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:
| Tool | Type | Best For | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photos App | Built-in | Quick trims | ⭐ Easy |
| Clipchamp | Built-in | Editing, exporting, transitions | ⭐⭐ Moderate |
| VLC Player | Free | Precise control | ⭐⭐ Moderate |
| PowerPoint | Built-in | Presentations, office projects | ⭐ Easy |
| Xbox Game Bar | Built-in | Trimming recorded gameplay or screen captures | ⭐ Easy |
🖼️ 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:
Open your video
Right-click the video file → Select Open with → Photos.
Click “Edit & Create”
In the top toolbar, click Edit & Create → choose Trim.
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.
Preview the trimmed section
Hit Play to check your selection.
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:
Open Clipchamp
Press Windows + S, search for “Clipchamp,” and launch it.
Create a new project
Click Create a new video → Name your project.
Import your video
Drag your video into the timeline or click + Add media.
Trim your video
Click the video clip on the timeline.
Drag the edges inward to trim unwanted parts.
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:
Open VLC and go to Media → Open File.
Enable Advanced Controls
From the menu, click View → Advanced Controls.
Extra buttons will appear above the play bar.
Set your start and end points
Play the video and click Record at the start point.
Click Record again at the end point.
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:
Open PowerPoint → Insert → Video → This Device.
Choose your video and insert it into the slide.
Click the video → Go to Playback tab → Click Trim Video.
Adjust start and end times using the sliders.
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:
Open Xbox Game Bar by pressing Windows + G.
Go to Gallery → select your recording.
Click Trim.
Adjust the blue handles to select the part you want.
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:
Import your video.
Drag the playhead to where you want to cut.
Press S on your keyboard to split.
Delete or rearrange clips as needed.
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
| Mistake | Why It’s a Problem | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Over-trimming | Cuts essential content | Always preview before saving |
| Using the wrong format | May not play on all devices | Export as MP4 |
| Forgetting to rename | Overwrites the original file | Save as a copy |
| Ignoring aspect ratio | Video may look stretched | Check resolution before exporting |
🧠 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:
| Tool | Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shotcut | Multi-format, open-source | Pro-level controls | Slight learning curve |
| DaVinci Resolve | Advanced trimming + color grading | Professional quality | Heavy on system resources |
| VSDC Free Video Editor | Supports effects & transitions | Lightweight | Ads in free version |
| Avidemux | Lossless trimming | Fast, simple | Basic UI |
| LosslessCut | Fast cuts without re-encoding | Keeps full quality | No effects or transitions |
🧩 Troubleshooting: Can’t Trim Videos?
If you can’t trim or save, here’s what to check:
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| “Trim” option greyed out | Unsupported file type | Convert video to MP4 first |
| Export failed | Low disk space or corrupted file | Save to another location |
| Video not playing after trimming | Codec issue | Install K-Lite Codec Pack |
| Missing “Edit & Create” option | Outdated Photos app | Update from Microsoft Store |
🏁 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
| Task | Recommended Tool | Difficulty | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quick Trim | Photos app | Easy | Save time |
| Full Editing | Clipchamp | Moderate | Add transitions |
| Lossless Cut | Avidemux | Moderate | Keep quality |
| Playback Fix | VLC | Easy | Smooth export |
❓ 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.