Trimming videos on Windows 11 is pretty straightforward — and no, you don’t need to stretch to find some third-party app just to chop bits off. The built-in Photos app does a fair dinkum good job for quick edits. Just open up your video, hit the trim button, drag those handles, and save a new copy. Easy as — right? Well, kinda. Sometimes, the process runs smoother than others—Windows apps can be a tad finicky. But mostly, it works a treat, and you get a decent result without much fuss.
Trimming Videos on Windows 11
Here’s the lowdown on what’s involved — and why it matters:
Step 1: Open Your Video in the Photos App
Right-click the video file you wanna trim, go to Open with, then select Photos. Too easy, eh? The Photos app isn’t just for photos — it’s surprisingly handy for quick video cuts. If it’s not your default player, you might need to set it once or just open it manually through the app. Sometimes, double-clicking just opens the video in your default player — so right-click and choose Open with > Photos. Yeah, Windows can be a bit of a mongrel sometimes.
Step 2: Hit the “Edit & Create” Button
At the top, click Edit & Create. On some setups, you’ll see a dropdown — click that, then pick Trim. This gets you into the trimming mode. Fair dinkum, this step might seem tiny, but it’s what unlocks the editing features. On some machines, the button could be a bit unresponsive first go; a quick restart of the Photos app usually sorts it out if it’s acting up.
Step 3: Drag the Handles to the Part You Want
Now, you’ll see the timeline with white handles at the start and end. Drag these to select the bit of video you want to keep. It’s kinda satisfying how precise you can be — or frustrating if your mouse’s being a pain. Play it back a couple of times to make sure the handles are where they should be. This step helps tidy up the unwanted parts so your final clip is all killer, no filler.
Step 4: Save as a New Video
Click Save a copy. That way, your original stays as is, and you get your trimmed version. Some folks forget this and accidentally overwrite the lot, which is a pain if you wanted to keep the raw footage. Also, the new file will usually pop up in the same folder as the original unless you choose a different spot. Give it a quick look — sometimes it takes a sec to process.
Step 5: Double-Check Your Edited Video
Make sure the trim looks spot-on. Play it through. Usually, it’s pretty right on — unless you dragged the handles too far, then you might get some funny bits. It’s worth making sure everything’s in order before sharing or uploading.
That’s about it — quick, easy, and no worries. The Photos app isn’t pro-grade editing software, but for a basic trim, it does the trick. Just a heads up: if the app throws a wobbly, or if you want something fancier, there are other free tools out there — like VLC’s conversion tools or some dedicated editors. But for most quick trims, this does the job just fine.
Tips for Trimming Videos on Windows 11
- Preview Your Cuts: Always watch over your trimmed clip before saving. Sometimes, dragging the handles is a bit finicky and you might end up cutting too much or too little without noticing straight away.
- Keep the Originals Safe: Save as a new file every time. Better to keep the raw footage intact, especially if you’re tinkering with the handles. Because, of course, Windows has to make things harder than they need to be.
- Try Other Edits: Besides trimming, you can chuck in some quick effects or overlays directly in Photos — give it a go if you’re bored.
- Name Your Files Clearly: After saving, give your clip a proper name so you don’t get mixed up later.
- Keyboard Shortcuts: Get comfy with Ctrl + S for saving, so you can do it quicker without clicking around.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trim videos longer than an hour with Photos?
Yeah, no worries — the Photos app doesn’t mind the length. Long videos aren’t an issue — it’ll handle a full-hour clip just fine. Sometimes, though, it takes a bit longer to process, so be patient.
Does trimming mess with the video quality?
Nope. Trimming in Photos doesn’t affect the quality at all. It just cuts the video; it doesn’t re-encode or compress it unless you use some other tool.
What if I want to undo a trim?
Sadly, once you save the trimmed version, the original stays as it was, but you can always open the raw file again and trim it anew. Just mind not to overwrite your source footage by accident.
Is the final format the same as my original?
Mostly, yes. It keeps the same format unless you choose another export option. Default is usually MP4, which works pretty well across all platforms.
Do I need the internet for trimming videos?
Not at all. The Photos app runs offline — you can trim wherever you are, no dramas.
Summary
- Open video with the Photos app.
- Click Edit & Create then Trim.
- Drag handles to select what part you want.
- Hit Save a copy.
- Give it a quick double-check to make sure it’s all good.
Conclusion
Trimming videos on Windows 11 isn’t too hard once you get the hang of it. The Photos app does the job without getting too fancy, even if it’s not a full-on editing suite. For quick cuts, highlights, or trimming out the rubbish, it’s fair dinkum. Just a heads up: sometimes Windows apps can be a bit glitchy, so don’t be surprised if you need to restart or try again. All in all, it’s a solid option for basic trimming. Hope this helps you get your clips sorted without pulling your hair out.