Windows 10 Video Editor: How to Create and Export a Video

Windows 10’s built-in video editing tools let you combine clips and photos, trim footage, add text or music, and export a finished video. The Photos app’s Video Editor features may not be available on every Windows 10 installation; if you do not see them, use Clipchamp if it is installed, or another video editor.

What You’ll Need

• A Windows 10 PC with the Photos app and its video-editing features available. Menu names and availability can differ depending on your Windows version.
• Video clips, photos, and optional music saved somewhere you can find, such as the Videos or Pictures folder.
• Enough free storage for the exported video. Keep the original files available while editing.

Step-by-Step

1. Open the editor. Select Start, type Photos, and open the Photos app. Look for Video Editor in the app’s navigation or select New video and then New video project. The precise entry point varies between Photos versions. If you cannot find either option, skip to Troubleshooting rather than assuming the feature is present.
2. Create a project. Choose New video project, enter a name, and confirm. A project is an editable arrangement of your media, not the exported video itself. Keep the project and original media together if you plan to return to it later.
3. Add your media. Select Add, then choose files from your PC or another available source. Select the clips and photos you want, and add them to the project. In many versions, imported items appear in the project library; they do not enter the video until you add them to the storyboard.
4. Build the sequence. Select an item in the project library and choose Place in storyboard, or drag it onto the storyboard if that control is available. Repeat for each clip or photo. Drag storyboard items to change their order. Preview the sequence as you go so transitions between shots make sense.
5. Trim clips and set photo duration. Select a video item in the storyboard and choose Trim. Move the start and end handles to keep the section you want, then save or confirm the trim. For a photo, select it and choose Duration to set how long it stays on screen. Names and controls can vary by version; check the preview before continuing.
6. Add titles or effects if needed. Select an item and look for controls such as Text, Motion, 3D effects, or Filters. Choose a style, enter text where prompted, and preview the result. Not every version offers all of these tools. Keep titles readable and avoid covering important parts of the image.
7. Add background music. Look for Background music or Custom audio in the project controls. Choose an included track or select an audio file you are permitted to use. Adjust its level if the editor provides a volume control. Preview speech and music together; lower the music if it makes dialogue difficult to hear.
8. Review the full video. Play the project from beginning to end. Check the order, trims, text, audio, and any blank or unexpectedly long sections. Fix problems on the storyboard and review those sections again. Saving the project does not create a shareable video file.
9. Export the finished video. Select Finish video or the available export control, choose a quality option, and confirm. Higher quality generally produces a larger file and takes longer to export. Choose a destination folder you can locate, wait for processing to finish, and play the exported file to verify it.

Common Mistakes

• Adding files but not placing them on the storyboard: The project library holds source media; the storyboard determines what appears in the finished video.
• Moving or deleting source files: The project may lose access to media if its original files are moved, renamed, or deleted. Keep them in place until editing and exporting are complete.
• Confusing project saving with exporting: A saved project is for editing; use the finish or export command to produce a video file.
• Skipping the preview: Trims, durations, titles, or music levels may not look or sound as expected. Review the whole sequence and the exported result.
• Choosing the highest quality automatically: A larger export can take more time and storage. Match the quality to where you will watch or share the video.

Tips

• Put the source clips and photos in a clearly named folder before starting. This makes them easier to locate and less likely to be moved accidentally.
• Make a simple first cut before adding titles or effects. It is easier to judge pacing when the sequence is in the right order.
• Use short, clear titles and consistent durations for photos. Play the video on the type of screen where it will be viewed if possible.
• Save changes as you work, and keep a copy of the exported video in a separate folder if it matters to you.

Troubleshooting

• Video Editor is missing: Photos has changed over time, and the legacy editor is not available in every installation. Check Start for Photos, then look for a video project or editing option in the app. If it is absent, check whether Windows offers an update for the app, or use Clipchamp if available. Do not expect reinstalling Photos to restore a feature that is no longer included in your version.
• A clip will not import or play: Confirm that the file opens in another player and is stored locally rather than on a disconnected drive or unavailable cloud location. Try a commonly supported video format, such as MP4, if you can make a compatible copy. Avoid deleting the original while testing.
• The project shows missing media: Restore the files to their original folder or use the app’s available option to locate them again. Keep the drive connected and check that you have access to the folder.
• Export fails or takes a long time: Check that the destination has enough free space, close other demanding apps, and try exporting at a lower quality. Restart the app and PC if the export remains stuck; save the project first if possible.
• The exported video has no sound or the wrong section: Check the source clip’s audio, soundtrack settings, and storyboard trims. Preview the project, export again, and test the new file in a media player.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Video Editor included with Windows 10?
Some Windows 10 Photos versions include the legacy Video Editor, but its availability varies. Check the Photos app; if the project controls are missing, use another editor available on your PC.

How do I save a Windows 10 video project?
Use the project’s save control if one is shown, or follow the app’s prompts. Keep the original media files accessible; saving the project does not usually create the final video.

How do I combine videos and photos?
Add both types of media to the project, place each on the storyboard, and arrange them in the order you want. Preview before exporting.

Can I add my own music?
Many versions offer a custom-audio option. Select an audio file on your PC and check the result in the preview; available controls differ by version.

Where does the exported video go?
The export process may let you choose a folder. Note the destination shown during export, then open the resulting video from that location.

What should I use if Video Editor is unavailable?
Use Clipchamp if it is installed or available to you, or choose another editor compatible with your PC. The legacy Photos editor may not be recoverable on every Windows 10 setup.

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