This post explains how to edit WMV files using MiniTool MovieMaker – upload the target clips, edit them by trimming and rotating, and enhance them with filters and music.

How to Edit WMV Files on Windows

Fast Track:

  1. Install MiniTool MovieMaker.
  2. Import the target WMV files.
  3. Rotate, flip, split, and trim videos.
  4. Change the video speed and add text.
  5. Apply filters and add music.
  6. Export the video.

MiniTool MovieMaker is a free WMV editor for Windows. It’s safe, clean, no bundle, no watermark. Featuring a user-friendly interface, the software is quick to navigate and easy to use. The video editor offers essential tools and various effects to edit and enhance videos. It allows you to trim, split, and crop videos, create picture-in-picture effects, create collages, add elements and text, and apply filters.

Step 1: Install the WMV Editor

Click the button below to download MiniTool MovieMaker, then follow the on-screen prompts to install it. Then launch this WMV editor, close the pop-up window, and access the main interface.

MiniTool MovieMakerClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

Step 2: Add the WMV Files

Open the software and click New Project to enter the main interface. Click Import Media Files on the left side and import the desired video files. Then, drag and drop them to the timeline to begin editing.

MiniTool MovieMaker interface showing how to add a video to the timeline.

Step 3: Rotate and Flip the WMV File

Click the video you want on the timeline to enable the Video Property section on the right side. Under the Basic tab, click the Flip Horizontal or Flip Vertical icon to flip the video, and drag the Rotate slider to rotate the video up to 360°.

MiniTool MovieMaker interface with the highlighted Flip and Rotate tools on the right side.

Step 4: Trim and Split Video

Select a clip on the timeline, hover your mouse over either the left or right edge of a video until the Trim icon appears, then drag the handle inward to trim the beginning or end of the clip.

MiniTool MovieMaker interface with the highlighted trim icon on the timeline.

To remove the middle part of the video or insert something in the middle, split the video into segments. Drag the playhead to the desired place where you want to make a cut and click the Split icon. Repeat this step to divide the video into multiple clips.

Step 5: Change Video Speed

Select the target clip and go to the Speed tab in Video Property. Drag the Speed slider to the left or right to slow down or speed up the video. You can also check the Reverse speed option to play the video backwards.

MiniTool MovieMaker interface with the highlighted Speed section in the Video Property.

Step 6: Add Text

Go to Text at the top toolbar, browse the library, and find the text template you like. Next, click the + icon on the text template to add a text track to your timeline. Then, drag either end of the text track to set its start time, end time, and overall duration. In the Text Editor, enter your desired text and adjust options like color, size, font, and alignment.

MiniTool MovieMaker interface showing how to add and edit captions.

Step 7: Add Filters

Go to Filters on the top toolbar, find or download the desired effect, and click the + icon on the thumbnail. Then, drag either edge of the filter track to adjust its duration.

Step 8: Add Music

Under the Audio tab, select a song or sound effect, or import music through Media > Import Media Files. Once the audio is added to the timeline, go to Music Property to set fade‑in/out or decrease the volume.

MiniTool MovieMaker interface showing how to add and edit music for the video.

Step 9: Export the Video

Select Export from the upper‑right corner. Within the Export window, select the output format, resolution, and frame rate, then click Export again to start exporting the video.

MiniTool MovieMaker interface showing how to open the export window.
MovieMaker by MiniTool is an inexpensive, easy-to-use video editing program. It includes a fair number of effects and gives you easy ways to join your clips, add transitions, and overlay objects and text.https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/minitool-moviemaker

Another Three WMV Video Editors

1. Microsoft Photos Legacy

Microsoft Photos Legacy includes a Video Editor that offers all the basic video editing tools. It allows you to trim, split, add text, resize, rotate, cut, crop, add motion effects, apply 3D effects, add filters, and modify playback speed. After editing, it exports videos in MP4 format. This WMV video editor has a simple interface. Everyone can use it to edit WMV files in Windows 10 with ease.

The main user interface of Video Editor in Photos Legacy.

2. WeVideo

WeVideo is another WMV video editor. It works on web browsers and it also has mobile apps for Android and iOS. This video editor has many basic video editing tools like trimming, adding text, applying transitions, slow motion, add voiceover to the video, add music to the video, etc.

The main interface of WeVideo.

WeVideo also has more advanced features, such as the Green Screen effect, motion titles, special effects, and more. WeVideo offers 5 plans with different benefits. For example, if you want to export video in 4K Ultra HD resolution, you should choose the Professional or Business plan.

3. Clipchamp

Clipchamp is also a good tool to edit WMV files online. This online WMV editor has many editing features and tools. With it, you can rotate, flip, trim, cut, split, crop, combine videos, add filters, adjust the video color, create a picture-in-picture effect, control the video speed, add text to the video, add audio or image to the video, apply transitions, etc.

The main interface of Microsoft Clipchamp.

As one of the best online video editors, Clipchamp provides many video templates for many social media platforms and holidays, such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Mother’s Day, wedding day, Halloween, etc. If you want to make a video with a video template, Clipchamp is also a good choice.

What is the best video editor to edit WMV files? Here is the quick guide.

WMV EditorWatermark-FreeExport WMVMain StrengthLimitations
MiniTool MovieMakerYesYesAn intuitive interface makes it easy to use, with no watermark, a free full-feature version, 4K exportOnly compatible with Windows
Microsoft Photos LegacyYesNoEase of use and various tools and effects.Limited output settings.
WeVideoNo, the trial version has a watermark.NoQuick access and rich featuresOnly export videos in MP4.
ClipchampYesNoA user-friendly interface4K export requires a subscription.

Edit WMV Files FAQ

Is WMV outdated?
Yes, the WMV (Windows Media Video) format is generally considered outdated. While it remains highly efficient and integrates well with the Windows ecosystem, it has been replaced by modern formats such as MP4 (H.264/H.265).
How to convert WMV to MP4 for free?
1. Open MiniTool Video Converter.
2. Under the Convert Video tab, click Add Files to add the WMV file.
3. Click the Gear icon, go to Video > MP4, and select a profile.
4. Click Convert.
Is WMV good for video editing?
Generally, WMV (Windows Media Video) is not recommended for video editing. Because it is heavily compressed, it works well for final output, sharing via email, or basic playback on Windows devices, but it is not ideal for demanding editing work.
How do I open a WMV file on Windows?
Double-click the WMV file and it will automatically open in the built-in Movies & TV app, Windows Media Player, or Media Player.
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