Windows Media Player has been a staple of the Windows operating system for decades, serving millions of users as their go-to application for playing music and videos. However, if you’re looking to trim or cut videos using Windows Media Player, you might be surprised to learn that this popular media player doesn’t actually include built-in video editing capabilities. While this limitation might seem frustrating at first, understanding your alternatives and learning about the tools that can help you accomplish this task is essential for anyone wanting to edit videos on Windows.
The Reality About Windows Media Player
Windows Media Player was designed primarily as a media playback application, not an editing suite. Its core functions revolve around playing various audio and video formats, organizing media libraries, burning CDs, and syncing content to portable devices. The software excels at what it was designed to do—providing a straightforward, user-friendly interface for consuming media content. However, when it comes to editing tasks like cutting, trimming, or splitting videos, Windows Media Player simply doesn’t have the necessary tools built into its framework.
This doesn’t mean Windows users are left without options. Microsoft and third-party developers have created numerous solutions that can help you cut and edit videos effectively, many of which are either free or come pre-installed with Windows.
Built-in Windows Solutions
Windows Photos App
The Photos app, which comes pre-installed on Windows 10 and Windows 11, offers a surprisingly robust video editor that many users overlook. This application provides a simple, intuitive interface for trimming videos without requiring any additional downloads or purchases. To trim a video using Photos, simply right-click on your video file, select “Open with,” and choose “Photos.” Once the video opens, click the “Edit & Create” button at the top of the window, then select “Trim.” You’ll see a timeline with two handles that you can drag to mark the beginning and end points of the section you want to keep. After adjusting these markers to your desired positions, click “Save a copy” to create a new trimmed version while preserving your original file.
Clipchamp
Microsoft recently integrated Clipchamp into Windows 11 as the default video editor. This cloud-based editing platform offers more advanced features than the Photos app while maintaining accessibility for beginners. Clipchamp allows you to cut, split, and trim videos with precision, add transitions, apply filters, and even incorporate text overlays and music. The free version provides ample functionality for basic editing needs, though some premium features require a subscription.
Free Third-Party Alternatives
VLC Media Player
VLC is a powerful, open-source media player that includes basic video trimming capabilities. While primarily known for its ability to play virtually any video format, VLC also features recording functionality that can be used to capture specific segments of a video. Navigate to “View” and enable “Advanced Controls” to access the record button, which allows you to play a video and record only the portions you want to keep.
Shotcut
For users seeking more comprehensive editing capabilities, Shotcut provides a completely free, open-source video editing solution. This professional-grade editor supports multiple video tracks, various filters and effects, and precise cutting tools. While it has a steeper learning curve than the Photos app, Shotcut offers far more control over your editing projects.
DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve represents the pinnacle of free video editing software. Used by professional filmmakers and editors worldwide, this application provides Hollywood-grade editing tools at no cost. While it might be overkill for simple trimming tasks, its availability as a free download makes it an excellent option for users who want to develop more advanced editing skills.
Step-by-Step: Cutting Videos with Photos App
Let me walk you through the detailed process of trimming a video using the Windows Photos app, as it’s the most accessible option for most Windows users.
First, locate the video file you want to edit in File Explorer. If Photos isn’t listed, click “Choose another app” and find it in the list of available applications.
Once your video opens in Photos, look for the “Edit & Create” button in the top-right corner of the window. Click it to reveal a dropdown menu with several options. Select “Trim” to enter the video editing interface.
You’ll now see your video with a timeline beneath it. Two white handles appear at the beginning and end of the timeline—these represent your trim points. The blue pin at the top indicates your current playback position. Click and drag the left handle to set where you want your trimmed video to begin, and drag the right handle to mark where it should end. The section between these handles represents the footage you’ll keep in your final video.
Use the play button to preview your selection and ensure you’ve captured exactly the segment you need. You can fine-tune your selections by dragging the handles or using the playback controls to navigate frame by frame.
When satisfied with your selection, click “Save a copy” in the top-right corner. The Photos app will process your video and create a new file containing only your selected segment. Your original video remains untouched, giving you the freedom to experiment without fear of permanently altering your source material.
Conclusion
While Windows Media Player cannot cut videos, Windows provides several excellent alternatives that make video trimming accessible to everyone. Whether you choose the simplicity of the Photos app, the versatility of Clipchamp, or the power of professional tools like DaVinci Resolve, you’ll find options that match your skill level and editing needs. The key is selecting the right tool for your specific task and taking time to familiarize yourself with its interface.