Hidden Video Editor in Windows 10: How to Use It

Windows 10 includes a surprisingly capable video editor hidden inside the Photos app. It lets you trim, split, add text, music, and 3D effects without installing anything. This guide shows you exactly how to find it and use it for basic video projects.

What You’ll Need

• A PC running Windows 10 (version 1809 or later – check via Settings > System > About).
• The Photos app (preinstalled, but update it from the Microsoft Store if it’s outdated).
• Your video files stored locally on the PC (MP4, MOV, AVI, etc.).

Step-by-Step

1. Open the Photos app. Click the Start button, type “Photos”, and press Enter. If you don’t see it, search the Microsoft Store for “Microsoft Photos” and install it.
2. Start a new video project. In the Photos app, click the “New video” button at the top, then choose “New video project”. Give it a name and click OK.
3. Add your video clips. Click “Add” (the plus icon) and select “From this PC”. Browse to your video files, select them (hold Ctrl to pick multiple), and click “Open”. They appear in the project bin at the bottom.
4. Place clips on the storyboard. Drag each clip from the bin to the storyboard area at the bottom. Arrange them in the order you want by dragging left/right.
5. Trim a clip. Click a clip on the storyboard to select it. Use the white handles on the preview window (top right) to drag the start and end points. Click “Done” when finished.
6. Split a clip. Select the clip, then move the playhead (the vertical line) in the preview to the exact spot you want to cut. Click the scissors icon (Split) to divide it into two clips.
7. Add text. Click the clip, then go to the “Text” tab in the top menu. Choose a style (e.g., “Title” or “Caption”), type your text, and adjust the duration and position. Click “Done”.
8. Add background music. Click the music note icon in the top menu. Choose “Add music” and select an audio file from your PC. You can adjust the volume and fade in/out.
9. Apply a filter or motion effect. Use the “Filters” tab for color adjustments, or the “Motion” tab to add a pan/zoom effect (Ken Burns) to still images or clips.
10. Add 3D effects (optional). Click the “3D effects” tab and choose from animations like explosions or confetti. Drag the effect onto the clip and adjust its placement.
11. Preview your video. Click the Play button in the preview window to watch the whole thing. Make any tweaks.
12. Export the final video. Click “Finish video” at the top right. Choose a resolution (1080p is best for most uses). Select “Export” and save the file to your desired folder.

Common Mistakes

• Not updating the Photos app. Older versions lack the video editor. Always update via Microsoft Store.
• Dragging clips onto the wrong area. If you drop a clip outside the storyboard, it might not attach. Drop it directly onto the storyboard.
• Forgetting to click “Done” after editing text or trimming. Changes won’t apply until you confirm.
• Using unsupported file formats. Very old or exotic codecs may not import. Convert to MP4 (H.264) if needed.
• Exporting at too high a resolution for your needs. 4K exports take longer and create huge files. Choose 1080p unless you need 4K.

Tips

• Use the “Auto video” feature (New video > Automatic video) to quickly combine clips with music and transitions – a great starting point.
• To adjust audio volume per clip, click the volume icon on the clip’s thumbnail and drag the slider.
• Keyboard shortcuts: Space to play/pause, Ctrl+Z to undo, Ctrl+S to save your project (it saves automatically anyway).
• You can add still photos to your video – they’ll be treated as clips with a default duration (adjustable).
• Use the “Custom” option in the aspect ratio menu to create videos for Instagram (1:1) or stories (9:16).

Troubleshooting

• Video editor not showing up: Make sure your Photos app is updated. If it still doesn’t appear, restart your PC, or run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter (Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Windows Store Apps).
• Can’t import a video file: The file may be corrupt or in an unsupported format. Try converting it with a free tool like HandBrake to MP4, then import again.
• Export fails or freezes: Close other programs, free up disk space, and try exporting at a lower resolution. Also, make sure your PC isn’t in power-saving mode.
• Audio out of sync after export: This is rare but can happen. Try splitting the clip at the point of sync loss and re-exporting. If persistent, use the Photos app’s “Repair” option for the video (in the main Photos view, right-click the video > Repair).
• Text or effects not showing: Ensure you clicked “Done” after adding them. Also, check that the playhead is over the clip where you applied the effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the hidden video editor free? Yes, it’s part of the Photos app, which is free and preinstalled on Windows 10.
• Can I use it on Windows 11? Yes, the same video editor exists in the Photos app on Windows 11, though the interface is slightly different.
• Does it support 4K video? Yes, you can import and export 4K videos, but performance depends on your PC’s hardware.
• Can I add my own music? Yes, click the music icon and select “Add music” to use any audio file from your PC.
• How do I remove the background music? Click the music note icon, then click the “Remove” button next to the track.
• Can I edit videos without a project? You can right-click a video file in File Explorer and select “Edit with Photos” to open it directly in the video editor, but you’ll still need to create a project to save changes.

Related

• Windows Sound Not Working? Fixes That Work
• Samsung Galaxy S II vs BlackBerry Torch: Key Differences
• Fix Spotify Jam Not Working: 7 Quick Fixes