You can trim a video in Windows 10 using the pre-installed Photos app, which has a simple “Trim” button. This guide shows you how to trim a video Windows 10 without downloading any extra software. The built-in tool is fast and works for most basic editing needs.
Trimming videos helps you remove unwanted parts from the start or end. You can also cut out middle sections if you need to. Windows 10 includes this feature right in the Photos app, so you don’t need to buy anything.
Why Trim Videos In Windows 10
Video files can be large and contain extra footage you don’t need. Trimming makes them shorter and easier to share. It also helps you focus on the important parts.
Common reasons to trim a video include removing awkward pauses, cutting out mistakes, or keeping only the best moments. You might also want to reduce file size for email or social media.
How To Trim A Video Windows 10 Using The Photos App
The Photos app is the default video player in Windows 10. It also includes basic editing tools like trim, filter, and text overlay. Follow these steps to trim your video.
Step 1: Open The Video In The Photos App
- Locate your video file in File Explorer
- Right-click on the video file
- Select “Open with” from the menu
- Choose “Photos” from the list of apps
The video will open in the Photos app player. You can also open Photos first and import the video from there.
Step 2: Access The Trim Tool
- Click the “Edit & Create” button in the top toolbar
- Select “Trim” from the dropdown menu
- A new window will open with the trim interface
You will see the video timeline at the bottom of the screen. There are two white sliders on each end of the timeline. These control where the trim starts and ends.
Step 3: Set The Start And End Points
- Drag the left slider to where you want the video to begin
- Drag the right slider to where you want the video to end
- Use the play button to preview your selection
- Adjust the sliders if needed
You can also click and drag the timeline to move through the video. The preview window shows the current frame. Make sure you have selected the exact portion you want to keep.
Step 4: Save The Trimmed Video
- Click the “Save a copy” button in the top right
- Choose a location to save the new file
- Give the file a new name to avoid overwriting the original
- Click “Save” to complete the process
The Photos app will process the video and create a new file. This may take a few seconds depending on video length. The original video remains unchanged.
How To Trim A Video In Windows 10 Using Video Editor
Windows 10 also has a separate Video Editor app. This tool offers more features than the Photos app trimmer. You can add music, text, and effects alongside trimming.
Open Video Editor
- Click the Start button
- Type “Video Editor” in the search bar
- Click on the Video Editor app from the results
- Select “New video project”
Give your project a name and click OK. The Video Editor workspace will open with a blank timeline.
Import And Trim Your Video
- Click the “Add” button and select “From this PC”
- Choose your video file and click “Open”
- Drag the video from the project library to the storyboard
- Click the “Trim” button above the storyboard
The trim interface in Video Editor works similarly to the Photos app. Drag the handles to set start and end points. Click “Done” when finished.
Export The Trimmed Video
- Click “Finish video” in the top right
- Choose video quality (1080p, 720p, or lower)
- Click “Export” and select a save location
- Wait for the export to complete
Video Editor gives you more control over output settings. You can also add transitions or split clips before exporting.
How To Trim A Video Windows 10 Using Third-Party Software
Sometimes the built-in tools are not enough. You might need more advanced features like frame-accurate trimming or batch processing. Here are some free alternatives.
Using VLC Media Player
VLC is a popular free media player that can also trim videos. It requires a few extra steps but works well.
- Open VLC and click “Media” in the top menu
- Select “Convert / Save” from the dropdown
- Click “Add” to choose your video file
- Click the “Use a subfile” checkbox
- Click “Settings” next to the checkbox
- Set start and end times manually
- Click “Save” and then “Convert”
VLC does not have a visual timeline for trimming. You need to know the exact timestamps. This method is best for precise cuts.
Using Clipchamp
Clipchamp is a free video editor from Microsoft. It works in your browser or as a desktop app. It offers more features than the Photos app.
- Open Clipchamp and sign in with your Microsoft account
- Click “Create a new video”
- Import your video file
- Drag the video to the timeline
- Click on the clip and drag the trim handles
- Click “Export” to save your trimmed video
Clipchamp supports many video formats. It also lets you add transitions, text, and filters. The free version includes watermarks on exports.
Tips For Trimming Videos In Windows 10
These tips will help you get better results when trimming videos. They apply to all the methods mentioned above.
- Always save a copy instead of overwriting the original
- Preview your trim before saving to avoid mistakes
- Use keyboard shortcuts for faster editing
- Keep the original file until you are sure the trim is correct
- Check the output quality after saving
Video trimming is non-destructive in most apps. This means the original file stays intact. You can always go back and re-trim if needed.
Common Issues When Trimming Videos In Windows 10
Sometimes the trimming process does not work as expected. Here are some common problems and solutions.
Video Not Opening In Photos App
If your video does not open in the Photos app, it might be an unsupported format. Convert the video to MP4 first using a free converter. The Photos app works best with MP4 files.
Trim Button Not Showing
Make sure you have the latest Windows 10 updates installed. The trim feature was added in a recent update. Check for updates in Windows Settings if the button is missing.
Trimmed Video Quality Is Low
The Photos app may reduce quality when saving. Try using Video Editor instead for better output options. You can also adjust export settings in third-party apps.
How To Trim A Video Windows 10 Without Losing Quality
Quality loss happens when the video is re-encoded during trimming. To avoid this, use a tool that supports lossless trimming.
LosslessCut is a free tool for lossless video trimming. It does not re-encode the video, so quality stays the same. Download it from the Microsoft Store or GitHub.
- Open LosslessCut and drag your video into the window
- Use the timeline to set start and end points
- Click the save button to export
- Choose a file name and location
Lossless trimming is much faster than re-encoding. It also preserves the original quality perfectly. This is ideal for large files or professional work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Trim A Video In Windows 10 Without Any App?
No, you need an app to trim videos. The Photos app is pre-installed and works for basic trimming. You can also use Video Editor or third-party tools.
How Do I Trim A Video In Windows 10 Using Keyboard Shortcuts?
In the Photos app, use Ctrl+Shift+T to open the trim tool. Use the arrow keys to move frame by frame. Press Enter to save the trimmed video.
What Video Formats Can I Trim In Windows 10 Photos App?
The Photos app supports MP4, MOV, WMV, and AVI formats. Other formats may not open. Convert unsupported files to MP4 before trimming.
Can I Trim A Video On Windows 10 Without Losing The Original File?
Yes, always choose “Save a copy” instead of “Save”. This keeps the original file unchanged. The trimmed version is saved as a new file.
How Long Does It Take To Trim A Video In Windows 10?
Trimming itself is instant. Saving the trimmed video takes a few seconds to a minute, depending on video length and file size. Lossless tools are faster.
Final Thoughts On Trimming Videos In Windows 10
Trimming videos in Windows 10 is simple with the built-in tools. The Photos app is the easiest option for quick cuts. Video Editor offers more features for complex projects.
Remember to always save a copy of your original video. This prevents accidental data loss. Practice with short videos first to get comfortable with the tools.
If you need advanced features like lossless trimming or batch processing, consider third-party software. Free options like LosslessCut and Clipchamp work well for most users.
Now you know how to trim a video windows 10 using multiple methods. Try each one to see which works best for your needs. Happy editing.