This post explains how to trim a video in Windows 11. Simply open or import a video, and drag the sliders to specify the start and end points of your desired section. For the fastest, no-installation option, use the Photos app. If you need more editing features, try other Windows video editor options: Photos Legacy, Clipchamp, or MiniTool MovieMaker.

Windows 11 offers multiple features and applications that make it easy to edit your videos. If you’re a Windows 11 user, you’ll be able to use the built-in apps or many third-party video editing software applications to edit and enhance your video. In this post, we’ll explore different options to trim video on Windows 11 and solutions to the Windows 11 video trim greyed-out issue.

How to Trim a Video on Windows 11: Fast Track Steps

  1. Open the target video with a built-in or third-party trimmer.
  2. Drag the trim handles to set the start and end points of the desired section.
  3. Save and export the video.

Here are five methods to trim videos on Windows 11. Select the right tool based on your needs and the following description.  

ToolPhotosPhotos LegacyMicrosoft ClipchampMiniTool MovieMakerPowerPoint
PlatformWin11Win11Win11/WebWindowsWin/Mac
PriceFreeFreeFree + PaidFree + PaidRequires Office
WatermarkNo watermarkNo watermarkNo watermarkNo watermarkNo watermark
Frame-by-frame trimming Not supportedNot supportedSupportedSupportedNot supported
DifficultyVery easyVery easyVery easyVery easyVery easy
Output resolutionSame as the original video1080p, 720p, 540pUp to 1080p for free; 4K requires a paid plan.Up to 4K for free1080p, 720p, 480p
Extra video editing featuresNoBasicRichRichBasic

Quick video guide:

How to Trim Video on Windows 11 Using Built-in Tools

Windows 11 provides you with many options to view, edit, and manage your videos and photos. With the Windows 11 Photos app, Photos Legacy, and Microsoft Clipchamp, trimming a video is easy and convenient.

#1 Trim a Video with the Photos App on Windows 11

Follow these steps to quickly trim a video using the Photos app on Windows 11.

1. Open the target video with Photos

Launch File Explorer and locate the video you want to trim. Right-click on it and select Open with > Photos to open the video in Photos.

2. Enable the trimming tool

Click the Video trim button at the top or press Ctrl + E on your keyboard.

click the Video trim button

3. Trim the video

At the bottom of the Trim window, drag the slider at the beginning or end of the video inwards to remove unnecessary parts.

trim a video in Photos

4. Save the trimmed video

Then, click the Save as copy button to process the video, and select the destination folder to save the trimmed video.

The video trimming capability is basic but functional: You set an in point and an out point, and that's pretty much it.https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/microsoft-photos

#2 Trim a Video with Windows 11 Photos Legacy

Windows 11 Photos Legacy app includes a Video Editor that allows you to trim and rotate video, change video playback speed, and more.

1. Open Photos Legacy

Click the Search icon in the taskbar, type “Photos Legacy”, and click Photos Legacy to open this app.

2. Add the desired video

Go to Video Editor at the top and click New video project to enter the main interface. Next, click the + Add button to import your video.

3. Trim the clip

Then, drag the video to the Storyboard and click the Trim button. Next, drag the sliders to choose the portions of the video you want to keep, and everything outside the slider will be deleted. Click Done to trim the video.

trim a video in Photos Legacy

4. Export video

Click Export video in the upper-right corner, choose the video quality, click Export, choose the output folder, and click Save.

#3 Trim a Video with Clipchamp on Windows 11

Clipchamp is the official video editor recommended by Windows 11, offering users a wide range of editing features to create high-quality videos. Here’s how to trim an MP4 video on Windows 11 using Clipchamp.

1. Open the video with Clipchamp

Open Clipchamp on your PC, then sign in with your account and click Create a new video at the top of the interface. Next, click Import media in the upper-left corner to open your video and drag it onto the timeline.

2. Shorten the video

Select the clip on the timeline to highlight it. Then, move your cursor over either edge of the clip until a double-headed arrow shows up, then drag inward to cut off unwanted footage at the start or end.

trim a video in Clipchamp

3. Save the video

Click Export and choose a resolution to start exporting the video.

Clipchamp targets marketers who want to make quick hits on social media using meme-like, template-based designs. But it's fine for basic clip joining, splitting, and trimming, too.https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/clipchamp
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An Alternative Way to Trim Video on Windows 11

In addition to the pre-installed video editing tools on Windows 11, sometimes you may need a third-party video editor for something extra. Among them, MiniTool MovieMaker is one of the best video editing software options for trimming videos on Windows 11.

This application has a user-friendly interface and is simple to use, especially suitable for beginners without editing experience. Follow the steps below to trim a video on Windows 11 with the software.

mm-1-logo MiniTool MovieMaker
  • Split and trim videos to remove redundance.

  • Change video aspect ratio to match screen sizes.

  • Add bubble texts, bgm, transitions, and more effects.

  • Create PiP or split-screen videos by multitrack editing.

mm-img-style-1

1. Get the Video Trimmer

Download and install MiniTool MovieMaker on your PC.

2. Import a video

Launch this application and close the promotion window to access the main user interface. Click Import Media Files to open your video and drag it to the video track on the timeline.

3. Trim the Beginning and End

Highlight the video clip by selecting it on the timeline. Hover your mouse cursor over the start or end point of the clip, and you’ll see the Trim icon appear. Drag the icon toward the middle of the clip to remove unwanted portions from either end.

MiniTool MovieMaker interface showing how to trim a video.

4. Export Video

Click Export to open the output settings window. Then, select the destination folder, video format, resolution, frame rate, and more, and click Export to save the video.

Other Key Features of MiniTool MovieMaker:

  • Supports up to 9 video tracks and 2 audio tracks to layer videos, pictures, text, effects, animations, and audio.
  • Easily create picture-in-picture and split-screen effects.
  • Add titles, captions, and end credits to the video with pre-designed templates.
  • Offer a variety of video transitions, effects, filters, and stickers.
  • Capable of changing the video aspect ratio.
  • Popular motion effects to enhance still images in the video.
  • …
Trimming is intuitive. You drag the left or right edge of your clip in the timeline to shorten it, or you can use the Split tool to cut it at the cursor location.https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/minitool-moviemaker
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Another Way to Trim a Video on Windows 11

You’re also able to trim videos on Windows 11 without Clipchamp, the Photos app, or Photos Legacy. That’s PowerPoint. Now, let’s see how to make a video shorter in PowerPoint on Windows 11.

1. Add a Video to PowerPoint

Launch PowerPoint and create a new presentation. Next, open this presentation and add a slide. Then, click Insert > Video. Select Video on My PC or This Device to locate your video and click Insert.

2. Trim the Clip

Select your video on the slide, go to the Playback tab, and choose Trim Video.

choose Trim Video

In the Trim Video dialog box, you can drag the green handle to the right and the red handle to the left to cut the beginning and end of the video. Click OK to save your changes.

trim video in PowerPoint

3. Save the Trimmer Clip

To save the trimmed video as a separate clip, it’s best to compress it first. Go to File > Info, expand the Compress Media menu, and choose a resolution. Once the compression is finished, return to the presentation, right-click on it, and choose Save Media as. Then, enter a name and storage location for it and click Save.

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What to Do If You Can’t Trim Video in Photos on Windows 11

Recently, some users reported that they couldn’t trim video in Photos on Windows 11 as the video trim sliders greyed out. What to do if you encounter this problem? Here are several troubleshooting tips for Windows 11 trim video not working.

1. Restart the Photos App

When you can’t trim video in Photos on Windows 11, first cancel this step and save your video, then close the Photos app. After that, open your video with the Photos app and try trimming again.

2. Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

  • Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
  • Select System >Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  • Click Run next to Windows Store Apps.

3. Repair and Reset the Photos App

  • Click the Start menu and open Settings.
  • Go to Apps > Apps & features > Microsoft Photos.
  • Click the three-dot menu and choose Advanced options.
  • Click the Repair or Reset button.

4. Get Updates for Apps in the Microsoft Store

The Photos app may not work properly due to an outdated app version. When the Windows 11 video trim is greyed out, check if a new update is available for this app. A new update brings bug fixes and performance improvements. To do this, go to Start > Microsoft Store > Library > Get updates.

5. Reinstall the Photos app

  • Click the Start menu > All apps and search for Microsoft Photos.
  • Press and hold the Photos app and select Uninstall.
  • Restart your PC and go to the Microsoft Store to install the Photos app.

6. Access the Trim Tool via Movies and TV

  • Close the Photos app.
  • Open your video with the Movies and TV app, click the pencil button at the bottom, and choose Trim.
  • Then, attempt to trim the video.

7. Try Another Video Trimmer

Apart from the Photos app, you can also trim videos in the Photos Legacy app or Clipchamp on Windows 11. Additionally, you can also choose another free video trimmer like MiniTool MovieMaker.

MiniTool MovieMakerClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

Tip: Differences Between Trimming and Cropping

  • Trimming adjusts the video’s duration.
  • Cropping adjusts the visible frame area.

Trimming and cropping are two important tools in video editing and are included in most video editing programs. Although they involve deleting parts of a clip, they are completely different.

Trimming a video allows you to remove unwanted parts of it from the beginning, end, or both. This will shorten the duration of a clip and produce a smaller file size.

Cropping a video means the removal of unwanted outer areas from the video frame. In other words, it deletes details in the top, bottom, right, and left corners of a video. Cropping will adjust the dimensions and aspect ratio of the video and not change the length.

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Conclusion

Trimming videos on Windows 11 is easy, right? You can trim a video in the Photos, Photos Legacy, and Clipchamp apps. These apps are easy to use and free, allowing you to make basic edits quickly. Additionally, you can use stable third-party video editing applications such as MiniTool MovieMaker to shorten videos on Windows 11.

However, the Photos app may sometimes fail to trim your video. Fortunately, this issue can be easily fixed by the methods mentioned above. Furthermore, you can explore Microsoft Photos alternatives for a better experience and other options.

Finally, if you encounter any problems while using MiniTool MovieMaker, you can contact us at [email protected] for instant help.

People Also Ask

Does Windows 11 have a video editing tool?
Yes, Windows 11 has a built-in video editor called Clipchamp. The system also offers some basic video editing options inside the Microsoft Photos Legacy app.
How to trim video in Windows Media Player in Windows 11?
You can’t trim videos or make other edits in the new Windows 11 Media Player or Windows Media Player on Windows 11. If you desire to turn your Windows Media Player into a multimedia editor, download and install the SolveigMM Trimmer Plugin on your device. Then, you can trim videos/audio, extract audio from video, add voice-over to your videos, and more.
Can VLC trim a video?
VLC does not offer an actual tool for trimming videos, but it can do this by recording a segment in real time as the video plays rather than editing the file directly.
How can I trim a video on Windows 11 without using Clipchamp?
You can trim a video on Windows 11 without using Clipchamp by using the built-in Photos app or Photos Legacy.

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