Forum Discussion
How to easily edit videos on Windows 10 PC or laptop?
Hi everyone, I'm not very tech-savvy and I'm trying to figure out how to edit videos on my Windows 10 PC and laptop. I have zero experience with video editing software, so I'm hoping some of you can point me in the right direction.
Can someone point out an easy way to let me edit videos on Windows 10? I mainly want to trim clips, cut out unwanted parts, add background music, and maybe put in some text/captions. Nothing fancy yet. I've heard of a few vide editing tools good for Windows 10, but I don't know what's actually beginner-friendly.
10 Replies
- MateoLiuIron Contributor
Clipzen Studio is user friendly and powerful video editing tool for windows 10.
- Nobel_BaynesSteel Contributor
Unfortunately, Windows 10 does not have a video editing tool. Luckily, Windows 10 has a vast ecosystem of independent video editors to choose from, ranging from free to professional-grade.
The key is to match the tool to your specific needs, whether you're cutting vlogs, gaming highlights, or corporate presentations.
Most Windows 10 video editing tools offer free trials, so you can test performance and workflow before committing. And don't forget to check system requirements; many modern editors demand a dedicated GPU and at least 16GB RAM for smooth 4K editing. With the right choice, Windows 10 becomes a powerful video-editing platform—you just need to bring your own software.
- ChristopherCarterIron Contributor
A lightweight video editor is often the best choice for users with older computers or those who only need basic editing features. Instead of providing advanced visual effects, these tools focus on fast performance, simple trimming, and lossless cutting, making them a practical Windows 10 video editing tool for everyday editing tasks.
The software used for this workflow is Avidemux, open-source application that runs smoothly even on low-spec PCs. It supports lossless cutting without re-encoding, allowing users to trim videos, remove unwanted sections, and apply basic filters while preserving the original video quality whenever possible. Because of its lightweight design, it launches quickly and requires very little system memory.
Unlike full-featured editors, Software does not include advanced transitions, animations, or visual effects. However, if your primary goal is fast video trimming and simple editing rather than creating complex projects, it remains a reliable Windows 10 video editing tool that can be learned in just a few minutes.
- EliaspefoIron Contributor
Using Olive Video Editor to edit videos on your Windows 10 laptop is a solid choice for a free, open-source option. The process is fairly straightforward, so here are the step-by-step instructions for how to edit videos on Windows 10 laptop with Olive:
1.Download the Software
If you have Windows 10 version 1809 or newer, you can use the winget command. Open a Command Prompt or PowerShell window and run the following command to download and install it automatically:
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winget install --id OliveTeam. OliveVideoEditor --exact --version 0.1.0
2. Install and Launch Olive
- If you downloaded the .zip file, extract it and run the installer (an .exe file). You can also install it silently using the /S switch if you need to.
- After installation, launch Olive from your Start Menu or desktop shortcut.
3. Get to Know the Interface
The Olive layout is designed to feel intuitive and similar to professional editors like Adobe Premiere. Key areas include:
- Project Panel: Where you import and organize your media files.
- Timeline: The area at the bottom where you arrange your clips.
- Source/Program Monitor: The preview windows for viewing your clips and your final sequence.
- The tools are also familiar, with a Select Tool (arrow) and a Cut Tool (razor blade).
4. Perform Basic Edits
- Add Media: Drag and drop video and audio clips from your computer into the project panel, then drag them down to the timeline.
- Cut Clips: Select the razor blade tool and click on a clip in the timeline where you want to split it. Switch back to the select tool to move or delete the pieces.
- Add Titles: You can click the plus sign to create a new title. Drag the title clip above your video on the timeline to set its duration. Then, use the effects panel to customize the text, position, and size.
- Add Transitions: The dissolve tool works differently than in some editors. Instead of dragging an effect, you select the tool, then click and drag on the timeline at the spot where you want the dissolve to occur.
5. Export Your Video
- This is the riskiest step. To export, go to the menu and select the export option (often Ctrl+M).
- Warning: Reports indicate that this process can cause the system to crash completely, especially on laptops. Save your work and ensure your laptop is plugged in. Be prepared for the possibility of a shutdown.
If you run into issues and need help, you can look for a beginner tutorial on the basics of Olive's interface. However, for a more stable and reliable experience, you may want to consider other free, open-source video editors like OpenShot or Kdenlive if you still looking for a way on how to edit videos on Windows 10 laptop.
- ShiervenTin Contributor
OpenShot is a completely free video editor that is a great choice if you want to edit a video on PC Windows 10 without the limitations of a watermark or paid subscription. It's designed to be simple and beginner-friendly, so you can start working on your project with minimal learning. Here’s a closer look at what it offers and what to expect when you edit a video on PC Windows 10 with OpenShot.
Tips
- Check Your System: If you are working with high-resolution video, be mindful that OpenShot's performance relies heavily on your CPU and RAM. A modern multi-core CPU and at least 8GB of RAM are recommended for HD projects. Using the 64-bit version of OpenShot is also important to get the most out of your hardware.
- Use "Proxy Clips" for Big Videos: If you are experiencing lag during playback, especially with 4K or high-frame-rate footage, enable the "proxy editing" feature. This creates lower-resolution copies of your clips for editing, making the process much smoother, and then uses the originals for the final export.
- Troubleshoot Audio Issues: If you run into audio sync or crackling problems, check the audio device settings and buffer size in OpenShot’s preferences. Make sure your audio device's sample rate matches the project settings and that any audio enhancements in Windows are disabled.
- NoahPetersonIron Contributor
You can use the open-source desktop application OpenShot, a practical video editing tool for Windows 10 that helps beginners complete basic video projects.
How to Use the Windows 10 Video Editing Tool
- Download the software from the official website and complete the installation.
- Launch the software and import your video, audio, and image files.
- Drag and drop all media files onto the timeline to arrange them.
- Trim video clips, insert transitions, and add background music as needed.
- Open the export settings, select the target resolution, then render and save the video.
Disadvantages
- May experience lag when running complex, multi-layer projects
- Limited number of built-in advanced effects
This offline Windows 10 video editing tool covers core features such as trimming, adding transitions, and audio mixing. It’s perfect for beginner creators who want to produce simple videos without using paid software.
ps
- Save your project frequently to prevent data loss in case the program crashes.
- Exporting 4K videos requires sufficient disk space and a computer with good performance.
- You can master the basics in about 15 minutes.
- RoxhujinTin Contributor
To get started with how to edit videos on Windows 10 laptop, you just need to ensure your laptop meets the minimum requirements—at least a 2 GHz CPU and 4 GB of RAM for basic tasks, though 8 GB is better for HD editing.
Here are step-by-step instructions for editing videos with Shotcut on your Windows 10 laptop:
1. Download and Install Shotcut
2. Create a New Project
- Open Shotcut, click File > New Project, give your project a name, choose a save location, and set your video resolution and frame rate. Click Start to begin.
3. Import Your Media
- You can either drag and drop video, audio, or image files directly into the Shotcut window, or click File > Open File to browse for them. Imported files will appear in the Playlist panel on the left.
4. Add Clips to the Timeline
- Drag your media from the Playlist down to the timeline at the bottom of the screen. You can arrange them in any order, and add multiple video or audio tracks by right-clicking on the timeline and selecting Add Video Track or Add Audio Track.
5. Basic Editing
- To cut a clip, move the white playhead line to where you want to split, then click the Split at Playhead icon (or press Ctrl+K).
- To trim the start or end, drag the edges of a clip on the timeline inward to shorten it.
- To delete a section, split it into a separate piece, select it, and press Delete.
6. Add Transitions
- Drag the second clip slightly over the first one on the timeline so they overlap. This creates a transition. Click it and adjust the type or duration in the Properties panel.
7. Add Text or Subtitles
- Select the video clip on the timeline, go to the Filters panel, click the + icon, and choose Text: Simple or Text: Rich. Type your text, adjust font, size, color, and position in the settings below.
8. Apply Filters and Effects
- Select a clip, open the Filters panel, click +, and browse the video filters. Adjust the parameters to achieve your desired effect.
9. Export Your Final Video
- When you're done editing, click File > Export. On the right side, choose a preset—H.264 MP4 is the most common and widely compatible format. Then click Export File, choose a save location and filename, and wait for the render to complete.
10. Save Your Project
- Don't forget to save your work frequently by clicking File > Save (or Ctrl+S) to save the project as a .mlt file, which preserves your editing work for later adjustments.
When you're ready to finalize your project and master how to edit videos on Windows 10 laptop, simply click Export and choose your desired video format and quality settings.
- ManbsecakTin Contributor
If you are going to edit a video on PC Windows 10. Kdenlive is a powerful, free, and open-source (GPL- licensed) video editor that is officially supported on 64-bit versions of Windows 10 (1809 or later) and newer. It offers a comprehensive set of professional-grade tools:
- Multi-track editing: You can work with an almost unlimited number of video and audio tracks.
- Extensive format support: It handles a wide variety of video, audio, and image formats without needing to convert them first, including MP4, H.264/H.265, and 4K footage.
- Advanced features: It includes effects, transitions, keyframe animation, a powerful title editor, and even AI-supported speech-to-text for subtitles.
- Active development: As a KDE project, it's constantly being improved.
While it works, there are a few things to keep in mind if you choose to edit a video on PC Windows 10 with this software:
- Performance Relies on Your CPU: Video editing is very CPU-intensive. Kdenlive on Windows uses the CPU for timeline playback and applying effects. A powerful processor is crucial for a smooth experience, especially when you are working with HD or 4K footage.
- System Requirements: The minimum requirements are:
- RAM: 4 GB for SD video, 8 GB for HD, and 16 GB for 4K.
- GPU: Any card that supports OpenGL 2.0 (or D irectX 9/11).
- Potential for Minor Bugs: The Windows version is well-tested but some community reports indicate there can be minor bugs or stability issues that might not be present on the Linux version. One user mentioned, for instance, a lag when saving a frame to the project for the first time.
- No Administrator Rights Needed: You can choose a standalone version that runs without needing administrator permissions, making it easy to use or even run from a USB drive.
- HenryBrownIron Contributor
The Microsoft Photos app is a multimedia program built into the Windows operating system. You can use how to edit videos on Windows 10 and quickly trim video clips stored on your computer.
Step-by-Step Guide: No need to connect any additional devices. Simply open the video file in the Photos app, click Edit, select Trim, drag the adjustment handles to trim the video, and finally click Save a Copy to save the edited video.
Its advantages include not requiring any additional software downloads, and the basic video trimming process is simple and intuitive.
The downside is that its editing capabilities are extremely limited; it only supports trimming and cannot add text or audio, nor can it remove sections from the middle of a video.
Notes:
- Be sure to select Save a Copy to avoid overwriting the original video.
- Do not rely on this tool for complex video production.
This allows you to quickly complete simple how to edit videos on Windows 10. It’s suitable for quick tweaks and temporary video trimming needs on Windows devices.
- IsaiahJamesIron Contributor
Clipchamp is an easy-to-use built-in editing tool for Windows devices, providing an all-in-one practical solution how to edit videos on Windows 10 for novice creators.
How to Edit Videos on Windows 10
Step 1: Open the software
Step 2: Click Create New Video
Step 3: Import a video → Click Import → Select a video file.
Step 4: Drag and drop the video onto the timeline
- Trim the video: Click the video clip on the timeline. Drag the control points at both ends to trim the beginning and end of the video.
- Cut out unwanted sections: Move the playhead to the position you want to cut.
- Click the Split button.
- Select the section you want to delete → Press the Delete key.
- Add background music: Click Audio → Select music from the library or upload your own.
- Add text/subtitles: Click Text → Select a style. Drag it onto the timeline and enter your text.
- To generate subtitles automatically: Click Subtitles→ Auto-Generate
Step 5: Click Export → Select 1080p.
Step 6: Wait for processing to complete → Download the video.
It takes about 5–10 minutes to create a basic video.
This native Windows program comes equipped with a full suite of basic editing features, including splitting clips, trimming, audio overlay, and adding text. If you want to learn video editing on Windows 10 without downloading additional editing software, this is an excellent choice. It fully meets the simple production needs of beginners in Windows 10 video editing. However, please note that since some of its processing relies on cloud servers, you should avoid uploading confidential videos.
Pros:
- Videos generated by the free version have no watermarks
- Native support for Windows 10 and Windows 11
- Built-in speech recognition that automatically generates subtitles
Cons:
- Cloud rendering speed is affected by network conditions
- A premium subscription is required to export 4K videos