Editing videos on Windows 11 has become easier than ever. One common editing task is cropping a video to remove unwanted parts or focus on a specific area. Cropping helps improve the look and feel of your video without complicated software.
This guide will walk you through the simplest way to crop videos on Windows 11, step-by-step. Even if you are a beginner, you will find the instructions clear and easy to follow.
By the end, you will know how to crop videos using built-in Windows tools and also learn about alternative methods if you want more control.
Let’s get started with the basics of cropping videos on your Windows 11 computer.
Quick Note Before You Begin
- Make sure your video file is saved on your computer and is in a common format like MP4 or MOV.
- Windows 11 includes the Photos app, which can be used for basic video editing, including cropping.
- If you want more advanced cropping, you might consider free third-party apps like Clipchamp or VLC Media Player.
- Keep a backup of your original video to avoid losing any data if something goes wrong during editing.
How to Crop Videos on Windows 11 Using the Photos App
The Photos app in Windows 11 offers a simple video editor that can crop videos. Here’s how to use it step-by-step.
Step 1: Open the Video in the Photos App
Right-click your video file and select Open with > Photos. This opens your video inside the Photos app, which is the default viewer on Windows 11.
Step 2: Access the Video Editor
Once your video is playing in Photos, look for the Edit video button at the top (it looks like a pencil icon). Click it to open the video editor interface.
Step 3: Use the Crop Tool
Inside the video editor, select Crop from the toolbar. This allows you to select the area of the video you want to keep.
You will see a resizable rectangle over your video preview. Drag the edges or corners of this rectangle to choose the exact part of the video you want to crop.
Step 4: Preview Your Crop
After adjusting the crop area, play the video preview to ensure it looks how you want.
It’s important to preview because cropping cuts out parts of the frame and you want to make sure no important parts are lost.
Step 5: Save Your Cropped Video
When you’re happy with the crop, click Save a copy. This will create a new video file with your crop applied, leaving your original video unchanged.
Choose a location on your PC to save the new video and wait for the process to finish.
Alternative Method: Using Clipchamp for More Control
Windows 11 also includes Clipchamp, a free video editing app with more features than Photos.
Clipchamp allows you to crop videos more precisely and add other effects if needed.
How to Crop Using Clipchamp
- Open Clipchamp from the Start menu or download it from the Microsoft Store if not installed.
- Create a new project and import your video file.
- Drag your video onto the timeline.
- Select the video clip and find the crop option in the editing toolbar.
- Adjust the crop box and preview your changes.
- Export the edited video once you are satisfied.
Clipchamp is ideal if you want a bit more flexibility and easier access to other editing tools.
FAQs About Cropping Videos on Windows 11
Can I crop videos without installing any software?
Yes, the built-in Photos app on Windows 11 lets you crop videos without any extra downloads.
Will cropping reduce the video quality?
Some minor quality loss can occur when saving a new file, but generally, it remains high if you use built-in apps like Photos or Clipchamp.
Can I crop only part of the video?
Both Photos and Clipchamp crop the entire frame for the whole video. Cropping a specific time segment requires trimming or splitting the video first.
Is there a way to crop videos using free software outside of Windows apps?
Yes, programs like VLC Media Player and Shotcut offer cropping features and are free to download.
Why can’t I see the crop option in the Photos app?
Make sure you are using the latest version of Windows 11 and the Photos app. Also, open the video editor by clicking “Edit video” and not just viewing the video.
When Nothing Works
If you cannot crop your video using the Photos app or Clipchamp, consider these final options:
- Update Windows 11: Go to Settings > Windows Update and check for updates to ensure all apps are current.
- Use Dedicated Video Editors: Download free tools like Shotcut, DaVinci Resolve, or VLC, which offer advanced cropping features.
- Visit Microsoft Support: For persistent issues with the Photos app, check the official Microsoft Photos support page.
Conclusion
Cropping videos on Windows 11 is straightforward using the built-in Photos app, perfect for quick edits. For more precise control, Clipchamp is a great free alternative that comes with Windows 11 or can be easily downloaded.
Remember to always preview your crop before saving to avoid cutting out important parts of your video. Keep your original files safe by saving edited videos as copies.
With these simple steps, you can confidently crop your videos and improve your video projects without needing complex software.