Edit and Trim Videos in Windows 10 Photos

The Photos app in Windows 10 can make a quick edit to a video, trim unwanted footage from its beginning or end, and save a separate copy. You’ll need the video file and enough free space for the edited version; the exact editing features available can depend on which Photos app version is installed.

What You’ll Need

A Windows 10 PC with the Photos app. Open Start and search for Photos to check whether it is installed.
The video file you want to edit, saved locally or on a drive you can access.
Free storage space for the exported video. Keep the original until you have checked the result.

Step-by-Step

Open the video in Photos. In File Explorer, find the video, right-click it, choose Open with, then choose Photos. You can also open Photos, select Folders or the relevant library view, and browse to the file. If Photos is not listed, launch the app first or use another installed video editor.
Start a trim. With the video open, select Edit & Create near the top of the window, then choose Trim. Some app layouts show a trim icon or a direct Trim command instead. If the menu is different, update Photos through Microsoft Store if updates are available, or use the app version already on your PC.
Choose the part to keep. A timeline appears with two handles marking the start and end of the selected section. Drag the left handle to where the wanted footage begins and the right handle to where it ends. The area between them is the part that will be kept; footage outside it will be removed from the exported trim.
Preview and refine the selection. Play the video, pause near each cut, and move the handles in small increments until the selection is right. Use the displayed time position, when available, as a guide. Do not rely only on the thumbnail: it may not show the exact frame at the cut. Check that the selection is not so short that it accidentally excludes an important moment.
Save the trimmed video. Select Save a copy or Save as, depending on the version. Choose a destination folder and a recognizable file name if prompted. Saving a copy preserves the original; avoid an overwrite option unless you are certain you no longer need the source. Wait for the export to finish before closing the app.
Make other simple edits if your version offers them. Return to Edit & Create and look for options such as adding slow motion, drawing, or creating a video with text or music. These are separate tools, and availability varies. Follow the on-screen controls, preview the result, and save a copy rather than replacing the source.
Verify the exported file. Open the saved copy in Photos or another video player. Play from the beginning through the end, confirm the intended section remains, and check that audio and picture are present. If the result is wrong, return to the original and repeat the trim.

Common Mistakes

Editing the wrong file: Check the file name and folder before trimming, especially if there are several clips with similar names.
Dragging the wrong handle: The left handle sets the start and the right sets the end. Watch the selected region and preview after moving either one.
Assuming the original is changed: The trim is generally exported as a new copy when you choose Save a copy. Look in the destination folder rather than expecting the original to change.
Closing before export completes: A progress indicator or brief delay may appear. Wait for the save to finish, then check that the file exists and opens.
Expecting a full editing suite: Photos is intended for basic edits, and its tools vary by app version. It may not provide multi-track editing, detailed audio controls, or precise frame-by-frame work.

Tips

Make a backup before editing an irreplaceable recording, and keep the original until the exported copy has been checked.
Use a clear name such as interview-trimmed and save in a folder you can find again.
For a precise cut, pause near the desired point and adjust the timeline handles gradually rather than making one large drag.
Trim only what you need. Each export can take time, and additional editing may change the output’s size or quality.
If you need titles, transitions, multiple clips, or detailed audio mixing, choose a dedicated video editor rather than trying to force Photos to do more than its available tools allow.

Troubleshooting

Photos does not appear in Open with: Search for Photos from Start and open it. If the app is missing or will not launch, check Microsoft Store for an available installation or update. You can also choose another video editor already installed on the PC.

The video will not open or plays without a picture: Confirm that the file plays in another player and that it has finished copying to the PC. An unsupported encoding or a damaged, incomplete file can prevent Photos from reading it. Try a different player or editor that supports the file, or obtain a sound copy from the original device.

Trim is missing: The available commands depend on the Photos app version and how the file is opened. Try opening the video directly from File Explorer, then check Edit & Create. If the option remains unavailable, update Photos if possible or use another editor with trimming.

The saved video is hard to find: Check the folder selected during export and search File Explorer for the name you gave it. If you did not choose a destination, check the app’s save prompt or its default location before exporting again.

The export fails or appears incomplete: Make sure the destination drive has free space, the folder is writable, and the source file is still accessible. Save to a local folder with a simple file name, close other apps using the video, and try again. Keep the original intact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does trimming in Photos delete the original video?
Choose Save a copy to keep the original. Check the wording in your version’s save dialog before confirming.

Can I cut a section out of the middle of a video?
The basic Trim tool selects one continuous section, so it is suited to removing footage from the start or end. Removing a middle section usually requires splitting the clip and joining the remaining parts in an editor that supports those actions.

Can I combine multiple videos in Photos?
Some Photos versions include a video-creation option, but the tools and availability differ. If you need reliable clip arrangement or a timeline, use a video editor that explicitly supports combining clips.

Will trimming reduce video quality?
Saving an edited copy may re-encode the video, so output quality can differ from the source. Check the exported copy before deleting or moving the original.

Why does my Photos app look different?
Photos has changed over time, and Windows installations may have different app versions or layouts. Look for the trim command under Edit & Create, check Microsoft Store for updates, or use another editor if the tool is unavailable.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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