Cropping a video in Windows 11 sounds easy, but sometimes it’s a bit more tricky than just trimming the start and end. Most folks use the Photos app because it’s already there and you don’t have to install anything fancy. But don’t expect it to be a proper video editor — it’s more for quick trims and basic bits and bobs. If you want to cut out specific parts of the frame or reframe your shot, you might find the built-in tools a bit limited. Sometimes, you need to get a bit creative with settings or grab a free third-party app for more control. But for simple cuts, here’s what to do — with some tips along the way, because Windows can be a bit funny about where certain options hide.
How to Crop Video in Windows 11
Open the Photos App and Import Your Video
First up, open the Photos app from the Start menu or just type “Photos” in the search bar and click on it. Make sure you’re running the latest version — updates sometimes add or improve editing tools, and you’ll want those handy features.
To add your video, click on New Video — usually there’s a *New Video Project* button — then select Custom video with music or similar. Once inside, hit Add to import your footage. Your video will pop up in the project library. Different versions of Windows might do this a bit differently, so don’t stress if it looks a tad different.
Start a New Video Project and Get Ready to Edit
Next, create a new project — it just helps keep things a bit tidy, especially if you’ve got heaps of clips. Name it something easy to remember, like “Holiday Crop” or whatever suits. Drag your video from the library onto the timeline at the bottom. That’s where the magic happens, even if it’s a bit limited. You can usually resize or move your clip here, but cropping the frame itself isn’t the easiest — that’s where it gets a bit tricky.
Crop or Trim Your Video
Click on Edit & Create at the top — looks like a pencil icon or similar. Then choose Trim. Drag the sliders to cut out the bits you don’t want at the start or end. Yep, it’s mainly for trimming, not cropping within the frame, but it’s handy for removing unwanted sections.
If you want to zoom in or focus on part of the frame, that’s where it gets a bit frustrating because the Photos app doesn’t have a proper crop tool for the inside of the video — it’s more for trimming clips. For more exact framing or cropping, you might need a free app like Shotcut, DaVinci Resolve, or Photoscape.
A quick workaround for framing is to see if the app allows cropping before exporting, but be aware — Windows’ built-in editor doesn’t do this straightforwardly. Sometimes, you can fiddle with the aspect ratio or crop by adjusting the canvas or resizing, but it’s a bit hidden and not very flexible. Keep in mind, on some setups, the crop might not look right until you export and check the final video.
Tips for Cropping Video in Windows 11
- Make sure to update the Photos app — newer versions often fix bugs or add new features, so check the Microsoft Store.
- Use the timeline view when trimming — it’s more precise than quick cuts.
- Watch the aspect ratio; cropping incorrectly can distort or cut off important bits, especially on mobile screens.
- Back up your original video before tinkering — Windows sometimes auto-saves over files, better safe than sorry.
- If precise framing matters, try other free apps like Winhance, VLC, or Shotcut — they give you more control over cropping and aspect ratios.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I crop videos directly in Windows 11 without third-party software?
For basic trims, yes, no worries. The Photos app can handle that. But if you want to crop out specific parts of the frame, you’ll need some extra tools.
How do I access the Photos app’s editing features?
Just search for Photos in the Start menu, open it up, then find your video. Use the Edit & Create menu to trim or do basic edits.
Does the Photos app support all video formats?
Mostly MP4, MOV, AVI — the usual suspects. If your video is a bit weirdly formatted, you might need to convert it first.
Can I undo my edits later?
Yep, you can always revert back before exporting. Once you save and close, it’s a little harder to go back without the original file.
Summary
- Open the Photos app and import your video.
- Create a new project, then add your clip to the timeline.
- Use Edit & Create > Trim for simple cuts.
- For frame cropping, consider other tools or workarounds.
- Export once you’re happy with the finished video.
Wrapping It Up
All up, cropping in Windows 11 via the Photos app is pretty limited, but it gets the job done for quick edits. If you’re just after trimming content, the built-in tools are fine. But for pixel-perfect cropping, a lightweight app like Shotcut or VSDC makes life a lot easier. Windows can be a bit of a pain at times, but with a bit of patience, you can usually get where you want. Just don’t expect Photoshop-level precision — it’s more handy for quick fixes that get you most of the way there. Hope this helps someone shave a few hours off their editing sesh!