Rotating a video in Windows 11 isn’t as complicated as it used to be. The built-in Photos app is pretty handy for this, but sometimes its step-by-step isn’t super clear, especially when you’re trying to get it right without losing quality or messing up the file. Here’s what’s worked after some trial and error—kind of weird, but it gets the job done.
How to Rotate a Video in Windows 11
Using the Photos app is the easiest way, but beware—sometimes it feels like it only wants to work for the first try or on specific formats. When it does work, it’s quick, and you get a new file with your video rotated. Now, about the steps not always being straightforward; this is what’s helped to keep it on track.
Step 1: Open the Photos App
First, find the Photos app. On Windows 11, it’s often pinned to your Start menu or can be found by typing Photos in the search bar. Once open, make sure it’s updated—sometimes the older versions cause weird bugs. To check, open Microsoft Store, go to Library, and click Update if needed.
Step 2: Import Your Video
Drag your video into the Photos app or click Import in the top right. If dragging doesn’t work right away, try the menu path Settings (three dots in the top right) > Import from device. Be sure the video is supported (.MP4, .AVI, etc.). Sometimes, unsupported formats just won’t show up. (Yes, Windows still makes you jump through hoops for formats sometimes.)
Step 3: Enter the Editing Mode
Click on Update & Create (top menu), then pick Trim. This is honestly kind of confusing because Trim isn’t really about trimming in this context, but that’s the trick to access the rotation tools during editing. Here’s a tip: on some machines, the interface feels laggy or the rotate button isn’t immediately obvious—so don’t get annoyed if it takes a couple of tries.
Step 4: Rotate Your Video
In the editing window, look for the rotate icon—usually a circular arrow. Click it once or twice (each click rotates the video 90°). If your video still looks sideways or upside down, keep clicking until the orientation matches what you want. Note: Sometimes the rotation only shows on the preview, and the save step is where it actually records your preference. After rotating, verify the preview before saving.
Step 5: Save the Rotated Video
Hit Save a copy. This makes a new file, so your original stays untouched—which is good. Pick a destination folder, name it whatever, and wait for the save process. Sometimes, it takes a bit longer if the video’s huge or your PC is under strain (or if Windows decides to be slow that day).
And Voilà, your rotated video is ready to go. Usually, the new file keeps the quality, but if the rotation was a big angle change (not just 90°, or if you tried multiple rotations), it’s good to double-check if anything’s weird afterward.
Tips for Rotating a Video in Windows 11
- Always keep a backup of the original file—because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary.
- Update the Photos app ahead of time to avoid bugs. Sometimes, a fresh install or update fixes goofy glitches.
- If the rotated video looks off, try rotating it in smaller steps—like a 90° turn, check, then rotate again if needed. Weird, but sometimes it helps.
- Keyboard shortcut to try: Ctrl + R. You might get lucky with quick rotations within the Photos app or during preview.
- Explore other options like VLC (which can rotate videos freely and save them) if Photos isn’t cooperating. For batch rotations, dedicated tools are better.
FAQs
Can I rotate a video without Photos?
Yep, VLC Media Player is a solid choice. In VLC, just open the video, go to Tools > Effects & Filters, then Video Effects > Geometry. Check Transform and pick your rotation angle, then save it as a new file. Much more flexible.
Supported formats?
Photos handles MP4, AVI, WMV, and some MOVs. If your video’s in some obscure format, convert it first with a tool like HandBrake.
Will rotating ruin quality?
Usually not, if done correctly. But beware—if you rotate multiple times or try to re-save repeatedly, quality can degrade. Best to rotate once and save your new copy.
Multiple videos at once?
Unless you script it with some batch processing (like ffmpeg), Photos only does one at a time. For bulk, ffmpeg is your friend, with commands like ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vf "transpose=1" output.mp4.
Undo mistakes?
If you screw up, reopen the original and try again. Or if you’ve saved over the original, recovery’s tough unless you have backups.
Summary of Steps
- Open the Photos app
- Import your video
- Access edit mode via ‘Update & Create’ > ‘Trim’
- Click the rotate arrow to turn your video
- Save a new copy with the correct orientation
Hope this helps — it’s a little fiddly sometimes, but once you get the rhythm, it’s pretty straightforward. Just keep backups, don’t over-rotate, and trust that sometimes Windows needs a nudge to do simple things right.
Final thoughts
Fingers crossed this helps. Windows’ native tools aren’t perfect, but with a bit of patience, you can get your videos the right way up without more complicated software. Good luck adjusting those sideways clips!
Summary
- Backup your original video.
- Update the Photos app just to avoid bugs.
- Import and edit carefully, line up rotation steps.
- Save the rotated version, check quality.
- Try VLC or ffmpeg for bulk or more control if needed.
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone.