Windows Media Player is a free video and audio player that comes with Windows computers, but it doesn’t actually have video editing features. However, if you’re looking to do basic edits—like trimming a video or adding effects—there are other free tools that work great alongside Windows Media Player. In this blog, we’ll guide you through simple editing options you can use and how to get started.
1. Can You Edit Videos Directly in Windows Media Player?
No, Windows Media Player is only for playing videos and audio files. It doesn’t offer tools for editing videos, like cutting, trimming, or adding effects. But don’t worry—there are free tools you can download that work well with Windows, making it easy to do basic video editing.
2. Simple Tools for Basic Video Editing on Windows
If you want to make small edits to your videos, here are some free tools you can use instead:
- Clipchamp: This app is built into newer versions of Windows. It’s simple and has options for trimming, cutting, and adding effects.
- VLC Media Player: VLC is a media player that can also trim videos with a bit of setup.
- Photos App (Windows): The Photos app in Windows also has a video editor feature. It’s great for quick edits like trimming and adding text or music.
3. How to Trim a Video Using Clipchamp
Clipchamp is a user-friendly editor in Windows 11 that allows for basic edits. Here’s how you can trim a video using Clipchamp:
- Step 1: Open Clipchamp on your Windows computer.
- Step 2: Click Create a New Video and then select the + icon to upload your video.
- Step 3: Drag the video to the timeline at the bottom.
- Step 4: To trim, drag the edges of the video on the timeline to cut out parts you don’t need.
- Step 5: Once you’re happy with the edit, click Export to save your trimmed video.
4. How to Trim a Video Using VLC Media Player
If you prefer using VLC, here’s how you can trim a video in VLC Media Player:
- Step 1: Open VLC and go to View > Advanced Controls. You’ll see new buttons appear.
- Step 2: Play your video and click Record at the point where you want the trimmed video to start.
- Step 3: Click Record again when you want to end the trim. VLC will save this clip automatically in your Videos folder.
5. Using the Windows Photos App for Basic Edits
If you have the Photos app on your Windows PC, you can also use it for basic editing:
- Step 1: Open your video file in the Photos app.
- Step 2: Click on Edit & Create and select Trim.
- Step 3: Drag the sliders to keep only the part you want.
- Step 4: Click Save as to create a new, edited video.
6. Adding Effects and Text to Your Video
If you want to do more than trim, Clipchamp or the Photos app can add simple effects and text:
- In Clipchamp, you can add text by selecting Text from the left menu. Type in your text and drag it onto the timeline to place it in your video.
- The Photos App also allows text overlay, as well as fun effects like filters or background music.
7. Other Free Video Editing Tools to Consider
If you need more editing features, you might want to try other free video editors for Windows, such as:
- DaVinci Resolve: A powerful editor that’s free and offers advanced tools like color correction, transitions, and effects.
- Shotcut: Another free editor with features like timeline editing, audio editing, and filters.
Final Thoughts
While Windows Media Player isn’t built for editing videos, Windows offers several free tools to help you make simple edits. For quick trims and basic adjustments, try Clipchamp, VLC, or the Windows Photos app. If you need more advanced options, free tools like DaVinci Resolve and Shotcut can help take your editing skills further.
With these tools, editing a video on Windows is simple and free! For more help with digital tools or marketing tips, reach out to Pixelpark Media—we’re here to help your creative projects succeed.
