How to Cut Videos on Windows: Tools and Techniques

Windows Media Player is a popular tool for playing multimedia files, but unfortunately, it lacks built-in video editing capabilities such as cutting or trimming videos. If you're looking to trim videos on Windows, there are alternative tools available that can help you achieve your desired edits.

Whether you're a casual user or a more advanced creator, this guide will walk you through two methods for cutting videos on Windows: using the Photos app and third-party video editing software. We'll also touch on a few tools that can help you get precise cuts without re-encoding the entire video file.

Using the Photos App to Trim Videos

Option 1: Use the Photos App - Although primarily designed for photos, the Photos app in Windows can also be used to trim videos. Here’s how:

Right-click on the video file you want to cut. Select "Open with" and choose Photos from the list. Click on the Edit icon (pencil) at the top right corner. Select the Trim option. Drag the sliders to select the portion of the video you want to keep. Click on "Save a copy" to save the trimmed video.

Using the Photos app for trimming is a simple and user-friendly method, but it may not offer the advanced editing features you need for more complex projects.

Using Third-Party Video Editing Software

Option 2: Use a Third-Party Video Editing Software - If you need more advanced editing features, consider using free software options like Shotcut, DaVinci Resolve, or OpenShot. Here’s how to cut a video using Shotcut as an example:

Go to the Shotcut website and download the application. Open Shotcut and drag your video file into the program. Use the timeline at the bottom of the window to navigate to the part of the video you want to cut. Position the playhead where you want to cut and press S to split the video. Select the unwanted portion and press Delete. Click on Export at the top to save your edited video.

Using third-party software provides much more flexibility and can result in better video quality. These tools offer a wide range of features, making them ideal for both novice and experienced users.

Advanced Video Cutting Techniques

For certain types of video files, you might want to explore more advanced techniques to ensure your cuts are precise and your video is not re-encoded. Here are some tools that can help:

VLC Media Player - While primarily for media playback, VLC can convert videos and has a feature that allows you to cut videos without re-encoding them. Lossless Cut - A free app that does not re-encode video files. It aligns to key frames, ensuring clean cuts without the need to re-encode the entire file.

Lossless Cut is particularly useful for videos with complex compression methods, as it can align to key frames to make clean cuts. This avoids the quality issues that can arise from re-encoding the entire video.

Always ensure to keep a backup of your original video file before editing. This is crucial to prevent any accidental loss of data or unintentional changes to the original video.

Conclusion

While Windows Media Player may lack the necessary features for video editing, there are plenty of alternatives available to help you trim and edit videos effectively. Whether you prefer using the Photos app, third-party software, or advanced tools like Lossless Cut, you can achieve precise and high-quality edits without compromising on your video's integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can Windows Media Player be used to cut videos?

No, Windows Media Player does not have the built-in features to cut or trim videos. However, it can play and convert videos, which may occasionally be useful for basic tasks.

Q: Are there any free video editing software options for Windows?

Yes, several free video editing software options are available for Windows, including Shotcut, DaVinci Resolve, and OpenShot. These tools offer a range of features and are suitable for both newcomers and experienced users.

Q: What is Lossless Cut and how does it work?

Lossless Cut is a free app that cuts videos without re-encoding them. It identifies key frames in the video file and cuts at those points, ensuring that the quality of the cut video remains excellent without any loss in quality.

Keywords

Windows Media Player, video editing software, shotcut, lossless cut