How to Trim Videos on Windows 11 — A Step-by-Step Guide

Need to cut out unwanted parts from a video? Whether you’re polishing a YouTube clip, editing a school project, or shortening a tutorial, learning how to trim videos on Windows 11 is quick and easy — no expensive editing software required.

Windows 11 includes built-in tools like the Photos app, Clipchamp, and even VLC or PowerPoint that let you trim videos effortlessly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every method step-by-step, compare tools, and share expert tips to get professional results — all for free.

🎬 Why Trim Videos on Windows 11?

Trimming means cutting out unnecessary parts of your video — like intros, pauses, or mistakes — to make your final clip cleaner and more engaging.

Common reasons you might trim a video include:

• ✂️ Removing unwanted beginnings or endings

• 🧩 Creating shorter clips for social media

• 💬 Cutting out mistakes or silence in screen recordings

• 🎓 Editing class projects or video lessons

• 📱 Preparing videos for Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube Shorts

Windows 11 offers several built-in and free ways to do this easily — even if you’re not a tech expert.

---

⚙️ Best Tools to Trim Videos on Windows 11

Here’s a quick overview of the most effective video trimming tools available on Windows 11:

---

🖼️ How to Trim Videos Using the Photos App (Built-in Method)

The Photos app is the easiest way to trim videos in Windows 11 — no need to install anything extra.

✨ Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Open your video

   • Right-click the video file → Select Open with → Photos.

2. Click “Edit & Create”

   • In the top toolbar, click Edit & Create → choose Trim.

3. Adjust the sliders

   • You’ll see two white sliders at the bottom.

   • Drag the left slider to set the start point and the right one for the end point.

4. Preview the trimmed section

   • Hit Play to check your selection.

5. Save a copy

   • Click Save as to export the trimmed version.

   • Choose a destination folder and name your file.

✅ You now have a new, shorter video clip — without overwriting the original!

---

🎞️ How to Trim Videos Using Clipchamp Video Editor

Clipchamp comes pre-installed on Windows 11 and offers more editing features than the Photos app — including trimming, transitions, filters, and export options.

✨ Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Open Clipchamp

   • Press Windows + S, search for “Clipchamp,” and launch it.

2. Create a new project

   • Click Create a new video → Name your project.

3. Import your video

   • Drag your video into the timeline or click + Add media.

4. Trim your video

   • Click the video clip on the timeline.

   • Drag the edges inward to trim unwanted parts.

5. Preview and export

   • Click Export → 1080p to save your trimmed video.

💡 Pro Tip:

Use keyboard shortcuts:

• S to split a clip

• Delete to remove sections

• Ctrl + Z to undo

---

🧩 How to Trim Videos with VLC Media Player

VLC is more than just a player — it can record and trim sections of any video.

✨ Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Open VLC and go to Media → Open File.

2. Enable Advanced Controls

   • From the menu, click View → Advanced Controls.

   • Extra buttons will appear above the play bar.

3. Set your start and end points

   • Play the video and click Record at the start point.

   • Click Record again at the end point.

4. Find your trimmed clip

   • It’s automatically saved in your Videos folder.

⚙️ Why Use VLC?

• No re-encoding (keeps quality)

• Free and open-source

• Works with most video formats (.mp4, .avi, .mov)

---

🪄 How to Trim Videos Using PowerPoint (Surprisingly Useful!)

If you often present videos in PowerPoint, you can trim them directly inside your slides.

✨ Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Open PowerPoint → Insert → Video → This Device.

2. Choose your video and insert it into the slide.

3. Click the video → Go to Playback tab → Click Trim Video.

4. Adjust start and end times using the sliders.

5. Click OK to save your trim.

This is perfect for corporate, educational, or presentation videos.

---

🎮 How to Trim Videos with Xbox Game Bar (For Recorded Clips)

If you’ve recorded gameplay or a screen capture, you can trim it with Xbox Game Bar or the Captures folder.

✨ Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Open Xbox Game Bar by pressing Windows + G.

2. Go to Gallery → select your recording.

3. Click Trim.

4. Adjust the blue handles to select the part you want.

5. Click Save copy to export your trimmed clip.

---

✂️ How to Split or Cut Videos into Multiple Parts

To cut your video into sections (for YouTube or Reels), use Clipchamp:

1. Import your video.

2. Drag the playhead to where you want to cut.

3. Press S on your keyboard to split.

4. Delete or rearrange clips as needed.

5. Export your final video.

---

💾 How to Save or Export Trimmed Videos

When saving a trimmed video:

• Choose MP4 format for compatibility.

• Pick a high-resolution output (1080p or higher) for best quality.

• Store your file in a dedicated “Edited Videos” folder.

Clipchamp and Photos both save new copies, so your original file stays safe.

---

⚠️ Common Trimming Mistakes to Avoid

---

🧠 Tips for Smooth, Professional Video Edits

• Keep cuts clean and natural — trim at scene changes or pauses.

• Use fade transitions for smoother flow.

• Keep videos short and focused (especially for social media).

• Avoid repeated re-encoding — it reduces quality.

• Use background music or captions for engagement.

---

📽️ How to Trim Videos Without Losing Quality

If quality matters (e.g., 4K videos), use lossless trimming tools such as:

• Avidemux (Free)

• LosslessCut (Free and open-source)

These editors cut without re-rendering, so the video keeps its original sharpness.

---

🛠️ Best Free Third-Party Video Trimmers for Windows 11

Here’s a list of top-rated free tools to trim videos with precision:

---

🧩 Troubleshooting: Can’t Trim Videos?

If you can’t trim or save, here’s what to check:

---

🏁 Conclusion

Trimming videos on Windows 11 doesn’t have to be complicated. With built-in tools like Photos, Clipchamp, and VLC, you can easily cut, shorten, or polish your videos in just a few clicks.

Whether you’re creating social media content, editing tutorials, or cleaning up screen recordings — Windows 11 has all the tools you need.

✅ In summary:

• Use Photos app for quick trims.

• Try Clipchamp for advanced editing.

• Use VLC or Avidemux to keep quality intact.

• Save in MP4 format for universal playback.

With a bit of practice, you’ll be trimming videos like a pro — without spending a single dollar.

---

🧾 Key Takeaways

---

❓ FAQs

1. Does Windows 11 have a built-in video trimmer?

Yes. The Photos app and Clipchamp (both built-in) can trim and edit videos without third-party tools.

2. Can I trim MP4 videos without losing quality?

Yes. Use LosslessCut or Avidemux — they trim without re-encoding.

3. Where does Windows 11 save trimmed videos?

By default, trimmed videos are saved in your Videos or Pictures folder, depending on the app you used.

4. Can I combine multiple trimmed clips into one?

Yes. Use Clipchamp or Shotcut to merge several clips and export them as a single video.

5. Why can’t I find the “Trim” option in Photos?

Your Photos app might be outdated. Update it via Microsoft Store → Library → Get updates.

---

✅ Now you know exactly how to trim videos on Windows 11 — step-by-step, easily, and for free.