Cropping a video in Windows 11 might seem simple, but sometimes it’s a little more complicated than just trimming the ends. Most folks turn to the Photos app because it’s already there and doesn’t require installing anything extra. However, don’t expect it to be a full-blown video editor — it’s more for quick trims and basic adjustments. If your goal is to crop out specific parts from the frame or reframe your shot, you might find the built-in tools a bit limited. Sometimes, you need to get a little crafty with settings or introduce third-party software for more precise control. But for straightforward cuts, here’s what needs to be done — with some tips and tricks along the way, because Windows can be weird about where certain options are tucked away.
How to Crop Video in Windows 11
Open the Photos App and Import Your Video
First things first, launch 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 goodies.
To add your video, click on New Video — usually there’s a *New Video Project* button — and then choose Custom video with music or similar. Once inside, click on Add to import your footage. You’ll see your video appear in the project library. Different versions of Windows might handle this step differently, so don’t be surprised if you have to hunt around.
Start a New Video Project and Prepare to Edit
Next, create a new project — really helps with organization, especially if you’re juggling multiple clips. Name it something descriptive like “Vacation Crop” or whatever. Drag your video from the library onto the timeline at the bottom. This is where the real editing magic happens, even if it’s pretty limited. Typically, you can resize or reposition your clip here, but cropping the frame itself isn’t super intuitive — and that’s where things get tricky.
Crop or Trim Your Video
Click on Edit & Create at the top — looks like a pencil icon or similar. Then choose Trim. You can slide the start and end points to cut out the parts you don’t want. Yes, it’s mainly for trimming, not cropping in the frame, but it’s handy for removing unwanted sections from the beginning or end.
If you want to zoom in or focus on a specific part of the frame, that’s where things get a little frustrating because the Photos app doesn’t have a direct crop tool for frames — it’s more about trimming clips. For more precise framing or actual cropping, you might need a free program like Shotcut, DaVinci Resolve, or a lightweight app like Photoscape.
A workaround for framing is to see if the app allows cropping before exporting, but be aware — Windows’ built-in editor doesn’t do this out of the box. Sometimes, you can change the aspect ratio or crop by adjusting the canvas or using the resize feature, but it’s kinda hidden and not very flexible. Also, keep in mind, on some setups, the cropping might not look perfect until you export and check the result.
Tips for Cropping Video in Windows 11
- Update the Photos app — like I said, newer versions sometimes fix bugs or add features, so check for updates via the Microsoft Store.
- Use the timeline view – especially when trimming. It’s more precise than some of the quick edits.
- Keep an eye on the aspect ratio; cropping can distort or cut off important parts if not careful, especially on mobile screens.
- Backup the original file before messing around — Windows sometimes auto-saves over stuff, but better safe than sorry.
- If framing is critical, consider trying other apps like Winhance or even free ones like VLC or Shotcut, which give you fine control over cropping and aspect ratios.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I crop videos directly in Windows 11 without third-party software?
If you’re okay with basic trims, totally. The Photos app can handle that. But if you want to crop out specific sections of the frame, expect to need extra tools.
How do I access the Photos app’s editing features?
Just search for Photos in the Start menu, open it, then go to the video you want to edit. Use the Edit & Create menu for trims and basic adjustments.
Does the Photos app support all video formats?
Mostly MP4, MOV, AVI — the usual suspects. If your video is weirdly formatted, you might need to convert it first.
Can I undo my edits later?
Yep, you can always revert back until you export, but once you save and close, it’s a bit harder to go back without the original file.
Summary
- Open the Photos app and import your video.
- Create a new project, add the clip to the timeline.
- Use Edit & Create > Trim for basic cuts.
- For frame cropping, consider other tools or workarounds.
- Export your finished video once done.
Wrap-up
All in all, cropping in Windows 11 via the Photos app is pretty limited but gets the job done for simple edits. If you’re trying to focus on the content rather than the framing, trimming clips works. If you need pixel-perfect crop control, a lightweight editor like Shotcut or even something like VSDC makes life easier. Windows can be a pain sometimes, but with a bit of patience, just enough to get the job done, it’s doable. Just don’t expect Photoshop-level precision — it’s more like quick-and-dirty fixes that get you most of the way there. Fingers crossed this helps someone shave a few hours off their editing time.