So, you’ve captured some great footage — now it’s time to make it look professional. Whether you want to trim a clip, add background music, or create a polished video for social media, Windows 11 gives you several ways to edit videos for free.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through all the best ways to edit videos on Windows 11, from using the built-in Clipchamp app to exploring third-party tools.
Why Edit Videos on Windows 11?
Video content is everywhere — from TikTok and Instagram to YouTube and presentations. Editing videos on your PC lets you:
Cut Out Mistakes – Remove unwanted sections
Add Music & Effects – Make your videos engaging
Create Tutorials & Presentations – Perfect for school or work
Export in Different Formats – For sharing online or offline
Think of video editing like cooking — you have the raw ingredients (your clips), and you turn them into a delicious final dish.
Method 1: Edit Videos with Clipchamp (Built-In Editor)
Windows 11 now comes with Clipchamp, a free and powerful video editor.
Step 1: Open Clipchamp
Click Start and search for Clipchamp
Open the app
Step 2: Create a New Project
Click Create a new video
Give your project a name
Step 3: Import Your Footage
Click Import Media to add videos, images, or audio files
Drag them to the Timeline at the bottom
Step 4: Trim and Split Clips
Select a clip
Drag the edges to trim
Use the Split tool (scissors icon) to cut clips into sections
Step 5: Add Music, Text & Effects
Use the left panel to add Stock Music, Sound Effects, Text Overlays, or Filters
Drag and drop them onto your video timeline
Step 6: Export Your Video
Click Export at the top right
Choose the resolution (720p, 1080p, or 4K)
Save to your PC
Method 2: Edit Videos with the Photos App (Basic Editing)
If you don’t need advanced features, the Photos app can handle simple editing.
How to Use Photos for Editing
Open Photos and locate your video
Click Edit & Create in the top menu
Select options like Trim, Add Slow Motion, or Draw
Save a copy of your edited video
This is ideal for quick edits when you don’t need a full editor.
Method 3: Edit Videos with Microsoft PowerPoint (Quick Hacks)
Yes, you can even edit videos in PowerPoint!
Steps:
Insert your video into a slide
Use Trim Video under Video Tools > Playback
Add text, shapes, and transitions
Export the slide as a video
Perfect for school projects and corporate presentations.
Method 4: Use Free Third-Party Editors
If you want more control but still free tools, check these out:
DaVinci Resolve – Professional-grade, great for color correction
HitFilm Express – Perfect for YouTube creators
Shotcut – Open-source and lightweight
These tools offer more features than Clipchamp but come with a learning curve.
Key Video Editing Techniques to Learn
Even if you’re using basic tools, here are editing techniques you should master:
Cutting & Trimming – Keep your video concise
Transitions – Smoothly move between scenes
Adding Background Music – Set the mood
Overlaying Text – Add titles or captions
Color Correction – Fix lighting or color issues
Tips for Smooth Video Editing on Windows 11
Video editing can be demanding on your PC. Here’s how to make it run smoothly:
Close Background Apps – Free up RAM for editing software
Use an SSD – Faster load times and rendering
Update Your Graphics Drivers – Better performance
Switch to High Performance Mode – Control Panel > Power Options
Export Settings for Best Quality
When saving your video, choose settings based on your goal:
For Social Media – 1080p at 30fps is standard
For YouTube – 1080p or 4K at 30–60fps works best
For Presentations – Smaller file size (720p) may be enough
Troubleshooting Common Video Editing Issues
Video editing doesn’t always go smoothly — here’s how to fix common problems:
Laggy Preview – Lower playback resolution or use proxy editing
Crashing Software – Update Clipchamp or your editing tool
Large File Size – Export in H.264 format for better compression
When to Upgrade Your PC for Video Editing
If editing feels painfully slow, consider upgrading:
RAM – 16GB is ideal for smooth editing
GPU – A dedicated graphics card speeds up rendering
CPU – Multi-core processors handle heavy workloads better
Final Thoughts
Editing videos on Windows 11 is easier than ever, thanks to the built-in Clipchamp app and other free tools. Whether you just need a quick trim or want to produce professional-quality content, there’s an option for every skill level.
Take your time to experiment, learn the basics of cutting, adding music, and exporting, and soon you’ll be creating videos that impress friends, clients, or your social media audience.
FAQs
1. Does Windows 11 have a free video editor?
Yes! Clipchamp is included for free and offers professional editing features.
2. Can I edit 4K videos on Windows 11?
Yes — just make sure your PC has enough RAM and a strong GPU for smooth performance.
3. Is Clipchamp better than Windows Movie Maker?
Absolutely. Clipchamp is faster, modern, and supports more formats and effects.
4. Can I add subtitles in Clipchamp?
Yes, you can add text boxes manually or use third-party subtitle files.
5. What’s the easiest way to edit a short video quickly?
Use the Photos app’s Trim tool — it’s the fastest way to cut unwanted parts.