Trimming videos on Windows 11 is a breeze and doesn’t require any fancy software. Using the built-in Photos app, you can quickly cut videos down to size. First, open your video with the Photos app. Then, use the trim tool to select the section you want to keep. Afterward, save the trimmed video as a new file to preserve your original footage. Just like that, you have your edited clip ready to go!
Trimming Videos on Windows 11
In this section, we’ll walk you through the steps to trim a video using the Photos app in Windows 11. This will help you cut out unwanted parts and focus on the best bits of your video.
Step 1: Open Your Video in the Photos App
Right-click the video file you want to trim and select “Open with” followed by “Photos.”
The Photos app is not just for photos! It’s a handy tool for basic video editing tasks like trimming. By opening your video in the Photos app, you gain access to user-friendly editing features without needing to download extra software.
Step 2: Click on the “Edit & Create” Button
At the top of the window, click on the “Edit & Create” button, then select “Trim” from the dropdown menu.
This step allows you to enter the trimming mode. The “Edit & Create” button is your gateway to a variety of editing tools. When you select “Trim,” you enter a mode that lets you cut the video to your desired length.
Step 3: Use the Trim Tool to Select the Desired Portion
Drag the white start and end handles on the timeline to highlight the portion of the video you want to keep.
This is where you get to be the director! By dragging those handles, you can precisely choose the start and end points of your final video. Make sure to preview your selection to ensure you’ve captured exactly what you want.
Step 4: Save the Trimmed Video
Click on “Save a copy” to save your trimmed video as a new file.
Saving a copy ensures that your original video remains untouched. This is great if you need to make more edits in the future or if you want to keep the original footage intact for other uses.
Step 5: Check Your New Video File
Locate the new video file in the same place as your original and double-check that it’s trimmed to your liking.
Before you call it a day, take a quick look at your new file. Make sure everything is in order and that the trim was done just the way you wanted.
After following these steps, you’ll have a neatly trimmed video file ready to use, share, or upload. It’s now free of any unwanted footage, leaving you with just the essential parts.
Tips for Trimming Videos on Windows 11
- Preview Your Cuts: Always play back your selected trim before saving to ensure you’ve captured the right moments.
- Keep the Original: Save a new copy instead of overwriting the original file to avoid losing any footage.
- Experiment with Edits: Use the Photos app to experiment with other editing features like adding text or filters.
- Rename Your Files: Give your new trimmed video a unique name to easily identify it later.
- Use Keyboard Shortcuts: Familiarize yourself with shortcuts like pressing “Ctrl + S” to save your work quicker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trim videos longer than an hour with Photos?
Yes, the Photos app can handle videos of various lengths, including those longer than an hour.
Does the Videos trimming in Photos affect the video quality?
No, trimming a video in Photos does not reduce the quality of your video.
Can I undo a trim once I’ve saved the video?
Once you’ve saved the trim, you cannot undo it. However, you can re-open the original file and start over.
Is the trimmed video saved in the same format as the original?
Yes, the trimmed video retains the original file format unless specified otherwise during the save process.
Do I need an internet connection to use the Photos app for trimming?
No, the Photos app works offline for trimming videos, so you don’t need an internet connection.
Summary
- Open video with Photos app.
- Click “Edit & Create” then “Trim.”
- Drag handles to select portion.
- Save a copy.
- Verify the trimmed video.
Conclusion
Trimming videos on Windows 11 is a straightforward process that can be accomplished in just a few minutes. Armed with the Photos app, you don’t need any fancy video editing software to get the job done. Whether you’re cutting out bloopers from a family video or creating a highlight reel of your gaming session, this method is reliable and easy to use.
Many users may not realize the power of the pre-installed apps on their Windows system. The Photos app, in particular, is a hidden gem for basic video editing tasks. So next time you’re looking to edit a video, remember that you have a tool ready to go right at your fingertips. By following the steps outlined and keeping the pro tips in mind, you can trim your videos like a pro.
If you’re eager to dive deeper into the world of video editing, consider exploring additional Windows features or looking into more advanced video editing software. There’s a vast ocean of possibilities when it comes to editing, and trimming is just the starting point. Dive in and start creating content that shines!
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.