Trimming videos on Windows 11 with the Photos app is dead easy, but if you’re not used to it, it can feel a bit clunky or limited. Sure, it’s built-in and free, so no need to grab extra software—yet sometimes the interface isn’t as smooth as you’d hope. You might run into issues like the app not recognising your video, or getting tripped up over the save options. Also, just a heads-up: if you want to keep your original safe and sound, make sure to use “Save As” — overwriting can happen if you’re not paying attention. Sometimes, trimming on Windows can be a bit of a lottery; on some setups, it works sweet as, on others… not so much. Of course, Windows has to make things a tad more complex than necessary. Anyway, this guide will run you through the steps and quick tips to trim your video without messing up the original.
How to Trim a Video on Windows 11
Open the Photos App and Find Your Video
Start by opening up the Photos app—just search for “Photos” in the Start menu and click it. This app isn’t just for pics; it can handle simple video edits too, which is handy. If your video isn’t already in your library, you’ll need to import or copy it into your Pictures folder or somewhere handy.
Locate and Select Your Video
Once the Photos app is open, hunt down your video. You can import videos via the Import button if they’re hanging out on your desktop or USB. Just remember: the app needs access to the folder containing your video. Double-click the video to open it in the editor.
Enter the Editing Mode and Initiate the Trim
When your video pops up, click on “Edit & Create” in the top menu bar, then pick “Trim”. That’ll open a new window with a simple timeline of your clip. The trim tool is pretty basic—think sliders to set your start and end points, then hit “Save As”. Best to avoid overwriting your original unless you’re dead set. Also, keep an eye on where the save goes — sometimes it’ll overwrite if you’re not careful, so check the filename and folder before clicking save.
Adjust the Sliders and Save
Move those left and right sliders around to choose the section you want—drag them until it looks right. It can be a bit laggy or responsive depending on your PC, but patience pays off. When you’re happy, hit “Save As” to save your trimmed clip. Your original stays safe, which is a blessing. It might take a few seconds, especially for longer videos, so hang tight.
Tips and Tricks for Better Video Trimming
- Preview Before Saving: Always hit play or preview in the trim window to check you’re not cutting off something important. Nothing beats a quick double-check.
- Use “Save As” — Not just Save: To keep your original intact, make sure you’re saving a new copy. If you overwrite the original by mistake, it’s tough to get it back.
- Zoom In on the Timeline: If the sliders are too coarse or your video is long, zoom in for finer control. Usually, there’s a magnifier icon or hold Shift while dragging.
- Explore Other Editing Options: The Photos app has limited features, but you can check out the Edit & Create menu for filters, text overlays, or speed tweaks. Not pro-level, but enough for quick stuff.
- Back Up Your Files: Always keep a safe copy of your original, especially if it’s important. Better safe than sorry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I undo a trim after saving?
Yeah, if you used “Save As”, your original remains untouched. It’s a good idea to backup the original before you start trimming. Once you overwrite it without a backup, going back is tricky.
Does trimming affect video quality?
Nah, not really. You’re just cutting out parts, so the quality should stay the same as the original. No re-encoding or anything unless you fiddle with other settings.
What if my video is massive or long?
No worries—Windows 11 handles big files differently depending on your hardware, but it usually gets there. If it’s slow, give it a think. Also, if the file is over 4GB, make sure you’re using a file system like NTFS that can handle large files.
Can I trim multiple parts at once?
Nah, the Photos app only lets you trim one piece at a time. For multiple cuts or more complex editing, you’ll want a dedicated tool like Shotcut or DaVinci Resolve. That’s a whole different ball game, but for quick trims, the built-in way does the job.
Summary
- Open the Photos app.
- Find or import your video.
- Click “Edit & Create” > “Trim”.
- Drag sliders to pick your clip, then save as a new file.
Wrap-up
Trimming videos on Windows 11 with the Photos app is pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it. It’s not fancy, but it’s enough for quick cuts or short clips. Sure, it’s got its limits, but for basic edits, it does the trick. If you need more advanced features later, you can always upgrade. For now, this method should save you heaps of bother and time.
Hope this helps someone tidy up their videos without pulling out the big guns. Don’t forget to save duplicates and double-check your times before hitting save. Good luck, mate!