Windows 10 includes built-in tools that let you join video clips without downloading extra software. If you’ve been wondering how to merge videos in windows 10, you’re in luck. The Photos app, which comes pre-installed, has a simple video editor that can combine clips in minutes. You don’t need to buy expensive software or learn complicated editing. This guide walks you through the easiest methods, including free tools and a quick workaround.
Merging videos is usefull for creating compilations, combining vacation clips, or making a single file from multiple recordings. Whether you’re a beginner or just want a fast solution, these steps will help you get the job done. Let’s start with the built-in method, then explore other options.
Why Use Built-In Tools For Merging Videos
Windows 10 includes the Photos app, which has a hidden video editor. Many people don’t know this, but it can handle basic tasks like trimming, adding text, and merging clips. Using built-in tools means no extra downloads, no security risks, and no learning curve. The Photos app is free and already on your PC.
Another advantage is that the process is straightforward. You drag and drop clips, arrange them in order, and save the result. The app exports in MP4 format, which works on most devices. For simple merges, this is often enough. If you need more control, there are other free options, but the Photos app is the quickest.
How To Merge Videos In Windows 10 Using The Photos App
This is the primary method for most users. The Photos app’s video editor is called “Video Editor” or “Story Remix” depending on your version. Here’s how to use it step by step.
Step 1: Open The Photos App
Click the Start button and type “Photos” in the search bar. Open the app. If you don’t see it, you can download it from the Microsoft Store for free. The app icon looks like a yellow folder with a white photo.
Step 2: Create A New Video Project
In the Photos app, click the “Create” button at the top. From the dropdown, select “Custom video with music” or “New video project.” This opens the video editor workspace. Name your project something like “Merged Video” so you can find it later.
Step 3: Add Your Video Clips
Click “Add” and then “From this PC.” Navigate to the folder where your videos are stored. Select the clips you want to merge. You can hold Ctrl to select multiple files at once. Click “Open” to add them to the project. The clips will appear in the storyboard at the bottom.
Step 4: Arrange The Clips In Order
Drag and drop the clips in the storyboard to arrange them in the order you want. The first clip will play first, then the second, and so on. You can also right-click a clip to remove it or duplicate it. Make sure the sequence is correct before saving.
Step 5: Trim Or Adjust Clips (Optional)
If a clip is too long, click on it in the storyboard. Then click “Trim” at the top. Drag the handles to cut the beginning or end. This helps remove unwanted parts. You can also add text, filters, or music, but for merging, trimming is the most common adjustment.
Step 6: Export The Merged Video
Once you’re happy with the order, click “Finish video” at the top right. Choose a video quality: “High” is good for most uses, “Medium” for smaller files. Click “Export.” Choose a save location and filename. The app will process the video, which may take a few minutes depending on the file size. When done, you’ll have a single merged MP4 file.
That’s it. This method is fast and doesn’t require any extra software. The only downside is that the Photos app can be slow with large files, but for most users, it works fine.
Alternative Method: Using The Clipchamp App
Windows 10 also includes Clipchamp, a free video editor from Microsoft. It’s more advanced than the Photos app and offers more control. Clipchamp is pre-installed on some versions, but you can download it from the Microsoft Store if not. Here’s how to use it for merging videos.
Step 1: Open Clipchamp
Search for “Clipchamp” in the Start menu. Open the app. If prompted, sign in with your Microsoft account. The free version has watermarks, but you can remove them by paying or using a workaround (see FAQ).
Step 2: Create A New Project
Click “Create a new video.” Choose a project name. The interface shows a timeline at the bottom and a preview window at the top. This is similar to professional editors but simpler.
Step 3: Import Your Video Clips
Click “Import media” and select your video files. They will appear in the media library. Drag each clip to the timeline in the order you want. You can stack them end-to-end. The timeline shows the duration of each clip.
Step 4: Arrange And Trim
Drag clips on the timeline to reorder them. To trim, click a clip and drag the edges. Clipchamp also lets you add transitions between clips, like fades or wipes. For a simple merge, you can skip transitions.
Step 5: Export The Video
Click “Export” at the top. Choose a resolution (1080p is standard). Click “Export” again. The app will process and save the video. The free version adds a small watermark, but it’s a minor trade-off for a free tool.
Clipchamp is more reliable for larger files than the Photos app. It also supports more formats, like MOV and AVI. If you need to merge videos frequently, this is a good option.
Using Third-Party Free Software
If the built-in tools don’t meet your needs, there are free third-party options. These are safe to use and offer more features. Here are two popular ones.
DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve is a professional video editor that’s free for personal use. It’s overkill for simple merging, but it works. Download it from the official website. After installation, create a new project, import clips, drag them to the timeline, and export. The learning curve is steep, but it’s powerful.
Avidemux
Avidemux is a lightweight tool designed for simple tasks like merging. It’s open-source and free. Download it, open the app, and click “File” > “Open” to add the first clip. Then click “File” > “Append” to add more clips. Arrange them, then click “File” > “Save” to export. This method is very fast and doesn’t re-encode the video, preserving quality.
Avidemux is ideal if you want a no-fuss solution. It doesn’t have a fancy interface, but it gets the job done in seconds.
Common Issues And Fixes
Sometimes merging videos doesn’t go smoothly. Here are common problems and solutions.
Video Files Won’t Import
If the Photos app or Clipchamp won’t import a video, the file format might be unsupported. Convert the video to MP4 using a free converter like HandBrake. MP4 is the most compatible format.
Audio Out Of Sync
If the audio drifts after merging, the clips might have different frame rates. Use a tool like HandBrake to standardize all clips to the same frame rate (e.g., 30fps) before merging. This usually fixes sync issues.
Export Takes Too Long
Large files take time to process. Reduce the export quality to “Medium” or lower the resolution. Alternatively, use Avidemux, which doesn’t re-encode, so it’s much faster.
Watermark In Clipchamp
The free version of Clipchamp adds a watermark. To remove it, you can pay for the subscription, or use the Photos app instead. There’s no free workaround without violating terms.
Tips For Better Merged Videos
To make your merged video look professional, follow these tips.
- Use clips with the same resolution and frame rate to avoid black bars or stuttering.
- Trim each clip to remove dead space at the beginning and end.
- Add a short fade transition between clips for smooth transitions.
- Keep the total video length reasonable; long videos take longer to export.
- Save your project file before exporting, in case you need to make changes.
These small steps can make a big difference in the final result. Even a simple merge can look polished with a little care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Merge Videos In Windows 10 Without Any Software?
Yes, you can use the Photos app or Clipchamp, both built-in. No extra downloads needed. The Photos app is the simplest option.
What Video Formats Does The Photos App Support?
The Photos app supports MP4, MOV, AVI, and WMV. If your video is in another format, convert it to MP4 first using a free converter.
Is There A Way To Merge Videos Without Losing Quality?
Yes, use Avidemux. It copies the video stream without re-encoding, so quality stays the same. The Photos app and Clipchamp re-encode, which can slightly reduce quality.
How Do I Merge Videos With Different Aspect Ratios?
You can’t change aspect ratios easily in the Photos app. Use Clipchamp or DaVinci Resolve to crop or scale clips to match. This may cause black bars, but it’s better than distortion.
Can I Merge Videos From My Phone On Windows 10?
Yes, transfer the videos to your PC first via USB or cloud storage. Then use any of the methods above. The Photos app works with phone videos as long as they’re in a supported format.
Final Thoughts
Merging videos in Windows 10 is easier than you think. The built-in Photos app is perfect for quick jobs, while Clipchamp offers more control. For advanced users, Avidemux or DaVinci Resolve are excellent free alternatives. No matter which method you choose, you can combine clips in minutes. Start with the Photos app—it’s already on your PC and requires no setup. If you hit a snag, refer to the common issues section above. With these tools, you’ll never need to search for “how to merge videos in windows 10” again.