How to Use Windows 11’s Built-in Video Editor

On Apple devices, macOS has iMovie, a free, simple video editor that anyone can use to put together movie projects. But since Microsoft removed the old Movie Maker app, there isn’t an equivalent bundled app for Windows users to take advantage of.

Now that is changing. Clipchamp, Microsoft’s video editing software package bought last yeardoing it its way into Windows 11 as an “inbox app”—in other words, an application that appears when you first install the operating system, such as Notepad.

At the time of writing, Clipchamp was only included in the preview build of Windows 11, but it will be available to everyone soon. Even before it officially becomes a bundled app, you can find it and install it from the Microsoft Store (search for “Clipchamp” or follow this link).

Below, we’ll introduce you to some of Clipchamp’s features and capabilities. It is not a difficult application to grasp and you can see that it gives you everything you need in terms of video editing functionality.

For now, Clipchamp is freeware: You can use it for free, but some options (including high-definition export) and most of the content available require a paid subscription. That may change when the program is included in Windows 11, but for now, paid subscriptions start at $9 per month.

Find your way around

Clipchamp has been built to be as easy to use as possible, so you won’t have to scratch your head for too long wondering where everything is. Along the bottom is your movie timeline, above is a preview window for viewing your clips and movies in general, and on the left side of the screen you can drop media files in to create your project. mine.

You have the option of loading video, images, and audio from disc, or you can record directly into the app using the camera and microphone connected to your computer. Clipchamp also comes with a wide range of clips, images, and sounds that you can include in your projects. Some of these are free, but most require a premium Clipchamp subscription.