjusting resolution to get the best results.
If you have specific requirements or run into issues, don’t hesitate to explore additional resources or seek help from online forums. Compressing videos might seem a bit technical at first, but with practice, you’ll become proficient in no time.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.