Trimming video on Windows 11 is a breeze, even for beginners. All you need is the built-in Photos app, which doubles as a basic video editor. To trim your video, open it in the Photos app, click on the “Edit & Create” button, select “Trim,” and then adjust the sliders to cut the unwanted parts. After that, save the trimmed version. This quick method is perfect for anyone looking to edit videos without needing specialized software.
How to Trim Video on Windows 11
In this section, you’ll learn how to use the Photos app in Windows 11 to trim your video files. These steps will guide you through trimming your video to your preferred length.
Step 1: Open the Photos App
Find and launch the Photos app on your Windows 11 device.
The Photos app is a default application that you can easily find by typing “Photos” in the search bar next to the Start menu. It’s a versatile tool that lets you view and edit photos and videos.
Step 2: Import Your Video
Navigate to the folder containing your video and open it with the Photos app.
You can do this by right-clicking on the video file, selecting “Open with,” and choosing “Photos.” This app supports various video formats, making it convenient for most users.
Step 3: Click on “Edit & Create”
Once your video is open, click the “Edit & Create” button located at the top of the window.
The “Edit & Create” button gives you access to several editing options. We’re focusing on the “Trim” feature today, but feel free to explore other options later.
Step 4: Select “Trim”
Choose the “Trim” option from the dropdown menu.
Selecting “Trim” opens a new panel with sliders that allow you to set the start and end points of your video. This feature is great for removing unwanted sections at the beginning or end of your clip.
Step 5: Adjust the Sliders
Move the sliders to select the portion of the video you want to keep.
These sliders are your brush and canvas; drag them to pinpoint the exact start and end points for your trimmed video. Make sure to play the preview to ensure you captured the right segment.
Step 6: Save Your Trimmed Video
Click “Save As” to save your edited video.
By clicking “Save As,” you ensure that the trimmed video is saved separately from the original. This way, you keep your original file intact while having a new, edited version.
Once you’ve trimmed your video, the Photos app saves a new version of it based on your specifications. This new video will be available in the same folder as your original file, allowing you to easily locate and share it without losing the original footage.
Tips for Trimming Video on Windows 11
- Make sure your video file is backed up before you start trimming, just in case something goes wrong.
- Use the preview feature to watch your trimmed video before saving, ensuring you’ve captured exactly what you want.
- Experiment with different start and end points to see which clip works best for your needs.
- Keep an eye on the file size after trimming if you plan to upload or email the video.
- Familiarize yourself with other editing tools within the Photos app to enhance your video further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Photos app the only option for trimming videos on Windows 11?
No, while the Photos app is convenient and built-in, there are third-party apps like VLC and Adobe Premiere Pro that offer more advanced editing features.
Can I add music to my trimmed video using the Photos app?
Yes, the Photos app allows you to add music to your video. You’ll find this option in the “Edit & Create” menu under “Add Music.”
What file formats does the Photos app support for video editing?
The Photos app supports most common video formats such as MP4 and MOV, making it versatile and user-friendly.
Does trimming a video reduce its quality?
Trimming a video in the Photos app does not affect its quality. The app maintains the original video quality unless you choose to compress it for size.
Can I undo a trim once I’ve saved the video?
Once you save a trimmed video, the changes are permanent for that file. However, since the app creates a new file, your original video remains unaltered.
Summary
- Open the Photos App.
- Import Your Video.
- Click on “Edit & Create.”
- Select “Trim.”
- Adjust the Sliders.
- Save Your Trimmed Video.
Conclusion
Trimming video on Windows 11 is not just a task of snipping out the unwanted parts; it’s an art form that lets you focus your narrative, whether you’re sharing a personal moment or creating content for a broader audience. With the Photos app, Microsoft has made video editing accessible and straightforward, empowering users to make quick edits without a steep learning curve or additional costs.
While there are other tools out there, the Photos app stands out for its simplicity and integration with the Windows ecosystem. It’s a user-friendly option that provides essential editing features without overwhelming complexity.
If you’re new to video editing, start with the basics in the Photos app and gradually explore other functionalities or software as your skills grow. Share your creations with confidence, knowing that you’ve got a polished product ready for any platform.
Engage with your audience, tell your story, and make each moment count with the ease of trimming video on Windows 11. If you’re keen to explore more, consider diving into additional features like filters and effects within the Photos app, or check out other specialized video editing software for more advanced needs. Happy editing!
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.